Patents by Inventor Nien L. Lee
Nien L. Lee 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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Publication number: 20230251080Abstract: A seal ring inspection system may include a chuck system configured for securing a seal ring and an inspection tool framework arranged about the chuck system and configured to adjustably support a plurality of inspection tools relative to the seal ring. The system may also include a plurality of inspection tools adjustably arranged on the inspection tool framework including an imaging device and a plurality of lasers. The plurality of lasers may also include a surface laser and a pair of diagonally directed profile lasers collectively configured for capturing a full profile of the seal ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2022Publication date: August 10, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Nien L. Lee, Nicholas S. Craven
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Patent number: 11119005Abstract: A method and system for grading pistons with deposits is disclosed. In an embodiment, a piston with upon its outer surface deposits is three dimensionally scanned and compared to a reference model to detect the location and geometry of the deposits. The location and geometry of the deposits are recorded and used to grade the pistons. The piston is increased in temperature and thermally scanned. The deposits are identified based on the temperature differences measured with respect to the temperature of the outer surface of the piston. Deposit characteristics can be generated from the identified locations of deposits and the magnitude of temperature difference with respect to the outer surface. The deposit characteristics are recorded and used to grade the pistons.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2019Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Seth C. Studnicka, Christopher S. Meeks, Nien L. Lee, Michael S. Radovanovic
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Publication number: 20210131986Abstract: A method and system for grading pistons with deposits is disclosed. In an embodiment, a piston with deposits is three dimensionally scanned and compared to a reference model to detect the location and geometry of the deposits. The location and geometry of the deposits are recorded and used to grade the pistons.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Radovanovic, Christopher S. Meeks, Nien L. Lee
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Publication number: 20210131913Abstract: A method and system for grading pistons with deposits is disclosed. In an embodiment, a piston with upon its outer surface deposits is three dimensionally scanned and compared to a reference model to detect the location and geometry of the deposits. The location and geometry of the deposits are recorded and used to grade the pistons. The piston is increased in temperature and thermally scanned. The deposits are identified based on the temperature differences measured with respect to the temperature of the outer surface of the piston. Deposit characteristics can be generated from the identified locations of deposits and the magnitude of temperature difference with respect to the outer surface. The deposit characteristics are recorded and used to grade the pistons.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Seth C. Studnicka, Christopher S. Meeks, Nien L. Lee, Michael S. Radovanovic
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Patent number: 9867568Abstract: A method of determining wear of an artificial knee assembly (AKA) includes acquiring a first set of computed tomography (CT) data about the AKA in vivo. A first volumetric file is generated based on the first set of CT data. A first point cloud data set is generated based on the first volumetric AKA file. A first dimensional analysis of the AKA is performed using the first point cloud data set. A second volumetric file is generated based on a second set of acquired CT data before implantation or from a model. A second point cloud data set is generated based on the second volumetric AKA file. A second dimensional analysis is performed using the second point cloud data set. The first dimensional analysis is compared to the second dimensional analysis and a determination is made if they are different from each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Marion B. Grant, Nien L. Lee
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Publication number: 20170367647Abstract: A method of determining wear of an artificial knee assembly (AKA) includes acquiring a first set of computed tomography (CT) data about the AKA in vivo. A first volumetric file is generated based on the first set of CT data. A first point cloud data set is generated based on the first volumetric AKA file. A first dimensional analysis of the AKA is performed using the first point cloud data set. A second volumetric file is generated based on a second set of acquired CT data before implantation or from a model. A second point cloud data set is generated based on the second volumetric AKA file. A second dimensional analysis is performed using the second point cloud data set. The first dimensional analysis is compared to the second dimensional analysis and a determination is made if they are different from each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2016Publication date: December 28, 2017Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Marion B. Grant, Nien L. Lee
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Publication number: 20170080541Abstract: A fixture member in contact with a work piece to detect a load caused by the work piece is disclosed. The fixture member includes a first layer and a second layer defining a first thickness and a second thickness, respectively. The second layer is disposed on the first layer. The second layer is further in contact with the work piece. The fixture member also includes a sensing device disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The sensing device is configured to generate a signal indicative of the load caused by the work piece.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2015Publication date: March 23, 2017Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Balasubramanyam Appalla, Justin C. Mach, George K. Mathai, Nien L. Lee
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Patent number: 8094321Abstract: A multi-target photogrammetric target assembly and related method of evaluating curvilinear surface character. The target assembly includes a first photogrammetric target disposed at a first support and a second photogrammetric target disposed at a second support. The first support and the second support are operatively connected such that the first target is in predefined lateral spaced relation to the second target. The method includes providing a structure having a curvilinear surface and affixing one or more multi-target photogrammetric target assemblies to the curvilinear surface. The position of the targets is measured by one or more imaging devices to define surface contour characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Nien L. Lee
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Patent number: 7706912Abstract: An orifice formation system is provided. The system includes a manufacturing machine configured to form an orifice in a workpiece, a computed tomography x-ray machine configured to generate data based on geometry of the workpiece, and a computer in communication with the manufacturing machine and the computed tomography x-ray machine. The computer is configured to control the manufacturing machine based on the data generated by the computed tomography x-ray machine. A method of controlling formation of an orifice in a workpiece is also provided. The method includes acquiring computed tomography data about the workpiece, determining geometry of the workpiece based on the computed tomography data, and forming an orifice in the workpiece based on the determined geometry of the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Marion B. Grant, Nien L. Lee
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Publication number: 20090214106Abstract: A multi-target photogrammetric target assembly and related method of evaluating curvilinear surface character. The target assembly includes a first photogrammetric target disposed at a first support and a second photogrammetric target disposed at a second support. The first support and the second support are operatively connected such that the first target is in predefined lateral spaced relation to the second target. The method includes providing a structure having a curvilinear surface and affixing one or more multi-target photogrammetric target assemblies to the curvilinear surface. The position of the targets is measured by one or more imaging devices to define surface contour characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2008Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventor: Nien L. Lee
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Publication number: 20090143885Abstract: An orifice formation system is provided. The system includes a manufacturing machine configured to form an orifice in a workpiece, a computed tomography x-ray machine configured to generate data based on geometry of the workpiece, and a computer in communication with the manufacturing machine and the computed tomography x-ray machine. The computer is configured to control the manufacturing machine based on the data generated by the computed tomography x-ray machine. A method of controlling formation of an orifice in a workpiece is also provided. The method includes acquiring computed tomography data about the workpiece, determining geometry of the workpiece based on the computed tomography data, and forming an orifice in the workpiece based on the determined geometry of the workpiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2007Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventors: Marion B. Grant, Nien L. Lee