Patents by Inventor Dean A. Cotton

Dean A. Cotton 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).

  • Publication number: 20230067316
    Abstract: Disclosed techniques for performing a process can include performing, by a plurality of subjects, a first repetitive movement with a specified stress or strain per cycle; analyzing for soft tissue disorganization or partially torn soft tissue in each of the plurality of subjects; generating an association relating stress or strain to a number of cycles that cause a transition to subrupture damaged tissue or to incomplete tear damaged tissue; measuring a stress or strain per cycle for a second repetitive movement that makes up the process; determining a limit on a number of cycles of the second repetitive movement intended to avoid at least one of: a transition to subrupture damaged soft tissue or to incomplete tear damage tissue; and performing the second repetitive movement as part of the process while ensuring that no individual subject exceeds the limit on the number of cycles of the second repetitive movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Liisa Charlie HAMMER, Karen Chiyono TAKATANI, James Dean COTTON, Richard Jay GARDNER
  • Publication number: 20220244422
    Abstract: An inspection system to measure the condition of at least a wall of a ground opening, the inspection system having a head unit for lowering into a borehole during a data collection phase wherein at least one set of test data is collected concerning one or more physical characteristics of the borehole during the data collection phase, the head unit having an internal measurement system and a sensor arrangement with a plurality of sensors facing radially outwardly of a head axis that is generally parallel to at least a portion of a borehole axis, the plurality of sensors allowing the head unit to be moved during the data collection phase without rotation about the head axis, the plurality of sensors at least partially producing the at least one set of test data collected during the data collection phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Inventors: George R. Piscsalko, Dean A. Cotton, Richard E. Berris, JR., Tyler A. Piedimonte
  • Patent number: 11340379
    Abstract: A borehole inspection device and method of using the same to measure the condition of the bottom extent of a borehole, the system having a head unit assembly with top and bottom sides and including at least one downwardly extending force sensor configured to measure a reaction force applied to the at least one sensor as it engages a bottom extent of the borehole, the inspection device being configured to be lowered into a borehole and to bring the sensor(s) into contact with the bottom extent wherein continued downward movement of the head unit creates the reaction force on the sensor(s) to determine at least one of a location of an associated debris layer, a bearing capacity of the associated debris layer, the thickness of the associated debris layer, the location of an associated bearing layer and/or the bearing capacity of the associated bearing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Pile Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Garland E. Likins, Jr., George R. Piscsalko, Frank Rausche, Dean A. Cotton
  • Publication number: 20210174929
    Abstract: Techniques for reducing repetitive stress injuries to soft tissue in performing a process are disclosed. The techniques include obtaining at least one repetitive stress data set related to the soft tissue and to the process; accessing information characterizing a first damage regime and second information characterizing a second damage regime, where the first information quantifies a number of repetitions at a given stress for the soft tissue to transition out of the first damage regime, and wherein the second information quantifies a number of repetitions at a given stress for the soft tissue to transition out of the second damage regime; predicting conditions sufficient for damage to the soft tissue; determining, based on at least the predicting, at least one guideline for reducing a risk of a soft tissue material repetitive stress injury; and implementing the at least one guideline in the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Liisa Charie Bruchal, James Dean Cotton, Richard Jay Gardner, Karen Chiyono Takatani
  • Publication number: 20200278473
    Abstract: A borehole inspection device and method of using the same to measure the condition of the bottom extent of a borehole, the system having a head unit assembly with top and bottom sides and including at least one downwardly extending force sensor configured to measure a reaction force applied to the at least one sensor as it engages a bottom extent of the borehole, the inspection device being configured to be lowered into a borehole and to bring the sensor(s) into contact with the bottom extent wherein continued downward movement of the head unit creates the reaction force on the sensor(s) to determine at least one of a location of an associated debris layer, a bearing capacity of the associated debris layer, the thickness of the associated debris layer, the location of an associated bearing layer and/or the bearing capacity of the associated bearing layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Inventors: Garland E. Likins, JR., George R. Piscsalko, Frank Rausche, Dean A. Cotton
  • Patent number: 10690805
    Abstract: An inspection system to measure the condition of at least a wall of a ground opening, the inspection system having a head unit for lowering into a borehole during a data collection phase wherein at least one set of test data is collected concerning one or more physical characteristics of the borehole during the data collection phase, the head unit having an internal measurement system and a sensor arrangement with a plurality of sensors facing radially outwardly of a head axis that is generally parallel to at least a portion of a borehole axis, the plurality of sensors allowing the head unit to be moved during the data collection phase without rotation about the head axis, the plurality of sensors at least partially producing the at least one set of test data collected during the data collection phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Pile Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Piscsalko, Dean A. Cotton, Richard E. Berris, Jr., Tyler A. Piedimonte
  • Patent number: 10451519
    Abstract: A non-contact strain and/or displacement measurement system for use with structural objects having an optical device, a data store and an image arrangement that is fixed relative to the structural object to be tested, the optical device including an image receiving device for receiving visual images and the data store being configured to record the received visual images, the image receiving device being spaced from the image arrangement by an optical spacing such that the image receiving device has a visual range that includes a portion of the structural object and the image arrangement being within the portion, the image arrangement having at least one image element wherein movement of the at least one image element during a measurement period provides image data to calculate structural object strain and/or structural object displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Pile Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Garland E. Likins, Jr., George R. Piscsalko, Dean A. Cotton, Brent Robinson, Frank Rausche, Richard E. Berris, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190271796
    Abstract: An inspection system to measure the condition of at least a wall of a ground opening, the inspection system having a head unit for lowering into a borehole during a data collection phase wherein at least one set of test data is collected concerning one or more physical characteristics of the borehole during the data collection phase, the head unit having an internal measurement system and a sensor arrangement with a plurality of sensors facing radially outwardly of a head axis that is generally parallel to at least a portion of a borehole axis, the plurality of sensors allowing the head unit to be moved during the data collection phase without rotation about the head axis, the plurality of sensors at least partially producing the at least one set of test data collected during the data collection phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: George R. Piscsalko, Dean A. Cotton, Richard E. Berris, JR., Tyler A. Piedimonte
  • Patent number: 10330823
    Abstract: An inspection system to measure the condition of at least a wall of a ground opening, the inspection system having a head unit for lowering into a borehole during a data collection phase wherein at least one set of test data is collected concerning one or more physical characteristics of the borehole during the data collection phase, the head unit having an internal measurement system and a sensor arrangement with a plurality of sensors facing radially outwardly of a head axis that is generally parallel to at least a portion of a borehole axis, the plurality of sensors allowing the head unit to be moved during the data collection phase without rotation about the head axis, the plurality of sensors at least partially producing the at least one set of test data collected during the data collection phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Pile Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Piscsalko, Dean A. Cotton, Richard E. Berris, Jr., Tyler A. Piedimonte
  • Publication number: 20180246006
    Abstract: A non-contact strain and/or displacement measurement system for use with structural objects having an optical device, a data store and an image arrangement that is fixed relative to the structural object to be tested, the optical device including an image receiving device for receiving visual images and the data store being configured to record the received visual images, the image receiving device being spaced from the image arrangement by an optical spacing such that the image receiving device has a visual range that includes a portion of the structural object and the image arrangement being within the portion, the image arrangement having at least one image element wherein movement of the at least one image element during a measurement period provides image data to calculate structural object strain and/or structural object displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Garland E. Likins, JR., George R. Piscsalko, Dean A. Cotton, Brent Robinson, Frank Rausche, Richard E. Berris, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160348500
    Abstract: An inspection system to measure the condition of at least the wall of a ground opening, such as a borehole opening, an excavation, and a slurry wall, the inspection system comprising a head unit configured to be lowered into an associated borehole and having a lowering mount configured to be operably and selectively joined to an associated lowering unit to facilitate the lowering of the head unit into the associated borehole during a data collection phase, the data collection phase including at least one of a lowering phase wherein the head unit is lowered in the associated borehole toward an associated bottom extent of the borehole by the associated lowering unit and a raising phase wherein the head unit is raised in the associated borehole away from the associated bottom extent, at least one set of test data being collected concerning one or more physical characteristics of the associated borehole during the data collection phase, the head unit comprising an internal measurement system and a sensor arrangem
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: George R. Piscsalko, Dean A. Cotton, Richard E. Berris, JR., Tyler A. Piedimonte
  • Publication number: 20150233230
    Abstract: A borehole inspection device and method of using the same to measure the condition of the bottom extent of a borehole, the system having a head unit assembly with top and bottom sides and including at least one downwardly extending force sensor configured to measure a reaction force applied to the at least one sensor as it engages a bottom extent of the borehole, the inspection device being configured to be lowered into a borehole and to bring the sensor(s) into contact with the bottom extent wherein continued downward movement of the head unit creates the reaction force on the sensor(s) to determine at least one of a location of an associated debris layer, a bearing capacity of the associated debris layer, the thickness of the associated debris layer, the location of an associated bearing layer and/or the bearing capacity of the associated bearing layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: Garland E. Likins, JR., George R. Piscsalko, Frank Frank Rausche, Dean A. Cotton
  • Publication number: 20140185648
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the forming of a solid object having a sensor string positionable in a forming structure before the curing process and a communication line extending along a string axis between a first and second end. The string further including a plurality of sensors joined to the communication line between the ends and each sensor being mounted at a set position on the line. Each sensor having a sensor body and a sensor housing and the sensor body including an electrical connecter to electrically join an electrical structure to the communication line at the set position. The electrical structure including a temperature sensor configured to monitor temperature near the set position and further including an electronic identification code corresponding to the set position of the sensor along the axis. The system further including a transmitting device for selectively communicating the temperature and identification code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: PILE DYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: George R. Piscsalko, Frank Rausche, Dean A. Cotton, Michael Ference
  • Patent number: 8708559
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the forming of a solid object having a sensor string positionable in a forming structure before the curing process and a communication line extending along a string axis between a first and second end. The string further including a plurality of sensors joined to the communication line between the ends and each sensor being mounted at a set position on the line. Each sensor having a sensor body and a sensor housing and the sensor body including an electrical connecter to electrically join an electrical structure to the communication line at the set position. The electrical structure including a temperature sensor configured to monitor temperature near the set position and further including an electronic identification code corresponding to the set position of the sensor along the axis. The system further including a transmitting device for selectively communicating the temperature and identification code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Pile Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Piscsalko, Frank Rausche, Dean A. Cotton, Michael Ference
  • Publication number: 20130234575
    Abstract: An electronic equipment cabinet is provided. The cabinet includes a plurality of sidewalls and a plurality of shelves. The sidewalls include a pair of opposing sidewalls. Each of the opposing sidewalls includes a plurality of shelf mounting points. The shelves are configured to be received at the shelf mounting points such that the shelves are configurable to accommodate components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: INTELLIBATT, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Dean Cotton, Shad Jon Smith, Ronnie Lim, John Michael Brinck
  • Patent number: 8382369
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the forming of a solid object having a sensor string positionable in a forming structure before the curing process and a communication line extending along a string axis between a first and second end. The string further including a plurality of sensors joined to the communication line between the ends and each sensor being mounted at a set position on the line. Each sensor having a sensor body and a sensor housing and the sensor body including an electrical connecter to electrically join an electrical structure to the communication line at the set position. The electrical structure including a temperature sensor configured to monitor temperature near the set position and further including an electronic identification code corresponding to the set position of the sensor along the axis. The system further including a transmitting device for selectively communicating the temperature and identification code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Pile Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Piscsalko, Frank Rausche, Dean A. Cotton, Michael Ference
  • Publication number: 20110200068
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the forming of a solid object having a sensor string positionable in a forming structure before the curing process and a communication line extending along a string axis between a first and second end. The string further including a plurality of sensors joined to the communication line between the ends and each sensor being mounted at a set position on the line. Each sensor having a sensor body and a sensor housing and the sensor body including an electrical connecter to electrically join an electrical structure to the communication line at the set position. The electrical structure including a temperature sensor configured to monitor temperature near the set position and further including an electronic identification code corresponding to the set position of the sensor along the axis. The system further including a transmitting device for selectively communicating the temperature and identification code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: PILE DYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: George R. Piscsalko, Frank Rausche, Dean A. Cotton, Michael Ference
  • Publication number: 20100030359
    Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for designing a product using technology readiness levels for materials. Entries identifying materials and technology readiness levels for the materials are stored in a database. A first design is developed using a first material selected from the database, wherein the first material has a first technology readiness level identified from the database. A second design is developed using a second material selected from the database, wherein the second material has a second technology readiness level identified from the database. The first design is compared to the second design using the first technology readiness level and the second technology readiness level to form a comparison. A selection is made between the first design and the second design using the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas Stewart Luhman, John Joseph Esposito, James Dean Cotton, Eddy Joe Sharp, Gerould K. Young
  • Patent number: 5355715
    Abstract: A device for calibrating strain gages and strain transducers. The device includes an assembly with a first section and a second section positioned in relation to each other such that a gap is defined between the two sections. A strain transducer is attached to the assembly across the defined gap. The assembly includes an adjustment device which alters the position of the sections in relation to each other, thereby redefining the gap. A displacement sensor detects a displacement signal occurring due to the redefining of the gap caused by operation of the adjustment device. A strain transducer output detector detects a strain output signal occurring also due to the redefining of the gap by the adjustment device. A calibrating device inputs the signals from the displacement sensor and the strain transducer output detector and provides a calibration for the strain transducer attached to the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Pile Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Rausche, Dean A. Cotton, Paul T. Kicher