Patents by Inventor Edmond Richer

Edmond Richer 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: 20230128262
    Abstract: In embodiments, systems and methods include using a modular robotic inspection system to inspect a tubular of a vehicle or building. The modular robotic inspection system comprises a first modular robot and a second modular robot. Both the first modular robot and the second modular robot comprise a base, a plurality of wheels disposed around the base, wherein each of the plurality of wheels is coupled to the base through a set of extendable arms, wherein each one of the plurality of wheels is disposed at a distal end of one of the set of extendable arms, and a plurality of centralizing rollers disposed around the base, wherein each one of the plurality of centralizing rollers is disposed at a proximal end of one of the set of extendable arms. The first modular robot further comprises a motor operable to actuate the plurality of wheels of the first modular robot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventors: Christopher Lee Colaw, Adam Britton Cox, Matthew E. Galla, Yildirim Hurmuzlu, Jose Jaime Lafon, Francisco Joaquin Martinez, Edmond Richer
  • Publication number: 20210290261
    Abstract: The present invention is a Distally Assembled Steerable Cannula (DASC), a robotically-manipulated device that can be deployed and extended within a patient's body by growing from its distal end, or can be used in non-medical applications. In some embodiments, growth occurs by sequentially assembling segments that interlock to form a rigid tube with a complex 3-D shape. The segments are individually transported through the growing cannula, and then assembled at the distal end. A segment can be wedge-shaped in profile, allowing adjustment of the local radius and plane of curvature of the cannula to be controlled by relative segment orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Adam Cohen, Edmond Richer
  • Patent number: 11006975
    Abstract: The present invention is a Distally Assembled Steerable Cannula (DASC), a robotically-manipulated device that can be deployed and extended within a patient's body by growing from its distal end, or can be used in non-medical applications. In some embodiments, growth occurs by sequentially assembling segments that interlock to form a rigid tube with a complex 3-D shape. The segments are individually transported through the growing cannula, and then assembled at the distal end. A segment can be wedge-shaped in profile, allowing adjustment of the local radius and plane of curvature of the cannula to be controlled by relative segment orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Southern Methodist University
    Inventors: Adam Cohen, Edmond Richer
  • Patent number: 10857730
    Abstract: The present invention includes a process, system and apparatus for multi-material additive manufacturing process comprising: extruding an extrudable material through a nozzle capable of moving along one or more axis and concurrently extruding one or more filaments, wherein the filament is embedded in, on or about the extrudable material from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Southern Methodist University
    Inventors: Adam Cohen, Paul Samuel Krueger, Edmond Richer
  • Patent number: 10571642
    Abstract: An apparatus for segmenting and feeding a fiber includes at least one capillary having a lumen therethrough configured to deliver a fiber segment. An advancing advances a fiber through the capillary. Tensioning means applies tension to the fiber to induce it to break. Damaging means locally damages the fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Southern Methodist University
    Inventors: Adam Cohen, Paul Samuel Krueger, Matt Saari, Edmond Richer, Bryan Cox, Bin Xia, Collin Gabriel Clay
  • Patent number: 10562226
    Abstract: The present invention includes a process, system and apparatus for multi-material additive manufacturing process comprising: extruding an extrudable material through a nozzle capable of moving along one or more axis and concurrently extruding one or more filaments, wherein the filament is embedded in, on or about the extrudable material from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Southern Methodist University
    Inventors: Adam Cohen, Paul Krueger, Edmond Richer
  • Patent number: 10254499
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process, system and apparatus for multi-material additive manufacturing process comprising: extruding an extrudable material through a nozzle capable of moving along one or more axis and concurrently extruding one or more filaments, wherein the filament is embedded in, on or about the extrudable material from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Southern Methodist University
    Inventors: Adam Cohen, Paul Samuel Krueger, Matt Saari, Edmond Richer, Bryan Cox, Bin Xia, Collin Gabriel Clay
  • Publication number: 20170160117
    Abstract: The present invention includes a device and method for determining the flow of one or more phases of a multiphase fluid mixture comprising: a tube, a pipe, a main body or any combinations thereof comprising an interior and an exterior, wherein the interior receives a multiphase fluid mixture for the determination of the fractions in the multiphase; a first ultrasound field detector ring comprising: two or more pairs of transversal paired dual frequency ultrasound transmitter/receivers are on the same normal plane and are positioned in a transversal direction to a flow of the multiphase fluid mixture on the exterior of the tube, pipe, or main body, wherein the sampled volume covers a part of or the whole cross-section of the flow volume; and a computer connected to the ultrasound transmitter/receivers that determines the one or more phases of a multiphase fluid mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Yildirim Hurmuzlu, Edmond Richer
  • Patent number: 9612145
    Abstract: The present invention includes a device and method for determining the flow of one or more phases of a multiphase fluid mixture comprising: a tube, a pipe, a main body or any combinations thereof comprising an interior and an exterior, wherein the interior receives a multiphase fluid mixture for the determination of the fractions in the multiphase; a first ultrasound field detector ring comprising: two or more pairs of transversal paired dual frequency ultrasound transmitter/receivers are on the same normal plane and are positioned in a transversal direction to a flow of the multiphase fluid mixture on the exterior of the tube, pipe, or main body, wherein the sampled volume covers a part of or the whole cross-section of the flow volume; and a computer connected to the ultrasound transmitter/receivers that determines the one or more phases of a multiphase fluid mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventors: Yildirim Hurmuzlu, Edmond Richer
  • Publication number: 20160341586
    Abstract: The present invention includes a device and method for determining the flow of one or more phases of a multiphase fluid mixture comprising: a tube, a pipe, a main body or any combinations thereof comprising an interior and an exterior, wherein the interior receives a multiphase fluid mixture for the determination of the fractions in the multiphase; a first ultrasound field detector ring comprising: two or more pairs of transversal paired dual frequency ultrasound transmitter/receivers are on the same normal plane and are positioned in a transversal direction to a flow of the multiphase fluid mixture on the exterior of the tube, pipe, or main body, wherein the sampled volume covers a part of or the whole cross-section of the flow volume; and a computer connected to the ultrasound transmitter/receivers that determines the one or more phases of a multiphase fluid mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Yildirim Hurmuzlu, Edmond Richer
  • Patent number: 9476755
    Abstract: An automated calibration device that comprises a tube for trapping a multiphase sample between three ultrasound (US) transducer pairs wherein each of the three transducer pairs is positioned to measure a different fraction of the multiphase sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Southern Methodist University
    Inventors: Yildirim Hurmuzlu, Edmond Richer
  • Patent number: 9282993
    Abstract: The present invention is a Distally Assembled Steerable Cannula (DASC), a robotically-manipulated device that can be deployed and extended within a patient's body by growing from its distal end, or can be used in non-medical applications. In one embodiment, growth occurs by sequentially assembling segments that interlock to form a rigid tube with a complex 3-D shape. The segments are individually transported through the growing cannula, and then assembled at the distal end. A segment can be wedge-shaped in profile, allowing adjustment of the local radius of curvature and direction of the cannula to be controlled by relative segment orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Adam Cohen, Edmond Richer
  • Patent number: 9025418
    Abstract: Methods of identifying patching connections in a communications system are provided in which an acoustic signal generator is used to transmit an acoustic signal that includes a unique identifier embedded therein over a patch cord from a first connector port to a second connector port. The acoustic signal is received at the second connector port. The unique identifier is extracted from the acoustic signal. Finally, a patching connection between the first connector port and the second connector port is logged in a database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventors: Hongwei Liang, Edmond Richer, Jeffrey D. Nielson
  • Publication number: 20140174146
    Abstract: An automated calibration device that comprises a tube for trapping a multiphase sample between three ultrasound (US) transducer pairs wherein each of the three transducer pairs is positioned to measure a different fraction of the multiphase sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Southern Methodist University
    Inventors: Yildirim Hurmuzlu, Edmond Richer
  • Patent number: 8701461
    Abstract: An automated calibration device that comprises a tube for trapping a multiphase sample between three ultrasound (US) transducer pairs, wherein each of the three transducer pairs is positioned to measure a different fraction of the multiphase sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Southern Methodist University
    Inventors: Yildirim Hurmuzlu, Edmond Richer
  • Patent number: 8408049
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to determine fractions of various phases in a multiphase fluid. The apparatus includes main body including an interior configured receive a multiphase fluid and an exterior. The apparatus senses fluid pressure of multiphase fluid received in the interior and senses a fluid temperature of the multiphase fluid. The apparatus transmits an ultrasonic wave into the fluid and detects the transmitted wave to determine its velocity and attenuation. The apparatus may adjust the determined velocity and attenuation based on the temperature and pressure of the fluid to compensate for a difference between the sensed temperature and pressure and a standard temperature and pressure. The apparatus determines a gas fraction, water fraction, and a non-water fluid fraction of the multiphase fluid based on the sensed fluid pressure, the sensed fluid temperature, and the velocity and attenuation of the ultrasonic wave in the multiphase fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignees: Multiphase Flow International, LLC, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Yildirim Hurmuzlu, Peter Antich, Ali Dogru, Edmond Richer, Billy Smith
  • Publication number: 20120281509
    Abstract: Methods of identifying patching connections in a communications system are provided in which an acoustic signal generator is used to transmit an acoustic signal that includes a unique identifier embedded therein over a patch cord from a first connector port to a second connector port. The acoustic signal is received at the second connector port. The unique identifier is extracted from the acoustic signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Hongwei Liang, Edmond Richer, Jeffrey D. Nielson
  • Publication number: 20120210768
    Abstract: A device for automated calibration of a multiphase flowmeter comprising a tube for trapping a multiphase sample along with three ultrasound (US) transducers is described herein. The calibration device is placed vertically, using two valves the tube traps a sample of the liquid in the tube. Then, once the three phases of the liquid separate, the ultrasound transmitters are used to determine the phase fractions of each phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Southern Methodist University
    Inventors: Yildirim Hurmuzlu, Edmond Richer
  • Patent number: 8176796
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to determine fractions of various phases in a multiphase fluid. The apparatus includes main body including an interior configured receive a multiphase fluid and an exterior. The apparatus senses fluid pressure of multiphase fluid received in the interior and senses a fluid temperature of the multiphase fluid. The apparatus transmits an ultrasonic wave into the fluid and detects the transmitted wave to determine its velocity and attenuation. The apparatus may adjust the determined velocity and attenuation based on the temperature and pressure of the fluid to compensate for a difference between the sensed temperature and pressure and a standard temperature and pressure. The apparatus determines a gas fraction, water fraction, and a non-water fluid fraction of the multiphase fluid based on the sensed fluid pressure, the sensed fluid temperature, and the velocity and attenuation of the ultrasonic wave in the multiphase fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignees: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Multiphase Flow International, Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Yildirim Hurmuzlu, Peter Antich, Ali Dogru, Edmond Richer, Billy Smith
  • Patent number: 7954362
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to determine fractions of various phases in a multiphase fluid. The apparatus includes main body including an interior configured receive a multiphase fluid and an exterior. The apparatus senses fluid pressure of multiphase fluid received in the interior and senses a fluid temperature of the multiphase fluid. The apparatus transmits an ultrasonic wave into the fluid and detects the transmitted wave to determine its velocity and attenuation. The apparatus may adjust the determined velocity and attenuation based on the temperature and pressure of the fluid to compensate for a difference between the sensed temperature and pressure and a standard temperature and pressure. The apparatus determines a gas fraction, water fraction, and a non-water fluid fraction of the multiphase fluid based on the sensed fluid pressure, the sensed fluid temperature, and the velocity and attenuation of the ultrasonic wave in the multiphase fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Multiphase Flow International LLC
    Inventors: Yildirim Hurmuzlu, Peter Antich, Ali Dogru, Edmond Richer, Billy Smith