Patents by Inventor Jeremy C. Mullaney
Jeremy C. Mullaney 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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Patent number: 9340219Abstract: Considerable damage to rails, wheels, and trucks can result from geometric anomalies in the wheelsets, rails, and truck hardware. A solution for identifying and quantifying geometric anomalies known to influence the service life of the rolling stock or the ride comfort for the case of passenger service is described. The solution comprises an optical system, which can be configured to accurately perform measurements at mainline speeds (e.g., greater than 100 mph). The optical system includes laser line projectors and imaging cameras and can utilize structured light triangulation.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2015Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: International Electronic Machines Corp.Inventors: Ronald W. Gamache, Zahid F. Mian, Jeremy C. Mullaney
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Publication number: 20150115109Abstract: Considerable damage to rails, wheels, and trucks can result from geometric anomalies in the wheelsets, rails, and truck hardware. A solution for identifying and quantifying geometric anomalies known to influence the service life of the rolling stock or the ride comfort for the case of passenger service is described. The solution comprises an optical system, which can be configured to accurately perform measurements at mainline speeds (e.g., greater than 100 mph). The optical system includes laser line projectors and imaging cameras and can utilize structured light triangulation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2015Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: International Electronic Machines CorporationInventors: Ronald W. Gamache, Zahid F. Mian, Jeremy C. Mullaney
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Patent number: 8925873Abstract: Considerable damage to rails, wheels, and trucks can result from geometric anomalies in the wheelsets, rails, and truck hardware. A solution for identifying and quantifying geometric anomalies known to influence the service life of the rolling stock or the ride comfort for the case of passenger service is described. The solution comprises an optical system, which can be configured to accurately perform measurements at mainline speeds (e.g., greater than 100 mph). The optical system includes laser line projectors and imaging cameras and can utilize structured light triangulation.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2013Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: International Electronic Machines Corp.Inventors: Ronald W. Gamache, Zahid F. Mian, Jeremy C. Mullaney
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Patent number: 8655540Abstract: A solution for further automating the identification and processing of rail vehicles is provided. Each individual rail vehicle in a series of rail vehicles is identified and data is acquired for the rail vehicle. Identification of each rail vehicle can be implemented using a set of electromagnetic beams that are emitted and detected across a set of rails in such a manner as to enable the reliable identification of individual rail vehicles. Data acquisition for the rail vehicles can include evaluation of one or more parts of the rail vehicle, particularly the rail wheels, for the presence of one or more defects. Data on the part(s), such as rail wheels, can be reliably assigned to a corresponding rail vehicle by also accounting for changes in the direction of movement of the rail vehicle in locations such as a classification yard.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: International Electronic Machines Corp.Inventors: Zahid F. Mian, Jeremy C. Mullaney
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Publication number: 20130313372Abstract: Considerable damage to rails, wheels, and trucks can result from geometric anomalies in the wheelsets, rails, and truck hardware. A solution for identifying and quantifying geometric anomalies known to influence the service life of the rolling stock or the ride comfort for the case of passenger service is described. The solution comprises an optical system, which can be configured to accurately perform measurements at mainline speeds (e.g., greater than 100 mph). The optical system includes laser line projectors and imaging cameras and can utilize structured light triangulation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: International Electronic Machines CorporationInventors: Ronald W. Gamache, Zahid F. Mian, Jeremy C. Mullaney
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Patent number: 8335606Abstract: Analysis of a vehicle is performed using multi-dimensional infrared image data acquired for the vehicle. A component of the vehicle can be identified within the infrared image data, and the infrared image data for the component can be analyzed to determine whether any condition(s) are present on the vehicle. One or more actions can be initiated in response to a determination that a particular condition is present. Additionally, visible image data can be used to supplement the infrared image data. Still further, infrared image data for similar components imaged concurrently with the component can be used to identify whether any condition(s) are present on the vehicle. Unlike prior art approaches in the rail industry, the analysis can be performed on rail vehicles within a classification yard.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2009Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: International Electronic Machines CorporationInventors: Zahid F. Mian, Jeremy C. Mullaney, Nicholas Glasser
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Patent number: 8280685Abstract: An improved solution for performing an inspection is provided, in which a user can use a handheld computing device to obtain and/or record the set of attributes required for the inspection. In particular, an inspection schedule can be initiated on the handheld computing device and the user can be prompted for the various attributes based on the inspection schedule. Various solutions can be incorporated for receiving the attributes on the handheld computing device, including manual entry, audible entry and/or one or more data sensing devices. Subsequently, the set of attributes can be communicated to a base station for further processing and/or more permanent storage.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2008Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: International Electronic Machines CorporationInventors: Zahid F. Mian, Jeremy C. Mullaney, Ryk E. Spoor
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Patent number: 8140250Abstract: A solution for further automating the identification, processing, and/or routing of rail vehicles is provided. Each individual rail vehicle in a series of rail vehicles is identified and measurement data is acquired for the rail vehicle. The measurement data is analyzed and the rail vehicle is automatically routed based on the analysis. The rail vehicle can be routed to an outbound track based on a destination, to a maintenance shop for repair, and/or to a local track for repair and/or re-measurement. The solution can further incorporate expert systems and data mining to reduce the number of rail vehicles that are unnecessarily routed for repair and/or inadvertently allowed to pass with one or more unsafe conditions.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: International Electronics Machines CorporationInventors: Zahid F. Mian, Jeremy C. Mullaney
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Patent number: 8006559Abstract: Inspection of rolling stock (e.g., rail vehicles) traveling along a set of rails is performed using devices that are placed in a housing that is attached to the set of rails. The housing conforms to standard width, height, and load bearing requirements for a railroad tie. As such, the housing can be readily installed and allows for the continued use of standard railroad maintenance equipment. One or more sensing devices are attached to the housing and acquire evaluation data on component(s) of the rail vehicle, such as the wheels. A computing device can evaluate a condition of the component(s) using the evaluation data.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: International Electronic Machines CorporationInventors: Zahid F. Mian, Jeremy C. Mullaney
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Patent number: 7841248Abstract: An improved maintenance, inspection, and/or measurement solution is provided. An embodiment of the invention includes a handheld measurement device for measuring an object, such as a railway wheel on a train. The handheld measurement device can comprise a single unit to provide one handed operation and can include various features, such as onboard evaluation, a graphical user interface, and/or a self-health monitor. Additionally, aspects of the invention provide an inspection environment that incorporates preliminary measurement data, wireless communications, and/or historical data into the measurement and evaluation process.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: International Electronic Machines CorporationInventors: Zahid F. Mian, Jeremy C. Mullaney, Robert MacAllister, William Peabody
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Publication number: 20100100275Abstract: Analysis of a vehicle is performed using multi-dimensional infrared image data acquired for the vehicle. A component of the vehicle can be identified within the infrared image data, and the infrared image data for the component can be analyzed to determine whether any condition(s) are present on the vehicle. One or more actions can be initiated in response to a determination that a particular condition is present. Additionally, visible image data can be used to supplement the infrared image data. Still further, infrared image data for similar components imaged concurrently with the component can be used to identify whether any condition(s) are present on the vehicle. Unlike prior art approaches in the rail industry, the analysis can be performed on rail vehicles within a classification yard.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2009Publication date: April 22, 2010Inventors: Zahid F. Mian, Jeremy C. Mullaney, Nicholas Glasser
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Publication number: 20100042369Abstract: An improved solution for performing an inspection is provided, in which a user can use a handheld computing device to obtain and/or record the set of attributes required for the inspection. In particular, an inspection schedule can be initiated on the handheld computing device and the user can be prompted for the various attributes based on the inspection schedule. Various solutions can be incorporated for receiving the attributes on the handheld computing device, including manual entry, audible entry and/or one or more data sensing devices. Subsequently, the set of attributes can be communicated to a base station for further processing and/or more permanent storage.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2008Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventors: Zahid F. Mian, Jeremy C. Mullaney, Ryk E. Spoor
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Patent number: 7564569Abstract: A solution for optically evaluating a wheel along at least one circumference of the wheel is provided. Image data is obtained while the wheel moves along a path having a length of at least one circumference of the wheel. The path and/or wheel can be illuminated to enhance the resulting image data. One or more attributes of the wheel are measured based on the image data. The attributes can then be used to detect one or more defects in the wheel. In one embodiment, the wheel is a rail wheel, and a rail segment is illuminated. The rail can be specially configured to enhance a contrast between the rail and the rail wheel and/or to provide a consistent path for the rail wheel to travel.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2006Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: International Electronic Machines Corp.Inventors: Zahid F. Mian, Jeremy C. Mullaney, Robert MacAllister, Thomas J. Schneider
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Patent number: 7536278Abstract: An improved solution for performing an inspection is provided, in which a user can use a handheld computing device to obtain and/or record the set of attributes required for the inspection. In particular, an inspection schedule can be initiated on the handheld computing device and the user can be prompted for the various attributes based on the inspection schedule. Various solutions can be incorporated for receiving the attributes on the handheld computing device, including manual entry, audible entry and/or one or more data sensing devices. Subsequently, the set of attributes can be communicated to a base station for further processing and/or more permanent storage.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2005Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: International Electronic Machines CorporationInventors: Zahid F. Mian, Jeremy C. Mullaney, Ryk E. Spoor
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Publication number: 20090090163Abstract: An improved maintenance, inspection, and/or measurement solution is provided. An embodiment of the invention includes a handheld measurement device for measuring an object, such as a railway wheel on a train. The handheld measurement device can comprise a single unit to provide one handed operation and can include various features, such as onboard evaluation, a graphical user interface, and/or a self-health monitor. Additionally, aspects of the invention provide an inspection environment that incorporates preliminary measurement data, wireless communications, and/or historical data into the measurement and evaluation process.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Inventors: Zahid F. Mian, Jeremy C. Mullaney, Robert MacAllister, William Peabody
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Publication number: 20090055041Abstract: A solution for further automating the identification and processing of rail vehicles is provided. Each individual rail vehicle in a series of rail vehicles is identified and data is acquired for the rail vehicle. Identification of each rail vehicle can be implemented using a set of electromagnetic beams that are emitted and detected across a set of rails in such a manner as to enable the reliable identification of individual rail vehicles. Data acquisition for the rail vehicles can include evaluation of one or more parts of the rail vehicle, particularly the rail wheels, for the presence of one or more defects. Data on the part(s), such as rail wheels, can be reliably assigned to a corresponding rail vehicle by also accounting for changes in the direction of movement of the rail vehicle in locations such as a classification yard.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventors: Zahid F. Mian, Jeremy C. Mullaney
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Publication number: 20090049936Abstract: Inspection of rolling stock (e.g., rail vehicles) traveling along a set of rails is performed using devices that are placed in a housing that is attached to the set of rails. The housing conforms to standard width, height, and load bearing requirements for a railroad tie. As such, the housing can be readily installed and allows for the continued use of standard railroad maintenance equipment. One or more sensing devices are attached to the housing and acquire evaluation data on component(s) of the rail vehicle, such as the wheels. A computing device can evaluate a condition of the component(s) using the evaluation data.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventors: Zahid F. Mian, Jeremy C. Mullaney
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Publication number: 20090055043Abstract: A solution for further automating the identification, processing, and/or routing of rail vehicles is provided. Each individual rail vehicle in a series of rail vehicles is identified and measurement data is acquired for the rail vehicle. The measurement data is analyzed and the rail vehicle is automatically routed based on the analysis. The rail vehicle can be routed to an outbound track based on a destination, to a maintenance shop for repair, and/or to a local track for repair and/or re-measurement. The solution can further incorporate expert systems and data mining to reduce the number of rail vehicles that are unnecessarily routed for repair and/or inadvertently allowed to pass with one or more unsafe conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventors: Zahid F. Mian, Jeremy C. Mullaney
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Patent number: 7478570Abstract: An improved maintenance, inspection, and/or measurement solution is provided. An embodiment of the invention includes a handheld measurement device for measuring an object, such as a railway wheel on a train. The handheld measurement device can comprise a single unit to provide one handed operation and can include various features, such as onboard evaluation, a graphical user interface, and/or a self-health monitor. Additionally, aspects of the invention provide an inspection environment that incorporates preliminary measurement data, wireless communications, and/or historical data into the measurement and evaluation process.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: International Electronic Machines Corp.Inventors: Zahid F. Mian, Jeremy C. Mullaney, Robert MacAllister, William Peabody
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Patent number: 7208733Abstract: A non-visible radiation imaging system is provided in which an image is obtained based on non-visible radiation of an object. The image can be enhanced to increase its resolution. Additionally, the image can be combined with another image based on visible light for the object. Further, a non-visible radiation inspection system and method are provided that perform an inspection of the object using one or more of the images.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: International Electronic Machines Corp.Inventors: Zahid F. Mian, Jeremy C. Mullaney, Ryk E. Spoor