Patents by Inventor Gregory Penza
Gregory Penza 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).
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Publication number: 20240110809Abstract: A system and method for asset identification and mapping is provided to capture and process information related to one or more objects using a machine learning algorithm. The captured information can be processed using a trained object identification system to identify, label, and map the object(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2023Publication date: April 4, 2024Inventors: Ali ASMARI, G. Gregory PENZA
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Patent number: 11828617Abstract: A system for asset identification and mapping is configured to information related to a plurality of objects with at least one sensor. The captured information may be processed to identify one or more assets among the objects, and a map generated including a geographic area proximate to at least one of the one or more assets. The at least one of the one or more assets may then be identified on the map.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2020Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: ULC TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Ali Asmari, G. Gregory Penza, III
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Patent number: 11668891Abstract: The disclosed system may include (1) a drive subsystem that translates along a powerline conductor, (2) a rotation subsystem that rotates a segment of fiber optic cable about the powerline conductor while the drive subsystem translates along the powerline conductor such that the segment of fiber optic cable is wrapped helically about the powerline conductor, and (3) an extension subsystem that (a) mechanically couples the rotation subsystem to the drive subsystem, and (b) selectively extends the rotation subsystem away from the drive subsystem and the powerline conductor to avoid obstacles along the powerline conductor. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: Meta Platforms, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan M. Kuriloff, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair, G. Gregory Penza
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Patent number: 11169351Abstract: The disclosed system may include (1) a drive subsystem that translates along a powerline conductor, (2) a rotation subsystem that rotates a segment of fiber optic cable about the powerline conductor while the drive subsystem translates along the powerline conductor such that the segment of fiber optic cable is wrapped helically about the powerline conductor, and (3) an extension subsystem that (a) mechanically couples the rotation subsystem to the drive subsystem, and (b) selectively extends the rotation subsystem away from the drive subsystem and the powerline conductor to avoid obstacles along the powerline conductor. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2019Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: Facebook, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan M Kuriloff, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair, G. Gregory Penza
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Publication number: 20210020073Abstract: A system for asset identification and mapping is configured to information related to a plurality of objects with at least one sensor. The captured information may be processed to identify one or more assets among the objects, and a map generated including a geographic area proximate to at least one of the one or more assets. The at least one of the one or more assets may then be identified on the map.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2020Publication date: January 21, 2021Inventors: Ali ASMARI, G. Gregory PENZA
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Publication number: 20200271884Abstract: The disclosed system may include (1) a drive subsystem that translates along a powerline conductor, (2) a rotation subsystem that rotates a segment of fiber optic cable about the powerline conductor while the drive subsystem translates along the powerline conductor such that the segment of fiber optic cable is wrapped helically about the powerline conductor, and (3) an extension subsystem that (a) mechanically couples the rotation subsystem to the drive subsystem, and (b) selectively extends the rotation subsystem away from the drive subsystem and the powerline conductor to avoid obstacles along the powerline conductor. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2019Publication date: August 27, 2020Inventors: Jonathan M. Kuriloff, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair, G. Gregory Penza
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Patent number: 10712391Abstract: A modular device is used to inspect a confined space in a machine. The entire inspection coverage area and corresponding status are mapped so that the inspection location and associated data are graphically visualized. An accelerometer mounted on the device serves as a tilt sensor and also provides data about a collision of the device with the space being inspected or defects therein. The accelerometer data in combination with an odometry system determines the axial position of the device. A gyroscope mounted on the device is used to determine the device heading. The locational information is used to generate an inspection map that provides inspection history, logged data and a reference that are useful in scheduling the next inspection. The output of the gyroscopes can be used to provide haptic feedback to the device operator to maintain proper device orientation.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2017Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: ABB Schweiz AGInventors: Sangeun Choi, George Q. Zhang, Thomas A. Fuhlbrigge, Hetal V. Lakhani, Than Htaik, Gregory Penza, Robert Kodadek, William John Eakins, Gregory F. Rossano
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Patent number: 10704380Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a cross-bore between a first pipe and a second pipe that are installed underground includes a support and an electronic circuit assembly. The support is movable through the first pipe. The electronic circuit assembly is mounted to the support to move through the first pipe with the support. The electronic circuit assembly includes a controller and a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor outputs a capacitance value based on an interaction of an electric field generated by the capacitance sensor with an environment of the first pipe. The capacitance sensor outputs to the controller a given capacitance value when the capacitance sensor is at a location where the environment of the first pipe is a cross-bore intersection with the second pipe. The controller generates an indicator indicative of a presence of a cross-bore upon the capacitance sensor outputting the given capacitance value.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.Inventors: John L. Jayne, G. Gregory Penza, Robert E. Kodadek, III
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Patent number: 10378992Abstract: A system and method for pipeline inspection may include a transport module having a sensor arrangement configured to carry one or more sensors, and it may be movable longitudinally through the pipeline and circumferentially around an interior of the pipeline. The sensor arrangement may include a sensor and a sensor cover selectively disposable over the sensor for isolating the sensor from contact with the inside surface of a wall of the pipeline. The sensor cover may include a cleaning arrangement disposed proximate the sensor for removing debris from the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2017Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Robert E. Kodadek, Michael Passaretti, Eric S. Feldman, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair
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Patent number: 10309576Abstract: A system and method for pipe insertion in live gas mains includes isolating a section of the gas main and taking measurements of service line connection points. This data is then used to prepare a pipe to be inserted into the gas main by drilling holes and applying fittings at the appropriate locations. The prepared pipe is then inserted into the gas main and the service lines are connected to it without the need to excavate the street over each service connection. The inserted pipe is then fluidly connected to the cut ends of the gas main and gas flow is routed through the newly inserted pipe and the attached service lines, while gas continues to flow through the original portions of the gas main that still remain in service.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2016Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Robert E. Kodadek, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair, Michael Passaretti, Jamie Sternlicht, Eric S. Feldman
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Patent number: 10302240Abstract: A launch system for a pressurized pipeline includes a housing attachable to the pipeline such that an inside of the housing is open to an interior of the pipeline and an outside of the housing is exposed to an ambient environment outside the pipeline. A first actuator arrangement is disposed on the outside of the housing, and a second actuator arrangement is disposed on the inside of the housing. A seal arrangement is disposed in the housing between the first actuator arrangement and the second actuator arrangement. Each of the first and second actuator arrangements is configured to receive a cable having a portion extending outside the housing, a portion extending through the seal arrangement, and a portion extending inside the housing. The actuator arrangements are independently operable to pull the cable relative to the seal arrangement for moving the cable into and out of the pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Robert E. Kodadek, Michael Passaretti, Eric S. Feldman, David Antanavige, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair
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Patent number: 10302239Abstract: A launch system for a pressurized pipeline includes a housing attachable to the pipeline such that an inside of the housing is open to an interior of the pipeline and an outside of the housing is exposed to an ambient environment outside the pipeline. A first actuator arrangement is disposed on the outside of the housing, and a second actuator arrangement is disposed on the inside of the housing. A seal arrangement is disposed in the housing between the first actuator arrangement and the second actuator arrangement. Each of the first and second actuator arrangements is configured to receive a cable having a portion extending outside the housing, a portion extending through the seal arrangement, and a portion extending inside the housing. The actuator arrangements are independently operable to pull the cable relative to the seal arrangement for moving the cable into and out of the pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Robert E. Kodadek, Michael Passaretti, Eric S. Feldman, David Antanavige, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair
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Patent number: 10295106Abstract: A launch system for a pressurized pipeline includes a housing attachable to the pipeline such that an inside of the housing is open to an interior of the pipeline and an outside of the housing is exposed to an ambient environment outside the pipeline. A first actuator arrangement is disposed on the outside of the housing, and a second actuator arrangement is disposed on the inside of the housing. A seal arrangement is disposed in the housing between the first actuator arrangement and the second actuator arrangement. Each of the first and second actuator arrangements is configured to receive a cable having a portion extending outside the housing, a portion extending through the seal arrangement, and a portion extending inside the housing. The actuator arrangements are independently operable to pull the cable relative to the seal arrangement for moving the cable into and out of the pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2016Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Robert E. Kodadek, Michael Passaretti, Eric S. Feldman, David Antanavige, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair
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Patent number: 10132440Abstract: A launch system for a pressurized pipeline includes a housing attachable to the pipeline such that an inside of the housing is open to an interior of the pipeline and an outside of the housing is exposed to an ambient environment outside the pipeline. A first actuator arrangement is disposed on the outside of the housing, and a second actuator arrangement is disposed on the inside of the housing. A seal arrangement is disposed in the housing between the first actuator arrangement and the second actuator arrangement. Each of the first and second actuator arrangements is configured to receive a cable having a portion extending outside the housing, a portion extending through the seal arrangement, and a portion extending inside the housing. The actuator arrangements are independently operable to pull the cable relative to the seal arrangement for moving the cable into and out of the pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2016Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Robert E. Kodadek, Michael Passaretti, Eric S. Feldman, David Antanavige, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair
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Publication number: 20180274358Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a cross-bore between a first pipe and a second pipe that are installed underground includes a support and an electronic circuit assembly. The support is movable through the first pipe. The electronic circuit assembly is mounted to the support to move through the first pipe with the support. The electronic circuit assembly includes a controller and a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor outputs a capacitance value based on an interaction of an electric field generated by the capacitance sensor with an environment of the first pipe. The capacitance sensor outputs to the controller a given capacitance value when the capacitance sensor is at a location where the environment of the first pipe is a cross-bore intersection with the second pipe. The controller generates an indicator indicative of a presence of a cross-bore upon the capacitance sensor outputting the given capacitance value.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2018Publication date: September 27, 2018Applicant: ULC Robotics, Inc.Inventors: John L. Jayne, G. Gregory Penza, Robert E. Kodadek, III
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Publication number: 20180230666Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2018Publication date: August 16, 2018Inventors: G. Gregory PENZA, George LOHR, Robert E. Kodadek, III
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Publication number: 20180106697Abstract: A system and method for pipeline inspection may include a transport module having a sensor arrangement configured to carry one or more sensors, and it may be movable longitudinally through the pipeline and circumferentially around an interior of the pipeline. The sensor arrangement may include a sensor and a sensor cover selectively disposable over the sensor for isolating the sensor from contact with the inside surface of a wall of the pipeline. The sensor cover may include a cleaning arrangement disposed proximate the sensor for removing debris from the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2017Publication date: April 19, 2018Inventors: G. Gregory PENZA, Robert E. KODADEK, Michael PASSARETTI, Eric S. FELDMAN, Benjamin LAGOSZ-SINCLAIR
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Patent number: 9945092Abstract: A system and method for utility maintenance may include a robotic system having an articulating arm capable of utilizing a variety of tools and sensors for locating and accessing underground structures. The robotic system may be contained within a truck or other vehicle that provides access to the ground through the floor of the vehicle or truck bed. A curtain may be extended from a bottom of the vehicle to the ground to enclose a work site and inhibit visual and physical access to it.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Robert E. Kodadek, III
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Patent number: 9927059Abstract: A system and method for pipe insertion in live gas mains includes isolating a section of the gas main and taking measurements of service line connection points. This data is then used to prepare a pipe to be inserted into the gas main by drilling holes and applying fittings at the appropriate locations. The prepared pipe is then inserted into the gas main and the service lines are connected to it without the need to excavate the street over each service connection. The inserted pipe is then fluidly connected to the cut ends of the gas main and gas flow is routed through the newly inserted pipe and the attached service lines, while gas continues to flow through the original portions of the gas main that still remain in service.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Robert E. Kodadek, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair, Michael Passaretti, Jamie Sternlicht, Eric S. Feldman
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Publication number: 20180059187Abstract: A modular device is used to inspect a confined space in a machine. The entire inspection coverage area and corresponding status are mapped so that the inspection location and associated data are graphically visualized. An accelerometer mounted on the device serves as a tilt sensor and also provides data about a collision of the device with the space being inspected or defects therein. The accelerometer data in combination with an odometry system determines the axial position of the device. A gyroscope mounted on the device is used to determine the device heading. The locational information is used to generate an inspection map that provides inspection history, logged data and a reference that are useful in scheduling the next inspection. The output of the gyroscopes can be used to provide haptic feedback to the device operator to maintain proper device orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Sangeun Choi, George Q. Zhang, Thomas A. Fuhlbrigge, Hetal V. Lakhani, Than Htaik, Gregory Penza, Robert Kodadek, William John Eakins