Patents by Inventor Michael J. Metala
Michael J. Metala 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: 9177371Abstract: Interactive virtual inspection of modeled objects is provided. A graphic user interface facilitates interaction between a Data Visualization and Analysis application and the inspector. The Data Visualization and Analysis application acquires non-destructive examination data that is collected with reference to an industrial component under evaluation. The acquired non-destructive examination data is transformed into a visualization defined by a volumetric representation that is rendered on at least one display device as at least one view representative of the component under evaluation. The inspector may navigate the volumetric representation to investigate the integrity of the industrial component including non-surface conditions thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2009Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Metala, Waheed A. Abbasi
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Patent number: 8941970Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining and for reducing magnetism in a generator stator core (20). The method includes extending one or more conductors (38) proximate the core, applying a polarity-reversing excitation voltage to the one or more conductors, and reducing an amplitude of the voltage over time, wherein the voltage causes current to flow in the conductors, the current generating a magnetic field that demagnetizes the core. The method and apparatus are useful for determining hot spots in the core.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2011Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Metala, Werner Yzelman
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Patent number: 8805625Abstract: A method and apparatus for three-dimensional (3D) visualization and analysis for automatic non-destructive examination of a rotor bore using ultrasound. Data is acquired by scanning the rotor bore with an ultrasound pulser/transducer producing a plurality of one-dimensional ultrasound scans, each scan having a plurality of sample points. Each sample point is associated with a voxel of a regular 3D grid having a plurality of voxels. A Gaussian kernel is associated with each sample point and a value for a particular voxel is determined based on a weighted sum of sample points whose kernels cover the particular voxel. The values for the other voxels of the regular 3D grid are determined similarly. A 3D visualization of the rotor bore can be displayed to a user.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2010Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignees: Siemens Corporation, Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Jingdan Zhang, Shaohua Kevin Zhou, Waheed A. Abbasi, Chris Vierck, Peter Faltin, Daniel S. Morgan, Larry C. Himes, Dorin Comaniciu, Michael J. Metala
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Patent number: 8699817Abstract: An image reconstruction method includes receiving volume data comprising a plurality of sampling points, determining a first conditioning of the sampling points suppressing low amplitudes and conserving maximum amplitudes, determining a second conditioning of the sampling points wherein an influence of a sampling point depends on its distance to a grid point in a sampling grid, determining a kernel comprising a plurality of weighting functions for the first conditioning and the second conditioning to determine an energy spread of each of the plurality of sampling points without determining a shape or size of the kernel, and outputting a reconstructed volume according to the energy spread of each of the plurality of sampling points.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignees: Siemens Corporation, Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Jingdan Zhang, Moritz Michael Knorr, Guozhen Li, Shaohua Kevin Zhou, El Mahjoub Rasselkorde, Waheed A. Abbasi, Michael J. Metala
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Patent number: 8525831Abstract: A method and apparatus for three-dimensional visualization and analysis for automatic non-destructive examination of a solid Rotor using ultrasonic phased array is disclosed. Data is acquired by scanning a solid rotor with a phased array ultrasound transducer producing a plurality of two dimensional ultrasound scans. Each of a plurality of sample points of a plurality of two dimensional ultrasound scans are associated with a corresponding 3D image point of a regular grid. A kernel function for each of the plurality of sample points defining a size and shape of a kernel located at the corresponding image point is determined. A weight is assigned to each kernel which, in one embodiment, is based on the sample point value. A value for each image point of the regular 3D grid is determined based on kernels overlapping each image point. A three-dimensional volume representing the solid rotor is then visualized.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignees: Siemens Corporation, Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Jingdan Zhang, Moritz Michael Knorr, Shaohua Kevin Zhou, Waheed A. Abbasi, Michael F. Fair, Larry C. Himes, Michael J. Metala, El Mahjoub Rasselkorde
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Patent number: 8438929Abstract: A phased array ultrasonic testing system for examining discontinuities in turbine or generator rotor bores formed within turbine or generator rotors of a turbine or generator rotor assembly. The system includes a phased array ultrasonic transducer structured to be coupled to a surface of the rotor bore at a first location in order to emit an ultrasonic beam toward a second location of the rotor bore which is to be examined. The system further includes a control system with a computer and a controller for programming, emitting, and steering the ultrasonic beam via at least one, two-dimensional phased array transducer, thereby precisely and accurately inspecting the area of interest. Computer control of the beam permits the number of inspection locations and the number of different transducer wedges to be reduced providing for an efficient, timely inspection.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Metala, Waheed A. Abbasi
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Publication number: 20130094117Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining and for reducing magnetism in a generator stator core (20). The method includes extending one or more conductors (38) proximate the core, applying a polarity-reversing excitation voltage to the one or more conductors, and reducing an amplitude of the voltage over time, wherein the voltage causes current to flow in the conductors, the current generating a magnetic field that demagnetizes the core. The method and apparatus are useful for determining hot spots in the core.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventors: Michael J. Metala, Werner Yzelman
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Publication number: 20120128266Abstract: An image reconstruction method includes receiving volume data comprising a plurality of sampling points, determining a first conditioning of the sampling points suppressing low amplitudes and conserving maximum amplitudes, determining a second conditioning of the sampling points wherein an influence of a sampling point depends on its distance to a grid point in a sampling grid, determining a kernel comprising a plurality of weighting functions for the first conditioning and the second conditioning to determine an energy spread of each of the plurality of sampling points without determining a shape or size of the kernel, and outputting a reconstructed volume according to the energy spread of each of the plurality of sampling points.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicants: Siemens Energy, Inc., Siemens CorporationInventors: Jingdan Zhang, Moritz Michael Knorr, Guozhen Li, Shaohua Kevin Zhou, El Mahjoub Rasselkorde, Waheed A. Abbasi, Michael J. Metala
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Publication number: 20120055255Abstract: A phased array ultrasonic testing system for examining discontinuities in turbine or generator rotor bores formed within turbine or generator rotors of a turbine or generator rotor assembly. The system includes a phased array ultrasonic transducer structured to be coupled to a surface of the rotor bore at a first location in order to emit an ultrasonic beam toward a second location of the rotor bore which is to be examined. The system further includes a control system with a computer and a controller for programming, emitting, and steering the ultrasonic beam via at least one, two-dimensional phased array transducer, thereby precisely and accurately inspecting the area of interest. Computer control of the beam permits the number of inspection locations and the number of different transducer wedges to be reduced providing for an efficient, timely inspection.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Inventors: Michael J. Metala, Waheed A. Abbasi
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Patent number: 7950297Abstract: An inspection head where non-destructive inspection is structured to fit into narrow spaces, and to accurately and repeatably move an inspection probe along a surface to be inspected. Movement of the inspection head along an X, Y, Z, ?, and ?-axis is precisely controlled by individual drive mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2007Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Charles Crawford Moore, Michael Charles Moore, Michael F. Fair, James A. Bauer, Michael J. Metala
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Publication number: 20110109627Abstract: A method and apparatus for three-dimensional visualization and analysis for automatic non-destructive examination of a solid Rotor using ultrasonic phased array is disclosed. Data is acquired by scanning a solid rotor with a phased array ultrasound transducer producing a plurality of two dimensional ultrasound scans. Each of a plurality of sample points of a plurality of two dimensional ultrasound scans are associated with a corresponding 3D image point of a regular grid. A kernel function for each of the plurality of sample points defining a size and shape of a kernel located at the corresponding image point is determined. A weight is assigned to each kernel which, in one embodiment, is based on the sample point value. A value for each image point of the regular 3D grid is determined based on kernels overlapping each image point. A three-dimensional volume representing the solid rotor is then visualized.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2010Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicants: Siemens Corporation, Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Jingdan Zhang, Moritz Michael Knorr, Shaohua Kevin Zhou, Waheed A. Abbasi, Michael F. Fair, Larry C. Himes, Michael J. Metala, El Mahjoub Rasselkorde
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Publication number: 20110087443Abstract: A method and apparatus for three-dimensional (3D) visualization and analysis for automatic non-destructive examination of a rotor bore using ultrasound. Data is acquired by scanning the rotor bore with an ultrasound pulser/transducer producing a plurality of one-dimensional ultrasound scans, each scan having a plurality of sample points. Each sample point is associated with a voxel of a regular 3D grid having a plurality of voxels. A Gaussian kernel is associated with each sample point and a value for a particular voxel is determined based on a weighted sum of sample points whose kernels cover the particular voxel. The values for the other voxels of the regular 3D grid are determined similarly. A 3D visualization of the rotor bore can be displayed to a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: Siemens CorporationInventors: Jingdan Zhang, Shaohua Kevin Zhou, Waheed A. Abbasi, Chris Vierck, Peter Faltin, Daniel S. Morgan, Larry C. Himes, Dorin Comaniciu, Michael J. Metala
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Patent number: 7903140Abstract: An inspection system (200) is for inspecting power generation equipment (202) and includes a remote receiving device (134) which receives images captured and transmitted by an inspection apparatus (100). A recording device (142) records the images thereby providing a permanent record of the inspection. The inspection apparatus (100) comprises: a flashlight assembly (102) including a power supply (110), an elongated housing (104) having first and second ends (105,107), a lens body (120) coupled to the first end (105), and a lens cover (114) covering the lens body (120). The inspection apparatus (100) further includes an imaging system (122) having a camera (130), such as a wireless video camera, which is disposed within the lens body opening (121), an illumination assembly (106) which generally surrounds the camera (130), and a protective cover (116) for the illumination assembly (106). An associated method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Metala, James Bauer, John E. Noll
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Publication number: 20090307628Abstract: Interactive virtual inspection of modeled objects is provided. A graphic user interface facilitates interaction between a Data Visualization and Analysis application and the inspector. The Data Visualization and Analysis application acquires non-destructive examination data that is collected with reference to an industrial component under evaluation. The acquired non-destructive examination data is transformed into a visualization defined by a volumetric representation that is rendered on at least one display device as at least one view representative of the component under evaluation. The inspector may navigate the volumetric representation to investigate the integrity of the industrial component including non-surface conditions thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventors: Michael J. Metala, Waheed A. Abbasi
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Publication number: 20090126493Abstract: An inspection head where non-destructive inspection is structured to fit into narrow spaces, and to accurately and repeatably move an inspection probe along a surface to be inspected. Movement of the inspection head along an X, Y, Z, ?, and ?-axis is precisely controlled by individual drive mechanisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2007Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventors: Charles Crawford Moore, Michael Charles Moore, Michael F. Fair, James A. Bauer, Michael J. Metala
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Patent number: 7428842Abstract: A phased array ultrasonic testing system is for examining turbine disc bores and blade attachments for discontinuities, such as stress corrosion cracking. The system is particularly suited to perform an accurate and efficient inspection of components despite their having a relatively complex geometry, such as axial entry blade attachments and bores of associated discs. The system includes a control system with a computer and a controller for programming, emitting, and steering an ultrasonic beam via at least one two-dimensional phased array probe, thereby precisely inspecting the area of interest while simultaneously accommodating the aforementioned complex geometry of the disc or blade attachment. Computer control of the beam permits the number of inspection locations and the number of different probe wedges to be reduced providing for an efficient, timely inspection. Methods of profiling and examining turbine components of known and unknown geometries, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2005Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.Inventors: Michael Fair, Waheed A. Abbasi, Michael J. Metala, Walter Matulewicz
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Patent number: 6791351Abstract: An electromagnetic generator inspection system that employs a plurality of excitation frequencies and comprises one or more pickup coils that monitor a portion of the interior of a stator core to provide an output that identifies the location, severity and radial depth of any flaw in the insulation covering the laminations that are monitored.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventors: Mark William Fischer, James William Shelton, Michael J. Metala
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Publication number: 20040000923Abstract: An electromagnetic generator inspection system that employs a plurality of excitation frequencies and comprises one or more pickup coils that monitor a portion of the interior of a stator core to provide an output that identifies the location, severity and radial depth of any flaw in the insulation covering the laminations that are monitored.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2002Publication date: January 1, 2004Inventors: Mark William Fischer, James William Shelton, Michael J. Metala
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Patent number: 6619109Abstract: An inspection apparatus (40) for in-situ leak testing of the bell seal (30) of a steam turbine (10). The apparatus includes a pair of inflatable bladders (48,52) for defining a sealed volume having the bell seal (30) as its only leakage path. The mass flow rate of pressurized air (70) at various pressures through the bell seal (30) is compared to the known flow rates through a similarly designed bell seal having various degrees of degradation. A camera (60) rotated by motor (62) between the bladders (48,52) provides an indication of the proper positioning of the inspection apparatus (40) and facilitates a visual inspection of the bell seal (30) and retaining nut (42). The inspection apparatus (40) may be inserted into an inlet to the turbine through a disassembled flow control valve without the need for any disassembly of the turbine.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2000Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventors: George F. Dailey, Mark Fischer, Michael J. Metala, James A. Bauer
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Patent number: 6508413Abstract: A machine (10) that can clean and spray coat the inside of a hollow pipe (14) can contain a support bar (16) and associated motors (6 and 8) with a moveable carriage (12) which mounts a thermal spray coating device (28) and/or an abrasion cleaning/profiling head (30) where a programmable controller external to the pipe is capable of controlling the motors (6 and 8).Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventors: James Alan Bauer, George Franklin Dailey, Mark William Fischer, Dwight Owen Willaman, Michael J. Metala