Patents by Inventor Charles Shaffer
Charles Shaffer 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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Patent number: 11952300Abstract: Methane is generated from animal waste by anaerobic digestion using bacteria. A screen separator removes suspended solids greater in size than a predetermined size ranging from about 50? to about 150?. An electrocoagulation unit electrochemically hydrolyses the waste, causing particles to settle out. A dissolved carbon air flotation has a CO2 bubbler for separating large particles from small particles by flotation. An anaerobic digester produces biogas. The digester has a biocurtain for growing the bacteria and a heat exchanger for heating the bacteria. The biocurtain surface is convoluted to retain the bacteria. A membrane module removes CO2. A knock out pot for removes droplets of water. A scrubber removes water vapor, particulates, and contaminant gas. A compressor boosts pressure. A gas chromatograph monitors the biogas composition. A flare skid lowers excess pressure for safety. Biogas is injected into a local pipeline system.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2022Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Charles Don Yochum, Stanley Scott Selman, Nathalie Shaffer
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Patent number: 11125724Abstract: A fastener probe assembly includes a disc configured to rotate about a first axis of a fastener, an ultrasound probe coupled to the disc, and an encoder configured to determine an orientation of the ultrasound probe relative to the first axis of the fastener during an inspection of the fastener. The ultrasound probe is configured to interface with an axial end of the fastener, to emit ultrasound signals into the axial end of the fastener, and to receive ultrasound signals from the fastener.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2018Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventors: Manuel Kenneth Bueno, Willis James Perry, Robert Charles Shaffer
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Patent number: 10481132Abstract: A system is provided having a probe assembly configured to inspect components of an assembled flange connection when the probe assembly is disposed within a bore of the components. The probe assembly includes a shaft configured to be aligned with an axis of the assembled flange connection, one or more ultrasound probes coupled to the shaft, and one or more encoders. The one or more ultrasound probes are configured to interface with an interior surface of the bore of the components, to emit ultrasound signals into the components, and to receive ultrasound signals from the components. The one or more encoders are coupled to the shaft and are configured to determine a position of the one or more ultrasound probes relative to a reference point of the assembled flange connection during an inspection of components of the assembled flange connection.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2018Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Manuel Kenneth Bueno, Robert Martin Roney, Jr., Willis James Perry, Robert Charles Shaffer, Richard Michael Hatley
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Publication number: 20190107514Abstract: A fastener probe assembly includes a disc configured to rotate about a first axis of a fastener, an ultrasound probe coupled to the disc, and an encoder configured to determine an orientation of the ultrasound probe relative to the first axis of the fastener during an inspection of the fastener. The ultrasound probe is configured to interface with an axial end of the fastener, to emit ultrasound signals into the axial end of the fastener, and to receive ultrasound signals from the fastener.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2018Publication date: April 11, 2019Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Manuel Kenneth Bueno, Willis James Perry, Robert Charles Shaffer
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Publication number: 20180372686Abstract: A system is provided having a probe assembly configured to inspect components of an assembled flange connection when the probe assembly is disposed within a bore of the components. The probe assembly includes a shaft configured to be aligned with an axis of the assembled flange connection, one or more ultrasound probes coupled to the shaft, and one or more encoders. The one or more ultrasound probes are configured to interface with an interior surface of the bore of the components, to emit ultrasound signals into the components, and to receive ultrasound signals from the components. The one or more encoders are coupled to the shaft and are configured to determine a position of the one or more ultrasound probes relative to a reference point of the assembled flange connection during an inspection of components of the assembled flange connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2018Publication date: December 27, 2018Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Manuel Kenneth Bueno, Robert Martin Roney, JR., Willis James Perry, Robert Charles Shaffer, Richard Michael Hatley
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Patent number: 10126269Abstract: A fastener probe assembly includes a disc configured to rotate about a first axis of a fastener, an ultrasound probe coupled to the disc, and an encoder configured to determine an orientation of the ultrasound probe relative to the first axis of the fastener during an inspection of the fastener. The ultrasound probe is configured to interface with an axial end of the fastener, to emit ultrasound signals into the axial end of the fastener, and to receive ultrasound signals from the fastener.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2015Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Manuel Kenneth Bueno, Willis James Perry, Robert Charles Shaffer
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Patent number: 10073062Abstract: A system includes a probe assembly configured to inspect components of an assembled flange connection when the probe assembly is disposed within a bore of the components. The probe assembly includes a shaft configured to be aligned with an axis of the assembled flange connection, one or more ultrasound probes coupled to the shaft, and one or more encoders. The one or more ultrasound probes are configured to interface with an interior surface of the bore of the components, to emit ultrasound signals into the components, and to receive ultrasound signals from the components. The one or more encoders are coupled to the shaft and are configured to determine a position of the one or more ultrasound probes relative to a reference point of the assembled flange connection during an inspection of components of the assembled flange connection.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2015Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Manuel Kenneth Bueno, Robert Martin Roney, Jr., Willis James Perry, Robert Charles Shaffer, Richard Michael Hatley
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Patent number: 9658193Abstract: A rolling ultrasonic scanner comprises a member having an inspection surface for rolling across the surface of an object under test. A plurality of ultrasonic transducers are disposed within the member in a formation such that they are each aimed at a common point that is coincident with the surface of the object.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2013Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas Richard Jenkins, Dane Eugene Hackenberger, Robert Charles Shaffer
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Publication number: 20160069838Abstract: A fastener probe assembly includes a disc configured to rotate about a first axis of a fastener, an ultrasound probe coupled to the disc, and an encoder configured to determine an orientation of the ultrasound probe relative to the first axis of the fastener during an inspection of the fastener. The ultrasound probe is configured to interface with an axial end of the fastener, to emit ultrasound signals into the axial end of the fastener, and to receive ultrasound signals from the fastener.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2015Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: Manuel Kenneth Bueno, Willis James Perry, Robert Charles Shaffer
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Publication number: 20160069839Abstract: A system includes a probe assembly configured to inspect components of an assembled flange connection when the probe assembly is disposed within a bore of the components. The probe assembly includes a shaft configured to be aligned with an axis of the assembled flange connection, one or more ultrasound probes coupled to the shaft, and one or more encoders. The one or more ultrasound probes are configured to interface with an interior surface of the bore of the components, to emit ultrasound signals into the components, and to receive ultrasound signals from the components. The one or more encoders are coupled to the shaft and are configured to determine a position of the one or more ultrasound probes relative to a reference point of the assembled flange connection during an inspection of components of the assembled flange connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2015Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: Manuel Kenneth Bueno, Robert Martin Roney, JR., Willis James Perry, Robert Charles Shaffer, Richard Michael Hatley
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Patent number: 9027406Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a transducer apparatus is provided that includes a core section, a transducer disposed in the core section, the transducer configured to transmit or receive signals and a tubular member mounted to the core section for relative rotation, wherein a fluid is disposed in the tubular member. The apparatus further includes a weight reduction device disposed inside the tubular member to occupy a volume inside the tubular member, wherein the weight reduction device is configured to provide a transmission path from the transducer to the tubular member via the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2011Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Dane Eugene Hackenberger, Robert Charles Shaffer
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Publication number: 20150068312Abstract: A rolling ultrasonic scanner comprises a member having an inspection surface for rolling across the surface of an object under test. A plurality of ultrasonic transducers are disposed within the member in a formation such that they are each aimed at a common point that is coincident with the surface of the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventors: Thomas Richard Jenkins, Dane Eugene Hackenberger, Robert Charles Shaffer
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Publication number: 20120291555Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a transducer apparatus is provided that includes a core section, a transducer disposed in the core section, the transducer configured to transmit or receive signals and a tubular member mounted to the core section for relative rotation, wherein a fluid is disposed in the tubular member. The apparatus further includes a weight reduction device disposed inside the tubular member to occupy a volume inside the tubular member, wherein the weight reduction device is configured to provide a transmission path from the transducer to the tubular member via the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Dane Eugene Hackenberger, Robert Charles Shaffer
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Patent number: 7263033Abstract: A method and device for affecting the behavior of lobsters is provided. The method comprises playing recorded lobster acoustic signals that affect the behavior of lobsters underwater. A device for playing the recorded acoustic signals is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Moonsky Assets, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence Borsina, John Kosbab, Charles Shaffer
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Publication number: 20060204600Abstract: The present invention provides for the administration of compounds, which can be synthesized or can be isolated from a Croton plant species for treating invertebrates or vertebrates, including humans, infected with Poxyiridae or Papillomavirinae. The present invention encompasses methods of using compounds synthesized or isolated from the Croton plant species, singularly or synergistically.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2005Publication date: September 14, 2006Inventors: Paul Konz, Gary Pekoe, Charles Shaffer, Francois Almeida
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Patent number: 6988524Abstract: A tire, and an apparatus and method for forming a tire. The tire may either be a tubed or tubeless tire, and is filled with a mixture of virgin rubber and small rubber pieces. Preferably, a machine grinds the core of used flatproofed tires, or pieces thereof, into a finely communicated pulverulent. The pulverent is mixed with liquid virgin flatproofing material, such as a polyurethane. An injector introduces this mixture, into the core of a tire, typically through a valve. The core of the tire is preferably substantially filled with this mixture. The injector may take the form of one or more elongated screws and the mixing may occur as the ground rubber is being conveyed by the screw.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2001Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: PC IndustriesInventor: Charles A. Shaffer
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Publication number: 20050232083Abstract: A method and device for affecting the behavior of lobsters is provided. The method comprises playing recorded lobster acoustic signals that affect the behavior of lobsters underwater. A device for playing the recorded acoustic signals is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2004Publication date: October 20, 2005Inventors: Lawrence Borsina, John Kosbab, Charles Shaffer
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Patent number: 6918979Abstract: A tire, and an apparatus and method for forming a tire. The tire may either be a tubed or tubeless tire, and is filled with a mixture of virgin rubber and small rubber pieces. Preferably, a machine grinds the core of used flatproofed tires, or pieces thereof, into a finely communicated pulverulent. The pulverent is mixed with liquid virgin flatproofing material, such as a polyurethane. An injector introduces this mixture, into the core of a tire, typically through a valve. The core of the tire is preferably substantially filled with this mixture. The injector may take the form of one or more elongated screws and the mixing may occur as the ground rubber is being conveyed by the screw.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2001Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: PC IndustriesInventor: Charles A. Shaffer
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Publication number: 20040149364Abstract: A tire, and an apparatus and method for forming a tire. The tire may either be a tubed or tubeless tire, and is filled with a mixture of virgin rubber and small rubber pieces. Preferably, a machine grinds the core of used flatproofed tires, or pieces thereof, into a finely communicated pulverulent. The pulverent is mixed with liquid virgin flatproofing material, such as a polyurethane. An injector introduces this mixture, into the core of a tire, typically through a valve. The core of the tire is preferably substantially filled with this mixture. The injector may take the form of one or more elongated screws and the mixing may occur as the ground rubber is being conveyed by the screw.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2003Publication date: August 5, 2004Applicant: PC INDUSTRIESInventor: Charles A. Shaffer
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Publication number: 20040149391Abstract: A tire, and an apparatus and method for forming a tire. The tire may either be a tubed or tubeless tire, and is filled with a mixture of virgin rubber and small rubber pieces. Preferably, a machine grinds the core of used flatproofed tires, or pieces thereof, into a finely communicated pulverulent. The pulverent is mixed with liquid virgin flatproofing material, such as a polyurethane. An injector introduces this mixture, into the core of a tire, typically through a valve. The core of the tire is preferably substantially filled with this mixture. The injector may take the form of one or more elongated screws and the mixing may occur as the ground rubber is being conveyed by the screw.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2003Publication date: August 5, 2004Applicant: PC INDUSTRIESInventor: Charles A. Shaffer