Patents by Inventor Dirk M. Steckmann

Dirk M. Steckmann 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: 11795648
    Abstract: A system configured to determine a property of a paving-related material is provided. The system includes a measuring device configured for measuring a property of a paving-related material and a cellular computer device configured for being in communication with and receiving data from the measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: TRoxley Electronic Laboratories, INC
    Inventors: Robert Ernest Troxler, Dirk M. Steckmann, Donald E. Weger
  • Patent number: 11313983
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a nuclear gauge of the having a source includes providing a nuclear gauge comprising a radiation source, the radiation source being coupled with a computing system with a machine readable program stored thereon containing a calibration routine. An operator places the gauge on one or more specified blocks to adjust the source within each block to one or more specified positions to initiate a count. The method includes determining that the source is at each position before each count begins, adjusting the counting times before each count begins by the program on the nuclear gauge based on each position of the source to obtain calibration information, obtaining counts at each position, storing the counts within the computing system of the nuclear gauge, and calculating for each position calibration coefficients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Ernest Troxler, Dirk M. Steckmann, Donald E. Weger
  • Publication number: 20210324594
    Abstract: A system configured to determine a property of a paving-related material is provided. The system includes a measuring device configured for measuring a property of a paving-related material and a cellular computer device configured for being in communication with and receiving data from the measuring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Robert Ernest Troxler, Dirk M. Steckmann, Donald E. Weger
  • Publication number: 20200183026
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a nuclear gauge of the having a source includes providing a nuclear gauge comprising a radiation source, the radiation source being coupled with a computing system with a machine readable program stored thereon containing a calibration routine. An operator places the gauge on one or more specified blocks to adjust the source within each block to one or more specified positions to initiate a count. The method includes determining that the source is at each position before each count begins, adjusting the counting times before each count begins by the program on the nuclear gauge based on each position of the source to obtain calibration information, obtaining counts at each position, storing the counts within the computing system of the nuclear gauge, and calculating for each position calibration coefficients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: Robert Ernest Troxler, Dirk M. Steckmann, Donald E. Weger
  • Patent number: 10520614
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a nuclear gauge of the having a source includes providing a nuclear gauge comprising a radiation source, the radiation source being coupled with a computing system with a machine readable program stored thereon containing a calibration routine. An operator places the gauge on one or more specified blocks to adjust the source within each block to one or more specified positions to initiate a count. The method includes determining that the source is at each position before each count begins, adjusting the counting times before each count begins by the program on the nuclear gauge based on each position of the source to obtain calibration information, obtaining counts at each position, storing the counts within the computing system of the nuclear gauge, and calculating for each position calibration coefficients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Ernest Troxler, Dirk M. Steckmann, Donald E. Weger
  • Patent number: 10215678
    Abstract: A system for conducting a maximum specific gravity test includes a sealable container for receiving and holding an asphalt mixture sample, a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the container for evacuating the container, a valve in fluid communication with the container, a shaker for shaking the container, and a controller. The controller can operate the system in a test mode by: (i) turning on the vacuum pump; (ii) automatically monitoring a vacuum pressure in the container with the vacuum pump on; (iii) automatically turning on the shaker when the monitored vacuum pressure reaches a target vacuum pressure value; (iv) automatically opening or closing the valve such that the monitored vacuum pressure in the container is maintained within a target vacuum pressure range for a predetermined period of time with the shaker on; and (v) automatically turning the shaker off at the end of the predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: InstroTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Dirk M. Steckmann, Ali Regimand, Lawrence H. James, Andrew T. LaCroix, Johnny G. Williams, Jr., Adam C. O'Neill
  • Publication number: 20180252827
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a nuclear gauge of the having a source includes providing a nuclear gauge comprising a radiation source, the radiation source being coupled with a computing system with a machine readable program stored thereon containing a calibration routine. An operator places the gauge on one or more specified blocks to adjust the source within each block to one or more specified positions to initiate a count. The method includes determining that the source is at each position before each count begins, adjusting the counting times before each count begins by the program on the nuclear gauge based on each position of the source to obtain calibration information, obtaining counts at each position, storing the counts within the computing system of the nuclear gauge, and calculating for each position calibration coefficients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: Robert Ernest Troxler, Dirk M. Steckmann, Donald E. Weger
  • Patent number: 9958562
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a nuclear gauge of the having a source includes providing a nuclear gauge comprising a radiation source, the radiation source being coupled with a computing system with a machine readable program stored thereon containing a calibration routine. An operator places the gauge on one or more specified blocks to adjust the source within each block to one or more specified positions to initiate a count. The method includes determining that the source is at each position before each count begins, adjusting the counting times before each count begins by the program on the nuclear gauge based on each position of the source to obtain calibration information, obtaining counts at each position, storing the counts within the computing system of the nuclear gauge, and calculating for each position calibration coefficients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Ernest Troxler, Dirk M. Steckmann, Donald E. Weger
  • Publication number: 20180031461
    Abstract: A system for conducting a maximum specific gravity test includes a sealable container for receiving and holding an asphalt mixture sample, a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the container for evacuating the container, a valve in fluid communication with the container, a shaker for shaking the container, and a controller. The controller can operate the system in a test mode by: (i) turning on the vacuum pump; (ii) automatically monitoring a vacuum pressure in the container with the vacuum pump on; (iii) automatically turning on the shaker when the monitored vacuum pressure reaches a target vacuum pressure value; (iv) automatically opening or closing the valve such that the monitored vacuum pressure in the container is maintained within a target vacuum pressure range for a predetermined period of time with the shaker on; and (v) automatically turning the shaker off at the end of the predetermined period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Dirk M. Steckmann, Ali Regimand, Lawrence H. James, Andrew T. LaCroix, Johnny G. Williams, JR., Adam C. O'Neill
  • Publication number: 20170299737
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a nuclear gauge of the having a source includes providing a nuclear gauge comprising a radiation source, the radiation source being coupled with a computing system with a machine readable program stored thereon containing a calibration routine. An operator places the gauge on one or more specified blocks to adjust the source within each block to one or more specified positions to initiate a count. The method includes determining that the source is at each position before each count begins, adjusting the counting times before each count begins by the program on the nuclear gauge based on each position of the source to obtain calibration information, obtaining counts at each position, storing the counts within the computing system of the nuclear gauge, and calculating for each position calibration coefficients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Ernest Troxler, Dirk M. Steckmann, Donald E. Weger
  • Patent number: 9612346
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a nuclear gauge of the having a source includes providing a nuclear gauge comprising a radiation source, the radiation source being coupled with a computing system with a machine readable program stored thereon containing a calibration routine. An operator places the gauge on one or more specified blocks to adjust the source within each block to one or more specified positions to initiate a count. The method includes determining that the source is at each position before each count begins, adjusting the counting times before each count begins by the program on the nuclear gauge based on each position of the source to obtain calibration information, obtaining counts at each position, storing the counts within the computing system of the nuclear gauge, and calculating for each position calibration coefficients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Ernest Troxler, Dirk M. Steckmann, Donald E. Weger
  • Publication number: 20150293240
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a nuclear gauge of the having a source includes providing a nuclear gauge comprising a radiation source, the radiation source being coupled with a computing system with a machine readable program stored thereon containing a calibration routine. An operator places the gauge on one or more specified blocks to adjust the source within each block to one or more specified positions to initiate a count. The method includes determining that the source is at each position before each count begins, adjusting the counting times before each count begins by the program on the nuclear gauge based on each position of the source to obtain calibration information, obtaining counts at each position, storing the counts within the computing system of the nuclear gauge, and calculating for each position calibration coefficients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Ernest Troxler, Dirk M. Steckmann, Donald E. Weger
  • Patent number: 9063062
    Abstract: Nuclear gauges and method of configuration and methods of calibrations of the nuclear gauges are provided. The nuclear gauges are used in measuring the density and/or moisture of construction-related materials. The nuclear gauge can include a gauge housing having a vertical cavity therethrough and at least one radiation detector located within the housing. The nuclear gauge can include a vertically moveable source rod and a radiation source operatively positioned within a distal end of the source rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: TROXLER ELECTRONIC LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weger, Dirk M. Steckmann, Robert E. Troxler
  • Patent number: 8716650
    Abstract: Nuclear gauges, their components and method for assembly and adjustment of the same are provided. The nuclear gauges are used in measuring the density and/or moisture of construction-related materials. The nuclear gauge can include a gauge housing having a vertical cavity therethrough and at least one radiation detector located within the housing. The nuclear gauge can include a vertically moveable source rod and a radiation source operatively positioned within a distal end of the source rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Bartlett, Raffaello Verna, Donald E. Weger, Dirk M. Steckmann
  • Patent number: 8359900
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a gyratory compactor apparatus is provided. The gyratory compactor apparatus is of the type being configured to compact and impart an orbital motion to a sample in a mold that defines a mold axis and includes at least one actuator for imparting lateral displacement of the mold relative to a longitudinal axis of the gyratory compactor apparatus. The method includes the steps of imparting lateral orbital displacement of the mold relative to the gyratory compactor apparatus by actuation of the at least one actuator to thereby define a gyratory angle between the gyratory compactor apparatus and the mold axis, measuring the gyratory angle, and determining adjustments to actuation of the at least one actuator based on the measured gyratory angle and a target angle. An associated apparatus and method for calibrating the apparatus are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis D. Caulfield, Raffaello Verna, Donald E. Weger, Francois J. Malassenet, Dirk M. Steckmann
  • Publication number: 20120169456
    Abstract: Nuclear gauges and method of configuration and methods of calibrations of the nuclear gauges are provided. The nuclear gauges are used in measuring the density and/or moisture of construction-related materials. The nuclear gauge can include a gauge housing having a vertical cavity therethrough and at least one radiation detector located within the housing. The nuclear gauge can include a vertically moveable source rod and a radiation source operatively positioned within a distal end of the source rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Donald E. Weger, Dirk M. Steckmann, Robert E. Troxler
  • Patent number: 8164048
    Abstract: Nuclear gauges and method of configuration and methods of calibrations of the nuclear gauges are provided. The nuclear gauges are used in measuring the density and/or moisture of construction-related materials. The nuclear gauge can include a gauge housing having a vertical cavity therethrough and at least one radiation detector located within the housing. The nuclear gauge can include a vertically moveable source rod and a radiation source operatively positioned within a distal end of the source rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weger, Dirk M. Steckmann, Robert E. Troxler
  • Publication number: 20100281945
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a gyratory compactor apparatus is provided. The gyratory compactor apparatus is of the type being configured to compact and impart an orbital motion to a sample in a mold that defines a mold axis and includes at least one actuator for imparting lateral displacement of the mold relative to a longitudinal axis of the gyratory compactor apparatus. The method includes the steps of imparting lateral orbital displacement of the mold relative to the gyratory compactor apparatus by actuation of the at least one actuator to thereby define a gyratory angle between the gyratory compactor apparatus and the mold axis, measuring the gyratory angle, and determining adjustments to actuation of the at least one actuator based on the measured gyratory angle and a target angle. An associated apparatus and method for calibrating the apparatus are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: TROXLER ELECTRONIC LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventors: Francis D. Caulfield, Raffaello Verna, Donald E. Weger, Francois J. Malassenet, Dirk M. Steckmann
  • Publication number: 20090274275
    Abstract: Nuclear gauges, their components and method for assembly and adjustment of the same are provided. The nuclear gauges are used in measuring the density and/or moisture of construction-related materials. The nuclear gauge can include a gauge housing having a vertical cavity therethrough and at least one radiation detector located within the housing. The nuclear gauge can include a vertically moveable source rod and a radiation source operatively positioned within a distal end of the source rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: James E. Bartlett, Raffaello Verna, Donald E. Weger, Dirk M. Steckmann
  • Publication number: 20090194676
    Abstract: Nuclear gauges and method of configuration and methods of calibrations of the nuclear gauges are provided. The nuclear gauges are used in measuring the density and/or moisture of construction-related materials. The nuclear gauge can include a gauge housing having a vertical cavity therethrough and at least one radiation detector located within the housing. The nuclear gauge can include a vertically moveable source rod and a radiation source operatively positioned within a distal end of the source rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Donald E. Weger, Dirk M. Steckmann, Robert E. Troxler