Patents by Inventor Nathaniel J. Blackman
Nathaniel J. Blackman 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: 11933763Abstract: An apparatus for scanning a cylindrical part is provided. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer operable to emit ultrasonic waves into and receive ultrasonic waves from the part, with the ultrasonic transducer connected to a translation stage to move it up and down the part and around the circumference of the part. The apparatus does not mechanically contact the cylindrical or maintains contact only with soft elements, such that the apparatus does not damage sensitive parts. The apparatus also contains no magnetic parts, nor any elements that rely on magnetic detection, such that the apparatus is capable of being used in the vicinity of a part exhibiting a strong magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2021Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: VERIFI TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman, Ronald Eugene Nadeau, Ian Gravagne, Pruthul Kokkada Ravindranath
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Publication number: 20240085381Abstract: A phased array housing device includes a transducer housing section, including a linear phased array of transducer elements, and a couplant housing section, including one or more couplants. The linear phased array is able to translate across the length of the transducer housing section to simulate the results of a two-dimensional matrix of transducer elements. Some versions of the linear phased array attach to a pivot point after reaching an end of the transducer housing section such that the linear phased array is able to rotate and scan in a second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLCInventors: Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman, Gary Georgeson
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Patent number: 11860131Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system with an ultrasonic transducer housing assembly that maintains an acoustic coupling path for spherically focused transducers while allowing the placement of the housing at angles relative to a vertical angle. This invention extends the use of spherically focused transducers into portable systems with significantly reduced system and operational costs for non-destructive testing. The transducer housing assembly features a lens housing with an opening that is sealed with a replaceable fluid-tight membrane defining an acoustic window with acoustic properties similar to those of fluid in the housing and therefore at least translucent to the transducer and causing minimal signal loss. The housing contains minimal fluid to be cleaned up in case of improper use or leakage. The transducer housing also includes an optional surface offset and an ability to adjust the focal point of the transducer relative to the component surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2020Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: VERIFI TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman, Kayla P. Garrett, Douglas E. Smith
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Publication number: 20230408453Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as an air pocket, delamination, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting foreign objects within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each object area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLCInventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman
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Patent number: 11835484Abstract: An apparatus for scanning a cylindrical part is provided. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer operable to emit ultrasonic waves into and receive ultrasonic waves from the part, with the ultrasonic transducer connected to a translation stage to move it up and down the part and around the circumference of the part. The apparatus does not mechanically contact the cylindrical or maintains contact only with soft elements, such that the apparatus does not damage sensitive parts. The apparatus also contains no magnetic parts, nor any elements that rely on magnetic detection, such that the apparatus is capable of being used in the vicinity of a part exhibiting a strong magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: VERIFI TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Pruthul Kokkada Ravindranath, Nathaniel J. Blackman, Daniel Pulipati, Ian Gravagne
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Publication number: 20230358708Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as a hole, crack, wrinkle, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting defect areas within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each defect area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLCInventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman
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Patent number: 11726065Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as an air pocket, delamination, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting foreign objects within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each object area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2020Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: VERIFI TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman
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Publication number: 20230251228Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as a hole, crack, wrinkle, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting defect areas within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each defect area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2023Publication date: August 10, 2023Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLCInventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman
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Publication number: 20230236153Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as a hole, crack, wrinkle, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting defect areas within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each defect area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2023Publication date: July 27, 2023Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLCInventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman
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Patent number: 11686707Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as a hole, crack, wrinkle, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting defect areas within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each defect area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2020Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: VERIFI TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman
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Patent number: 11630084Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as a hole, crack, wrinkle, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting defect areas within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each defect area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2020Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: VERIFI TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman
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Patent number: 11619611Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as a hole, crack, wrinkle, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting defect areas within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each defect area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2021Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: VERIFI TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman
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Publication number: 20220412920Abstract: An apparatus for scanning a cylindrical part is provided. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer operable to emit ultrasonic waves into and receive ultrasonic waves from the part, with the ultrasonic transducer connected to a translation stage to move it up and down the part and around the circumference of the part. The apparatus does not mechanically contact the cylindrical or maintains contact only with soft elements, such that the apparatus does not damage sensitive parts. The apparatus also contains no magnetic parts, nor any elements that rely on magnetic detection, such that the apparatus is capable of being used in the vicinity of a part exhibiting a strong magnetic field.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2021Publication date: December 29, 2022Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLCInventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman, Ron Nadeau, Ian Gravagne, Pruthul Kokkada Ravindranath
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Publication number: 20220412921Abstract: An apparatus for scanning a cylindrical part is provided. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer operable to emit ultrasonic waves into and receive ultrasonic waves from the part, with the ultrasonic transducer connected to a translation stage to move it up and down the part and around the circumference of the part. The apparatus does not mechanically contact the cylindrical or maintains contact only with soft elements, such that the apparatus does not damage sensitive parts. The apparatus also contains no magnetic parts, nor any elements that rely on magnetic detection, such that the apparatus is capable of being used in the vicinity of a part exhibiting a strong magnetic field.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2021Publication date: December 29, 2022Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLCInventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Pruthul Kokkada Ravindranath, Nathaniel J. Blackman, Daniel Pulipati, Ian Gravagne
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Publication number: 20210364472Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system is capable of producing A-scans, B-scans, and C-scans of the test object and automatically highlighting potential foreign objects within the test object based on the scan data. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of displaying a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. In one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence module capable of highlighting foreign objects in order to provide size data, shape data, and/or depth data of the foreign object.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2021Publication date: November 25, 2021Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLCInventors: David A. Jack, Nathaniel J. Blackman, Benjamin M. Blandford
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Publication number: 20210310994Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as an air pocket, delamination, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting foreign objects within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each object area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2020Publication date: October 7, 2021Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLCInventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman
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Publication number: 20210302376Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as a hole, crack, wrinkle, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting defect areas within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each defect area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2021Publication date: September 30, 2021Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLCInventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman
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Publication number: 20210302385Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as a hole, crack, wrinkle, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting defect areas within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each defect area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2020Publication date: September 30, 2021Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLCInventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman
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Publication number: 20210302384Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system with an ultrasonic transducer housing assembly that maintains an acoustic coupling path for spherically focused transducers while allowing the placement of the housing at angles relative to a vertical angle. This invention extends the use of spherically focused transducers into portable systems with significantly reduced system and operational costs for non-destructive testing. The transducer housing assembly features a lens housing with an opening that is sealed with a replaceable fluid-tight membrane defining an acoustic window with acoustic properties similar to those of fluid in the housing and therefore at least translucent to the transducer and causing minimal signal loss. The housing contains minimal fluid to be cleaned up in case of improper use or leakage. The transducer housing also includes an optional surface offset and an ability to adjust the focal point of the transducer relative to the component surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2020Publication date: September 30, 2021Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLCInventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman, Kayla P. Garrett, Douglas E. Smith
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Publication number: 20210302373Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as a hole, crack, wrinkle, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting defect areas within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each defect area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2021Publication date: September 30, 2021Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLCInventors: David A. Jack, John E. Fitch, Nathaniel J. Blackman