Patents by Inventor Daniel J. Wittas

Daniel J. Wittas 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: 7043373
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for facilitating the management of pipeline reliability, maintenance, repair, and/or replacement. Embodiments may be computer-implemented, and may be suitable for prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (e.g., PCCP). Method steps include inspecting the pipe and storing or inputting design and inspection parameters, as well as the maximum expected pressure within the pipe. A relation of pressure versus degradation (e.g., number of broken wires) may be used, which may have zones of risk or classifications corresponding to pipe management actions. The pipe may be analyzed for lack of prestress over various portions of circumference and length. The pipe rupture pressure, crack onset pressure, or can rupture pressure may be analyzed and compared to the expected pressure. The method may be tested and the inspection repeated while tracking changes. The action may involve, for instance, doing nothing, monitoring the pipe, repairing the pipe, or replacing the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Arizona Public Service Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Shabbir H. Pittalwala, Daniel J. Wittas
  • Publication number: 20040243321
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for facilitating the management of pipeline reliability, maintenance, repair, and/or replacement. Embodiments may be computer-implemented, and may be suitable for prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (e.g., PCCP). Method steps include inspecting the pipe and storing or inputting design and inspection parameters, as well as the maximum expected pressure within the pipe. A relation of pressure versus degradation (e.g., number of broken wires) may be used, which may have zones of risk or classifications corresponding to pipe management actions. The pipe may be analyzed for lack of prestress over various portions of circumference and length. The pipe rupture pressure, crack onset pressure, or can rupture pressure may be analyzed and compared to the expected pressure. The method may be tested and the inspection repeated while tracking changes. The action may involve, for instance, doing nothing, monitoring the pipe, repairing the pipe, or replacing the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Shabbir H. Pittalwala, Daniel J. Wittas
  • Publication number: 20030171879
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for facilitating the management of pipeline reliability, maintenance, repair, and/or replacement. Embodiments may be computer-implemented, and may be suitable for prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (e.g., PCCP). Method steps include inspecting the pipe and storing or inputting design and inspection parameters, as well as the maximum expected pressure within the pipe. A relation of pressure versus degradation (e.g., number of broken wires) may be used, which may have zones of risk or classifications corresponding to pipe management actions. The pipe may be analyzed for lack of prestress over various portions of circumference and length. The pipe rupture pressure, crack onset pressure, or can rupture pressure may be analyzed and compared to the expected pressure. The method may be tested and the inspection repeated while tracking changes. The action may involve, for instance, doing nothing, monitoring the pipe, repairing the pipe, or replacing the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Shabbir H. Pittalwala, Daniel J. Wittas