Patents by Inventor Lawrence E. Mullins

Lawrence E. Mullins 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).

  • Automated robotic equipment for ultrasonic inspection of pressurizer heater wells
    Patent number: 5194215
    Abstract: A robotic device for remotely inspecting pressurizer heater wells is provided which has the advantages of quickly, precisely, and reliably acquiring data at reasonable cost while also reducing radiation exposure of an operator. The device comprises a prober assembly including a probe which enters a heater well, gathers data regarding the condition of the heater well and transmits a signal carrying that data; a mounting device for mounting the probe assembly at the opening of the heater well so that the probe can enter the heater well; a first motor mounted on the mounting device for providing movement of the probe assembly in an axial direction; and a second motor mounted on the mounting device for providing rotation of the probe assembly. This arrangement enables full inspection of the heater well to be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Henry D. Nachbar, Raymond S. DeRossi, Lawrence E. Mullins