Patents by Inventor George Lohr

George Lohr 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: 11774025
    Abstract: A fitting for connecting a branch conduit to a liner installed in a main pipe is configured to mechanically connect to the branch conduit as it is inserted into the branch conduit from inside the main pipe. The mechanical connection is established without rotating the fitting. The fitting can include a body having an outer shaft section for being received in the branch conduit and an inner flange section for opposing the liner within the main pipe. The fastener include one or more teeth that extend radially from the exterior of the shaft section. The teeth can be secured to the shaft section by deforming portions of the fitting body against the teeth. The flange section supports a gasket for sealing against the liner when the fitting is installed. The flange section can include a rim that maintains the gasket in the proper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: INA Acquisition Corp.
    Inventors: George Bontus, Rick Baxter, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair, George Lohr, David Antanavige, Dennis Semet, Steven McKeefrey
  • Patent number: 11079055
    Abstract: A fitting for connecting a branch conduit to a liner installed in a main pipe is configured to mechanically connect to the branch conduit as it is inserted into the branch conduit from inside the main pipe. The mechanical connection is established without rotating the fitting. The fitting can include a body having an outer shaft section for being received in the branch conduit and an inner flange section for opposing the liner within the main pipe. The fastener include one or more teeth that extend radially from the exterior of the shaft section. The teeth can be secured to the shaft section by deforming portions of the fitting body against the teeth. The flange section supports a gasket for sealing against the liner when the fitting is installed. The flange section can include a rim that maintains the gasket in the proper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: INA Acquisition Corp.
    Inventors: George Bontus, Rick Baxter, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair, George Lohr, David Antanavige, Dennis Semet, Steven McKeefrey
  • Patent number: 10811856
    Abstract: A system for servicing cable includes a plurality of jaws operable between an open position for receiving a cable in a direction transverse to a cable axis such that the cable extends axially beyond the jaws in two directions, and a closed position for engaging and rotationally fixing the cable about the cable axis. A tool arrangement is disposed proximate to the base and includes at least one tool operable to perform work on the cable when the cable is engaged by the jaws. The tool arrangement is operable to perform at least one of a rotational movement around or an axial movement along the cable axis and to operate the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignees: ULC Robotics, Inc., Consolidated Edison Company of New York
    Inventors: Alex Symington, Hermann Herrlich, George Lohr, Robert Kodadek
  • Publication number: 20200248857
    Abstract: A fitting for connecting a branch conduit to a liner installed in a main pipe is configured to mechanically connect to the branch conduit as it is inserted into the branch conduit from inside the main pipe. The mechanical connection is established without rotating the fitting. The fitting can include a body having an outer shaft section for being received in the branch conduit and an inner flange section for opposing the liner within the main pipe. The fastener include one or more teeth that extend radially from the exterior of the shaft section. The teeth can be secured to the shaft section by deforming portions of the fitting body against the teeth. The flange section supports a gasket for sealing against the liner when the fitting is installed. The flange section can include a rim that maintains the gasket in the proper position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: George Bontus, Rick Baxter, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair, George Lohr, David Antanavige, Dennis Semet, Steven McKeefrey
  • Publication number: 20200132234
    Abstract: A fitting for connecting a branch conduit to a liner installed in a main pipe is configured to mechanically connect to the branch conduit as it is inserted into the branch conduit from inside the main pipe. The mechanical connection is established without rotating the fitting. The fitting can include a body having an outer shaft section for being received in the branch conduit and an inner flange section for opposing the liner within the main pipe. The fastener include one or more teeth that extend radially from the exterior of the shaft section. The teeth can be secured to the shaft section by deforming portions of the fitting body against the teeth. The flange section supports a gasket for sealing against the liner when the fitting is installed. The flange section can include a rim that maintains the gasket in the proper position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: George Bontus, Rick Baxter, Ben Sinclair, George Lohr, Dave Antanavige, Dennis Semet, Steven McKeefrey
  • Publication number: 20180230666
    Abstract: An excavation system has a soil-agitation arrangement including an agitator operable to disturb soil to facilitate removal of disturbed soil from the ground. Also included is a vacuum arrangement operable to remove the disturbed soil from the ground, and a sensor arrangement including at least one sensor configured to detect a presence of at least one type of buried infrastructure in the ground. A shroud arrangement including a shroud disposed over at least a portion of the agitator and may be movable relative to the agitator to selectively cover and uncover at least a portion of the agitator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: G. Gregory PENZA, George LOHR, Robert E. Kodadek, III
  • Publication number: 20170358908
    Abstract: A system for electrical infrastructure maintenance includes a cutter arrangement configured for insertion into an electrical conduit and operable to cut around at least a portion of a perimeter of an electrical cable disposed within the conduit. A gripper arrangement is operable to capture a portion of the electrical cable, and a motor arrangement may be used to rotate and move linearly the cutter arrangement and the gripper arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: George LOHR, Robert E. KODADEK, III
  • Patent number: 9599571
    Abstract: An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, George Lohr, Hermann Herrlich
  • Publication number: 20170012412
    Abstract: A system for servicing cable includes a plurality of jaws operable between an open position for receiving a cable in a direction transverse to a cable axis such that the cable extends axially beyond the jaws in two directions, and a closed position for engaging and rotationally fixing the cable about the cable axis. A tool arrangement is disposed proximate to the base and includes at least one tool operable to perform work on the cable when the cable is engaged by the jaws. The tool arrangement is operable to perform at least one of a rotational movement around or an axial movement along the cable axis and to operate the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Alex SYMINGTON, Hermann HERRLICH, George LOHR, Robert KODADEK
  • Patent number: 9328858
    Abstract: A system for extracting liquid from a pipeline includes a flexible elongate member having a first end and including a conduit having an intake port proximate the first end for receiving the liquid. The system also includes a camera arrangement attached to the first end of the flexible elongate member, and a connection arrangement disposed between the camera arrangement and the first end of the flexible elongate member. The connection arrangement including at least one opening in fluid communication with the intake port such that the liquid can pass through the opening and into the intake port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, George Lohr
  • Publication number: 20140261796
    Abstract: A system for extracting liquid from a pipeline includes a flexible elongate member having a first end and including a conduit having an intake port proximate the first end for receiving the liquid therein. The system also includes a camera arrangement attached to the first end of the flexible elongate member, and a connection arrangement disposed between the camera arrangement and the first end of the flexible elongate member. The connection arrangement including at least one opening in fluid communication with the intake port such that the liquid can pass through the opening and into the intake port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ULC ROBOTICS INC.
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, George Lohr
  • Publication number: 20140218501
    Abstract: An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: ULC Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, George Lohr, Hermann Herrlich
  • Patent number: 8723943
    Abstract: An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, George Lohr, Hermann Herrlich
  • Publication number: 20110175996
    Abstract: An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: ULC ROBOTICS, INC.
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, George Lohr, Hermann Herrlich
  • Patent number: 7940297
    Abstract: An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, George Lohr, Hermann Herrlich
  • Publication number: 20100236639
    Abstract: A system and method for inhibiting gas release while accessing a pressurized gas pipeline includes a magnetic plug holder for magnetically engaging a pipe plug to a rod. A housing is sealingly engaged to a valve attached to the pipeline, and the rod is movable through the housing in a sealing fashion such that the plug holder can be moved linearly and rotationally relative to the housing. The housing can be sealingly attached to a portion of the valve, the valve can be opened, and the plug holder with a threaded plug magnetically engaged thereto lowered through the valve. The rod can be rotated from outside the housing to thread the plug into the threaded hole in the pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicants: ULC ROBOTICS, INC., CONSOLIDATED EDISON COMPANY OF NEW YORK, INC.
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Dennis Teehan, Hermann H. Herrlich, George Lohr
  • Publication number: 20090244276
    Abstract: An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: ULC Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, George Lohr, Hermann Herrlich
  • Patent number: 7551197
    Abstract: An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, George Lohr, Hermann Herrlich
  • Publication number: 20070051192
    Abstract: An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition-for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: ULC Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Penza, George Lohr, Hermann Herrlich
  • Publication number: 20060239810
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a handheld tool to a bucket of a prime mover includes a first plate having an aperture therethrough. The aperture is configured to receive a fastener for attaching the first plate to the bucket. A second plate is disposed opposite the first plate, and includes a second aperture therethrough for receiving a fastener for attaching the second plate to the bucket. A support structure is attached to the first and second plates, and is configured to support the handheld tool. A first clamp is attached to the support structure, and sized to receive a portion of the handheld tool, thereby at least partially securing the handheld tool to the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Publication date: October 26, 2006
    Applicants: ULC Robotics, Inc., Keyspan Corporation
    Inventors: G. Penza, George Lohr, Hermann Herrlich, Robert Chomicki, Anthony DeStefano