Patents by Inventor Francis Ruddy

Francis Ruddy 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: 7770857
    Abstract: An apparatus for locking a universal joint is provide. The universal joint comprises first and second ends, a first member pivotally connected to said first end about a first axis, and a second member pivotally connected to the first member about a second axis wherein the first axis and the second axis are perpendicular to and intersect each other and wherein the second end is operably connected to the second member. The apparatus comprises a ring rotationally connected to the second pivotable member about a plane containing the second axis, a restraint for restraining the ring from rotation about the first axis, and a lock for locking the ring relative to the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Francis Ruddy
  • Publication number: 20070280779
    Abstract: An apparatus for locking a universal joint is provide. The universal joint comprises first and second ends, a first member pivotally connected to said first end about a first axis, and a second member pivotally connected to the first member about a second axis wherein the first axis and the second axis are perpendicular to and intersect each other and wherein the second end is operably connected to the second member. The apparatus comprises a ring rotationally connected to the second pivotable member about a plane containing the second axis, a restraint for restraining the ring from rotation about the first axis, and a lock for locking the ring relative to the first member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Francis Ruddy
  • Publication number: 20050220247
    Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for detecting concealed fissile, fissionable or special nuclear material in an article, such as a shipping container, is provided. The article is irradiated with a source of fast neutrons, and fast neutrons released by the fissile or fissionable material, if present, are detected between source neutron pulses. The method uses a neutron detector that can detect and discriminate fast neutrons in the presence of thermal neutrons and gamma radiation. The detector is able to process high count rates and is resistant to radiation damage, and is preferably a solid state neutron detector comprised of silicon carbide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Publication date: October 6, 2005
    Applicant: Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC
    Inventors: Francis Ruddy, Abdul Dulloo, John Seidel, Thomas Congedo, Bojan Petrovic, Vefa Kucukboyaci