Patents by Inventor Douglas M. Riechers

Douglas M. Riechers 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).

  • Apparatus and method for detecting and/or measuring flaws in conductive material
    Patent number: 6014024
    Abstract: The present invention uses a magnet and sensor coil unilaterial and in relative motion to a conductive material, to measure perturbation or variation in the magnetic field in the presence of a flaw. A liftoff compensator measures a distance between the conductive material and the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Ronald L. Hockey, Douglas M. Riechers
  • Apparatus and method for detecting flaws in conductive material
    Patent number: 5986452
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved sensing unit for detecting flaws in conductive material wherein the sensing coil is positioned away from a datum of either the datum point, the datum orientation, or a combination thereof. Position of the sensing coil away from a datum increases sensitivity for detecting flaws having a characteristic volume less than about 1 mm.sup.3, and further permits detection of subsurface flaws. Use of multiple sensing coils permits quantification of flaw area or volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Ronald L. Hockey, Douglas M. Riechers
  • Method and apparatus for detecting flaws in conductive material
    Patent number: 5777469
    Abstract: The present invention uses a magnet in relative motion to a conductive material, and a coil that is stationary with respect to the magnet to measure perturbation or variation in the magnetic field in the presence of an inclusion. The magnet and coil sensor may be on the same side of the conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Ronald L. Hockey, Douglas M. Riechers