Patents by Inventor Hassane Trigui

Hassane Trigui 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: 10814495
    Abstract: Systems and methods for securing a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to a subsea structure during cleaning, maintenance, or inspection of the structure surface are provided. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a pair of grasping hooks that are raised and lowered when driven by a motorized drive. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a rigid holder having a mechanical stop and connected to a swing arm, the swing arm configured to rotate inward, but not outward beyond the mechanical stop. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a plurality of linked segments in series, each connected at a plurality of pivot points. A pair of wires passes through the plurality of linked segments and connects to a pair of pulleys that extend or retract the wires, thereby rotating the plurality of linked segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Sahejad Patel, Fadl Abdellatif, Hassane Trigui, Ali Outa, Abdullah Arab
  • Patent number: 10766147
    Abstract: A buoyancy module for use with a water environment robotic system of the type having an underwater robotic vehicle having a winch has a buoyancy configuration which can be selectively altered. The system includes a module that is configured to be repeatedly, selectively buoyantly engaged and buoyantly disengaged with the underwater robotic vehicle. A tether is connected to the module and is extendable and retractable in response to operation of the winch. Extending and retracting the module can buoyantly engage or buoyantly disengage the buoyancy module with the underwater robotic vehicle according to the operation of a state controller. By engaging and disengaging the buoyancy module, the buoyancy of the underwater robot can be selectively altered. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Hassane Trigui, Ali Outa, Sahejad Patel, Fadl Abdellatif
  • Patent number: 10724669
    Abstract: An in-pipe inspection or maintenance apparatus comprises: a single rotational and radial deployment mechanism to both rotationally deploy a probe or tool about an inner circumference of a pipe with respect to the axis of the pipe and radially deploy the probe or tool to first and second target points on the inner circumference; and a single actuator to automatically actuate the rotational and radial deployment mechanism to perform both the rotational and radial deployments of the probe or tool. The rotational and radial deployment mechanism is further configured to: rotate the probe or tool and radially extend the probe or tool to the first target point in response to the single actuator actuating the rotational and radial deployment mechanism; and rotate the probe or tool from the first target point to the second target point in response to the single actuator further actuating the rotational and radial deployment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Abdoulelah Al-Hannabi, Mohamed Abdelkader, Hassane Trigui, Sahejad Patel, Fadl Abdellatif
  • Patent number: 10551296
    Abstract: This application discloses integrated probes and probe systems, which can be attached to the robotic arms of a remotely operated vehicle to perform both cathodic protection (CP) voltage measurements and ultrasonic testing (UT) thickness measurements at an underwater surface. In some embodiments, the integrated probe system couples an inner and outer gimbal together such that one or more electrically conductive legs pass from the outer gimbal through the inner gimbal. These legs are arranged about an ultrasonic sensor which extends from the front surface of the inner gimbal. When the integrated probe contacts the underwater surface, both the ultrasonic sensor and at least one leg contact the surface, thereby providing substantially simultaneous CP and UT measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Fadl Abdellatif, Hamad Al-Saiari, Ali Outa, Ayman Amer, Sahejad Patel, Ameen Obedan, Hassane Trigui
  • Patent number: 10532609
    Abstract: A method for traversing a magnetically inducible surface using a multidirectional wheel is provided. The method includes providing a vehicle having the multidirectional wheel, rotating a hub of the wheel along a first axial direction of rotation, continuing rotation of the hub of the wheel so as to cause a first roller disposed about a periphery of the hub to move out of contact with a first portion of the magnetically inducible surface and to cause a second roller disposed about the periphery of the hub in a plurality of rollers to contact a second portion of the magnetically inducible surface, wherein at least one roller among the plurality of rollers is in contact with the magnetically inducible surface throughout rotation of the wheel, and wherein the flux of the at least one magnet is concentrated toward portions of the surface being traversed adjacent to one or more of the plurality of rollers throughout rotation of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Brian Parrott, Pablo Carrasco Zanini, Ali Outa, Fadl Abdellatif, Hassane Trigui
  • Publication number: 20190344452
    Abstract: A buoyancy module for use with a water environment robotic system of the type having an underwater robotic vehicle having a winch has a buoyancy configuration which can be selectively altered. The system includes a module that is configured to be repeatedly, selectively buoyantly engaged and buoyantly disengaged with the underwater robotic vehicle. A tether is connected to the module and is extendable and retractable in response to operation of the winch. Extending and retracting the module can buoyantly engage or buoyantly disengage the buoyancy module with the underwater robotic vehicle according to the operation of a state controller. By engaging and disengaging the buoyancy module, the buoyancy of the underwater robot can be selectively altered. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Hassane Trigui, Ali Outa, Sahejad Patel, Fadl Abdellatif
  • Patent number: 10456924
    Abstract: A two-part, selectively dockable robotic system having counterbalanced stabilization during performance of an operation on an underwater target structure is provided. The robotic system includes a first underwater robotic vehicle that is sized and shaped to at least partially surround the underwater target structure. A second underwater robotic vehicle is sized and shaped to at least partially surround the underwater target structure and selectively dock with the first underwater robotic vehicle. The first and second robotic vehicles include complimentary docking mechanisms that permit the vehicles to selectively couple to each other with the underwater target structure disposed at least partially therebetween. One robot includes a tool that can act upon the target structure and the other robot includes a stabilization module that can act upon the target structure in an opposite manner in order to counterbalance the force of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ali Outa, Fadl Abdellatif, Sahejad Patel, Hassane Trigui
  • Publication number: 20190289993
    Abstract: A cleaning device that passively self-adjusts to improve biofoul removal across curved, non-uniform, or irregular underwater surfaces. The cleaning device includes a motor, one or more shafts coupled to the motor and coupled to one another via at least one universal joint, and a cleaning mechanism for removing biofoul from the target surface. The cleaning device includes an alignment mechanism that restricts the cleaning mechanism's movement to improve biofoul removal. The alignment mechanism can include bearings, spring components, dampening material, adhesion components, floatation objects, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: Ali Outa, Fadl Abdellatif, Ayman Amer, Sahejad Patel, Hassane Trigui, Ameen Obedan
  • Patent number: 10392086
    Abstract: A system for underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and wirelessly controlled subsystems is provided. The system comprises an ROV and a subsystem mounted to the ROV. The ROV includes a microcontroller, a main battery, and a transmitter-receiver. The subsystem includes a controller and a transmitter-receiver. The ROV is configured to communicate wirelessly with the subsystem via signals transmitted between the ROV transmitter-receiver and the subsystem transmitter-receiver. The system can further comprise a control center having a transmitter-receiver configured to communicate wirelessly with the ROV transmitter-receiver and the subsystem transmitter-receiver. The system can further comprise at least one relay module configured to relay signals between the transmitter-receivers of the system. The ROV of the system can also be configured to wirelessly transfer power from the main battery to the power source of the subsystem, such as by resonance coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Hassane Trigui, Sahejad Patel, Ali Outa, Ayman Amer, Fadl Abdellatif, Ameen Obedan
  • Patent number: 10369705
    Abstract: A water environment robotic system and method has a buoyancy configuration which can be selectively altered. The system includes an underwater robotic vehicle and a buoyancy module that is configured to be repeatedly, selectively buoyantly engaged and buoyantly disengaged with the underwater robotic vehicle. A tether is connected to the buoyancy module and a motor is operatively connected to the tether and is configured to extend and retract the tether and buoyancy module. The tether can be extended and retracted to extend and retract the buoyancy module. Extending and retracting the buoyancy module can buoyantly engage or buoyantly disengage the buoyancy module with the underwater robotic vehicle according to the arrangement of the system. By engaging and disengaging the buoyancy module, the buoyancy of the underwater robot can be selectively altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Hassane Trigui, Ali Outa, Sahejad Patel, Fadl Abdellatif
  • Patent number: 10342326
    Abstract: A cleaning device that passively self-adjusts to improve biofoul removal across curved, non-uniform, or irregular underwater surfaces. The cleaning device includes a motor, one or more shafts coupled to the motor and coupled to one another via at least one universal joint, and a cleaning mechanism for removing biofoul from the target surface. The cleaning device includes an alignment mechanism that restricts the cleaning mechanism's movement to improve biofoul removal. The alignment mechanism can include bearings, spring components, dampening material, adhesion components, floatation objects, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ali Outa, Fadl Abdellatif, Ayman Amer, Sahejad Patel, Hassane Trigui, Ameen Obedan
  • Patent number: 10272980
    Abstract: A method for performing operations using a water environment robotic system on a target section of pipeline located in an underwater environment is provided. The method includes the steps of deploying the underwater robotic vehicle into the water and visually inspecting the underwater environment to locate the pipeline and its plurality of weld joints. A cleaning operation is performed at one of the plurality of weld joints using the underwater robotic vehicle. The robotic vehicle can land on the sea floor and deploy a robotic arm to inspect the cleaned weld joint. The underwater can then swim to a next weld joint and land and perform cleaning and inspection operations, which can be repeated until all inspection sites are inspected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Fadl Abdellatif, Ali Outa, Sahejad Patel, Ayman Amer, Hassane Trigui
  • Publication number: 20190111572
    Abstract: A water environment robotic system and method has a buoyancy configuration which can be selectively altered. The system includes an underwater robotic vehicle and a buoyancy module that is configured to be repeatedly, selectively buoyantly engaged and buoyantly disengaged with the underwater robotic vehicle. A tether is connected to the buoyancy module and a motor is operatively connected to the tether and is configured to extend and retract the tether and buoyancy module. The tether can be extended and retracted to extend and retract the buoyancy module. Extending and retracting the buoyancy module can buoyantly engage or buoyantly disengage the buoyancy module with the underwater robotic vehicle according to the arrangement of the system. By engaging and disengaging the buoyancy module, the buoyancy of the underwater robot can be selectively altered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Hassane Trigui, Ali Outa, Sahejad Patel, Fadl Abdellatif
  • Publication number: 20190084163
    Abstract: Systems and methods for securing a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to a subsea structure during cleaning, maintenance, or inspection of the structure surface are provided. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a pair of grasping hooks that are raised and lowered when driven by a motorized drive. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a rigid holder having a mechanical stop and connected to a swing arm, the swing arm configured to rotate inward, but not outward beyond the mechanical stop. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a plurality of linked segments in series, each connected at a plurality of pivot points. A pair of wires passes through the plurality of linked segments and connects to a pair of pulleys that extend or retract the wires, thereby rotating the plurality of linked segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventors: Sahejad Patel, Fadl Abdellatif, Hassane Trigui, Ali Outa, Abdullah Arab
  • Patent number: 10234375
    Abstract: This application discloses integrated probes and probe systems, which can be attached to the robotic arms of a remotely operated vehicle to perform both cathodic protection (CP) voltage measurements and ultrasonic testing (UT) thickness measurements at an underwater surface. In some embodiments, the integrated probe system couples an inner and outer gimbal together such that one or more electrically conductive legs pass from the outer gimbal through the inner gimbal. These legs are arranged about an ultrasonic sensor which extends from the front surface of the inner gimbal. When the integrated probe contacts the underwater surface, both the ultrasonic sensor and at least one leg contact the surface, thereby providing substantially simultaneous CP and UT measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Fadl Abdellatif, Hamad Al-Saiari, Ali Outa, Ayman Amer, Sahejad Patel, Ameen Obedan, Hassane Trigui
  • Publication number: 20190061922
    Abstract: A system for landing and locomoting on a surface of a structure comprises an unmanned aerial vehicle having a plurality of independently controllable thrusters and an undercarriage including a frame with wheels at corners. The undercarriage further includes a plurality of bars pivotally coupled at respective first ends to the frame and coupled at respective second ends to the unmanned aerial vehicle; wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle is operative to differentially activate the plurality of thrusters so as to tilt with respect to the frame of the undercarriage and to cause a net resultant force on the undercarriage to locomote on the surface of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Pablo Carrasco Zanini, Hassane Trigui
  • Patent number: 10183400
    Abstract: A water environment robotic system and method has a buoyancy configuration which can be selectively altered. The system includes an underwater robotic vehicle and a buoyancy module that is configured to be selectively buoyantly engaged and buoyantly disengaged with the underwater robotic vehicle. A tether is connected to the buoyancy module and a motor is operatively connected to the tether and is configured to extend and retract the tether and buoyancy module. The tether can be extended and retracted to extend and retract the buoyancy module. Extending and retracting the buoyancy module can buoyantly engage or buoyantly disengage the buoyancy module with the underwater robotic vehicle according to the arrangement of the system. By engaging and disengaging the buoyancy module, the buoyancy of the underwater robot can be selectively altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Hassane Trigui, Ali Outa, Sahejad Patel, Fadl Abdellatif
  • Publication number: 20180372615
    Abstract: This application discloses integrated probes and probe systems, which can be attached to the robotic arms of a remotely operated vehicle to perform both cathodic protection (CP) voltage measurements and ultrasonic testing (UT) thickness measurements at an underwater surface. In some embodiments, the integrated probe system couples an inner and outer gimbal together such that one or more electrically conductive legs pass from the outer gimbal through the inner gimbal. These legs are arranged about an ultrasonic sensor which extends from the front surface of the inner gimbal. When the integrated probe contacts the underwater surface, both the ultrasonic sensor and at least one leg contact the surface, thereby providing substantially simultaneous CP and UT measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Fadl Abdellatif, Hamad Al-Saiari, Ali Outa, Ayman Amer, Sahejad Patel, Ameen Obedan, Hassane Trigui
  • Patent number: 10133277
    Abstract: A deployable docking station for supporting at least one mobile robot is provided. The deployable docking station includes a housing and an anchor connected to the housing. The anchor can engage with a surface to maintain the position of the deployable docking station. The deployable docking station is further configured to couple and decouple with the at least one mobile robot. The deployable docking station can be configured to selectively alternate between a first and second condition. In the first condition, the deployable docking station is coupled with the at least one mobile robot and the at least one mobile robot can transport the deployable docking station to a desired location on the surface. In the second condition, the deployable docking station is de-coupled from the at least one mobile robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Pablo Carrasco Zanini, Ali Outa, Fadl Abdellatif, Brian Parrott, Sahejad Patel, Hassane Trigui, Ayman Amer, Ali Shehri
  • Patent number: 10131057
    Abstract: Systems and methods for securing a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to a subsea structure during cleaning, maintenance, or inspection of the structure surface are provided. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a pair of grasping hooks that are raised and lowered when driven by a motorized drive. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a rigid holder having a mechanical stop and connected to a swing arm, the swing arm configured to rotate inward, but not outward beyond the mechanical stop. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a plurality of linked segments in series, each connected at a plurality of pivot points. A pair of wires passes through the plurality of linked segments and connects to a pair of pulleys that extend or retract the wires, thereby rotating the plurality of linked segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Sahejad Patel, Fadl Abdellatif, Hassane Trigui, Ali Outa, Abdullah Arab