Patents by Inventor George E. Weeks

George E. Weeks 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: 10679523
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting tampering with a seal is provided. A loop seal tamper indicating device includes a seal wire that may be passed through a secured item or container to form a loop with the free ends of the seal wire passing through a seal housing. A plunger body including an adhesive-filled cavity is inserted into the seal housing, such that a piston expresses the adhesive into the space between the seal housing and the plunger body. The adhesive may contain reflective particles and is cured to fix the particles and the adhesive in place. A reference image may be taken to record the unique identifier and reflective signature of the adhesive. Future validation images may be compared to the reference image to determine whether the reflective signature has changed, thus indicating that the seal has been tampered with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: George E. Weeks, Keith Tolk, Jennifer E. Tanner, Jacob Benz, Keir C. Allen, Helen M. White, Daniel Krementz, Lawrence J. Harpring, Raymond R. Lawson
  • Publication number: 20180033341
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting tampering with a seal is provided. A loop seal tamper indicating device includes a seal wire that may be passed through a secured item or container to form a loop with the free ends of the seal wire passing through a seal housing. A plunger body including an adhesive-filled cavity is inserted into the seal housing, such that a piston expresses the adhesive into the space between the seal housing and the plunger body. The adhesive may contain reflective particles and is cured to fix the particles and the adhesive in place. A reference image may be taken to record the unique identifier and reflective signature of the adhesive. Future validation images may be compared to the reference image to determine whether the reflective signature has changed, thus indicating that the seal has been tampered with.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: George E. Weeks, Keith Tolk, Jennifer E. Tanner, Jacob Benz, Keir C. Allen, Helen M. White, Daniel Krementz, Lawrence J. Harpring, Raymond R. Lawson
  • Patent number: 9754469
    Abstract: A system for tamper identification. A fastener has a tamper identification surface with a unique grain structure that is altered if the fastener is removed or otherwise exposed to sufficient torque. After a period of time such as e.g., shipment and/or storage of the sealed container, a determination of whether tampering has occurred can be undertaken by examining the grain structure to determine if it has changed since the fastener was used to seal the container or secure the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: SAVANAH RIVER NUCLEAR SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: John Thomas Bobbitt, III, George E. Weeks
  • Publication number: 20160049057
    Abstract: A system is provided for tamper identification. At least one fastener is used to seal a compartment or secure a device. The fastener has a tamper identification surface with a unique grain structure that is altered if the fastener is removed or otherwise exposed to sufficient torque. After a period of time such as e.g., shipment and/or storage of the sealed container, a determination of whether tampering has occurred can be undertaken by examining the grain structure to determine if it has changed since the fastener was used to seal the container or secure the device. Tools and other components specifically designed to alter the grain structure of the tamper identification surface may be employed. A variety of fastener types may be used, and the fastener may be configured with one or more materials more susceptible to alteration of the grain structure along the tamper identification surface so as to enhance the ability to determine tampering. Authentication is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: John Thomas Bobbitt, III, George E. Weeks
  • Publication number: 20110164652
    Abstract: A calorimeter for use in measuring a sample is provided. The calorimeter may include a sample chamber for housing the sample therein. A separate reference chamber may not be present in the calorimeter. The calorimeter may also have a sample thermoelectric cooler in which heat from the sample chamber is transferred to the sample thermoelectric cooler. A reference thermoelectric cooler for use in detecting thermal noise may also be present, and outputs from the sample thermoelectric cooler and the reference thermoelectric cooler may be used in a control equation to determine the heat output of the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Lee A. ReFalo, George E. Weeks
  • Patent number: 4934861
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching external stores or loads on a thin walled pole includes a first, open ended and externally threaded hollow sleeve defining a shoulder at one end, and a second, open ended and internally threaded hollow sleeve. An elliptical disk mounted to one end of the second sleeve defines a second shoulder. An other end of the first sleeve is threadable in an other end of the second sleeve to form a hollow sleeve assembly of variable length. The elliptical disk has an elliptical projection which fits in an elliptical hole of a thin walled pole when the hollow sleeve assembly is fitted therein. By using an external tool to relatively rotate the first and second hollow sleeves, one can tighten the hollow sleeve assembly to provide an expansive prestress and support for a bolt which passes through the hollow sleeve assembly for attachment of stores or loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: The University of Alabama
    Inventors: George E. Weeks, Theodore W. Ryan