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).
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Patent number: 11795648Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 12, 2021Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: TRoxley Electronic Laboratories, INCInventors: Robert Ernest Troxler, Dirk M. Steckmann, Donald E. Weger
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Patent number: 11313983Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 31, 2019Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Robert Ernest Troxler, Dirk M. Steckmann, Donald E. Weger
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Publication number: 20210324594Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2021Publication date: October 21, 2021Inventors: Robert Ernest Troxler, Dirk M. Steckmann, Donald E. Weger
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Publication number: 20200183026Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2019Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: Robert Ernest Troxler, Dirk M. Steckmann, Donald E. Weger
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Patent number: 10520614Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 1, 2018Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Robert Ernest Troxler, Dirk M. Steckmann, Donald E. Weger
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Patent number: 10215678Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 1, 2016Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: InstroTek, Inc.Inventors: Dirk M. Steckmann, Ali Regimand, Lawrence H. James, Andrew T. LaCroix, Johnny G. Williams, Jr., Adam C. O'Neill
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Publication number: 20180252827Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2018Publication date: September 6, 2018Inventors: Robert Ernest Troxler, Dirk M. Steckmann, Donald E. Weger
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Patent number: 9958562Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 3, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Robert Ernest Troxler, Dirk M. Steckmann, Donald E. Weger
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Publication number: 20180031461Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2016Publication date: February 1, 2018Inventors: Dirk M. Steckmann, Ali Regimand, Lawrence H. James, Andrew T. LaCroix, Johnny G. Williams, JR., Adam C. O'Neill
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Publication number: 20170299737Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2017Publication date: October 19, 2017Inventors: Robert Ernest Troxler, Dirk M. Steckmann, Donald E. Weger
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Patent number: 9612346Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 23, 2015Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Robert Ernest Troxler, Dirk M. Steckmann, Donald E. Weger
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Publication number: 20150293240Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2015Publication date: October 15, 2015Inventors: Robert Ernest Troxler, Dirk M. Steckmann, Donald E. Weger
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Patent number: 9063062Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 7, 2012Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: TROXLER ELECTRONIC LABORATORIES, INC.Inventors: Donald E. Weger, Dirk M. Steckmann, Robert E. Troxler
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Patent number: 8716650Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 5, 2009Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: James E. Bartlett, Raffaello Verna, Donald E. Weger, Dirk M. Steckmann
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Patent number: 8359900Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 11, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Francis D. Caulfield, Raffaello Verna, Donald E. Weger, Francois J. Malassenet, Dirk M. Steckmann
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Publication number: 20120169456Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2012Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventors: Donald E. Weger, Dirk M. Steckmann, Robert E. Troxler
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Patent number: 8164048Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 5, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Donald E. Weger, Dirk M. Steckmann, Robert E. Troxler
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Publication number: 20100281945Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2010Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: TROXLER ELECTRONIC LABORATORIES, INC.Inventors: Francis D. Caulfield, Raffaello Verna, Donald E. Weger, Francois J. Malassenet, Dirk M. Steckmann
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Publication number: 20090274275Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2009Publication date: November 5, 2009Inventors: James E. Bartlett, Raffaello Verna, Donald E. Weger, Dirk M. Steckmann
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Publication number: 20090194676Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventors: Donald E. Weger, Dirk M. Steckmann, Robert E. Troxler