Patents by Inventor Paul David Featonby

Paul David Featonby 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).

  • Patent number: 11474053
    Abstract: The invention discloses a scanning method and apparatus suitable for scanning a pipeline or a process vessel in which a beam of gamma radiation from a source is emitted through the pipeline or the process vessel to be detected by an array of detectors, which are each collimated to detect gamma radiation over a narrow angle relative to a width of the emitted beam of gamma radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Christopher Bowdon, Paul David Featonby, James Stephen Howstan, Peter Jackson, Kenneth James, Emanuele Ronchi
  • Publication number: 20220244198
    Abstract: The invention discloses a scanning method and apparatus suitable for scanning a pipeline or a process vessel in which a beam of gamma radiation from a source is emitted through the pipeline or the process vessel to be detected by an array of detectors, which are each collimated to detect gamma radiation over a narrow angle relative to a width of the emitted beam of gamma radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher Bowdon, Paul David Featonby, James Stephen Howstan, Peter Jackson, Kenneth James, Emanuele Ronchi
  • Patent number: 11402339
    Abstract: The invention discloses a scanning method and apparatus suitable for scanning a pipeline or a process vessel in which a beam of gamma radiation from a source is emitted through the pipeline or the process vessel to be detected by an array of detectors, which are each collimated to detect gamma radiation over a narrow angle relative to a width of the emitted beam of gamma radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Christopher Bowdon, Paul David Featonby, James Stephen Howstan, Peter Jackson, Kenneth James, Emanuele Ronchi
  • Publication number: 20210033545
    Abstract: The invention discloses a scanning method and apparatus suitable for scanning a pipeline or process vessel in which a beam of gamma radiation from a source is emitted through the vessel to be detected by an array of detectors which are each collimated to detect radiation over a narrow angle relative to the width of the emitted radiation beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher Bowdon, Paul David Featonby, James Stephen Howstan, Peter Jackson, Kenneth James, Emanuele Ronchi
  • Patent number: 10697905
    Abstract: A subsea apparatus and method for scanning a subsea structure to detect differences in density between different parts of the subsea structure is described. A source of gamma radiation and a plurality of detectors arranged to detect gamma radiation emitted by the source are provided. The subsea structure is positioned between the source and the detectors, and the detectors and the source rotated in a fixed relationship to each other about an axis of rotation located between the detectors and the source. The plurality of detectors are arranged in a linear array, the linear array being substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. A pixelated detector array and a source container are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Paul David Featonby, Owen John Lloyd Jones, Francis O'Doherty, Emanuele Ronchi, John Somerton
  • Patent number: 10641716
    Abstract: The invention discloses a scanning method and apparatus suitable for scanning a pipeline or process vessel in which a beam of gamma radiation from a source is emitted through the vessel to be detected by an array of detectors which are each collimated to detect radiation over a narrow angle relative to the width of the emitted radiation beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Christopher Bowdon, Paul David Featonby, James Stephen Howstan, Peter Jackson, Kenneth James, Emanuele Ronchi
  • Patent number: 10458834
    Abstract: A detector probe, for detecting ionizing radiation and which is suitable for use in a nucleonic instrument usable in locations having a high ambient temperature, includes an array of radiation detectors mounted on a support and a heat pipe for cooling the detector probe. The nucleonic instrument incorporating such a detector probe is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Paul David Featonby, Timothy Hough, Geoffrey Stuart Howe
  • Patent number: 10451569
    Abstract: An apparatus for scanning a structure to detect density differences between different structure parts, the apparatus includes a source of gamma radiation, a plurality of first detectors arranged to detect radiation emitted by the source along a plurality of respective first paths, a plurality of second detectors arranged to detect radiation emitted by the source along a plurality of respective second paths. Each first and second path is substantially aligned with a respective radius of a circle centered on the source, and an angular separation between at least two neighboring first paths is S. The first and second detectors and the source are arranged for rotation in a fixed relationship with respect to each other, about an axis of rotation located between the source and detectors, wherein the axis of rotation is substantially orthogonal to the circle. An asymmetric collimator block directs gamma radiation from the source to the detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Paul David Featonby, Emanuele Ronchi
  • Patent number: 10436172
    Abstract: A subsea apparatus (1, 201) is disclosed. The subsea apparatus (1, 201) comprises a first part (2, 202) and a second part (3, 203) rotatably mounted on the first part (2, 202). The second part (3, 203) comprises electrically powered components (16). A motor (8, 208) is mounted on the first part (2, 202) and configured to drive rotation of the second part (3, 203) relative to the first part (2, 202). The apparatus also comprises a generator (12, 212) mounted on the second part (3, 203) such that rotation of the second part (3, 203) relative to the first part (2, 202) drives the generator (12, 212) to generate power for the electrically powered components (16). A method of providing power to a rotating part of a subsea apparatus (1, 201) is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventor: Paul David Featonby
  • Patent number: 10073048
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for scanning a structure for detecting variations in density of a structure, the apparatus (10) includes: a source of radiation (20); a plurality of detectors (30), arranged for receiving radiation emitted by the source along a plurality of respective paths (26); the apparatus configured such that, a structure (100) to be scanned is positionable between the detectors and the source; collimation elements (40) including a plurality of collimator channels (42), each located between a respective detector and the source; and collimation adjustment element (60). The apparatus, in a first configuration, provides a first resolution (r1) in an axial direction substantially orthogonal to a plane including the source and plurality of paths; and, in a second configuration, the collimation adjustment element is positioned between the collimation elements and the source such that the apparatus provides a second resolution (r2) in the axial direction; wherein r2<r1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Paul David Featonby, Emanuele Ronchi
  • Publication number: 20180119667
    Abstract: A subsea apparatus (1, 201) is disclosed. The subsea apparatus (1, 201) comprises a first part (2, 202) and a second part (3, 203) rotatably mounted on the first part (2, 202). The second part (3, 203) comprises electrically powered components (16). A motor (8, 208) is mounted on the first part (2, 202) and configured to drive rotation of the second part (3, 203) relative to the first part (2, 202). The apparatus also comprises a generator (12, 212) mounted on the second part (3, 203) such that rotation of the second part (3, 203) relative to the first part (2, 202) drives the generator (12, 212) to generate power for the electrically powered components (16). A method of providing power to a rotating part of a subsea apparatus (1, 201) is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventor: Paul David FEATONBY
  • Publication number: 20180100816
    Abstract: A subsea apparatus and method for scanning a subsea structure to detect differences in density between different parts of the subsea structure is described. A source of gamma radiation and a plurality of detectors arranged to detect gamma radiation emitted by the source are provided. The subsea structure is positioned between the source and the detectors, and the detectors and the source rotated in a fixed relationship to each other about an axis of rotation located between the detectors and the source. The plurality of detectors are arranged in a linear array, the linear array being substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. A pixelated detector array and a source container are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Inventors: Paul David FEATONBY, Owen John Lloyd JONES, Francis O'DOHERTY, Emanuele RONCHI, John SOMERTON
  • Patent number: 9897558
    Abstract: The invention discloses a scanning method and apparatus suitable for scanning a pipeline or process vessel in which a beam of gamma radiation from a source is emitted through the vessel to be detected by an array of detectors which are each collimated to detect radiation over a narrow angle relative to the width of the emitted radiation beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: JOHNSON MATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
    Inventors: Christopher Bowdon, Paul David Featonby, James Stephen Howstan, Peter Jackson, Kenneth James, Emanuele Ronchi
  • Patent number: 9869647
    Abstract: A scanning method which is a method of identifying a change in the density of an object includes arranging a source of ionizing radiation and an array of radiation detectors Dn, where n is an integer from 1 to N, capable of detecting the radiation in such a way that radiation counts are counted by the detectors as the source and detectors are rotated around the object and normalized counts values are collated in a matrix such that a pattern may be detected within the matrix from which the presence of a change in the density of the object at a location lying on at least one of the radiation paths may be inferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Paul David Featonby, Emanuele Ronchi
  • Publication number: 20180011208
    Abstract: The invention discloses a scanning method and apparatus suitable for scanning a pipeline or process vessel in which a beam of gamma radiation from a source is emitted through the vessel to be detected by an array of detectors which are each collimated to detect radiation over a narrow angle relative to the width of the emitted radiation beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher BOWDON, Paul David FEATONBY, James Stephen HOWSTAN, Peter JACKSON, Kenneth JAMES, Emanuele RONCHI
  • Publication number: 20170122887
    Abstract: An apparatus for scanning a structure to detect density differences between different structure parts, the apparatus includes a source of gamma radiation, a plurality of first detectors arranged to detect radiation emitted by the source along a plurality of respective first paths, a plurality of second detectors arranged to detect radiation emitted by the source along a plurality of respective second paths. Each first and second path is substantially aligned with a respective radius of a circle centered on the source, and an angular separation between at least two neighbouring first paths is S. The first and second detectors and the source are arranged for rotation in a fixed relationship with respect to each other, about an axis of rotation located between the source and detectors, wherein the axis of rotation is substantially orthogonal to the circle. An asymmetric collimator block directs gamma radiation from the source to the detectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: JOHNSON MATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul David FEATONBY, Emanuele RONCHI
  • Publication number: 20170045465
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for scanning a structure for detecting variations in density of a structure, the apparatus (10) includes: a source of radiation (20); a plurality of detectors (30), arranged for receiving radiation emitted by the source along a plurality of respective paths (26); the apparatus configured such that, a structure (100) to be scanned is positionable between the detectors and the source; collimation elements (40) including a plurality of collimator channels (42), each located between a respective detector and the source; and collimation adjustment element (60). The apparatus, in a first configuration, provides a first resolution (r1) in an axial direction substantially orthogonal to a plane including the source and plurality of paths; and, in a second configuration, the collimation adjustment element is positioned between the collimation elements and the source such that the apparatus provides a second resolution (r2) in the axial direction; wherein r2<r1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Paul David FEATONBY, Emanuele RONCHI
  • Patent number: 9534947
    Abstract: An instrument adapted for the determination of fluid levels within a vessel by the comparison of the density of the fluid along the length of the instrument, said instrument comprising: (i) at least one generally linear source array comprising a plurality of sources of penetrating radiation, shielding and collimation means and a source supporting structure for supporting the sources and shielding and collimation means in a linear array (ii) at least one generally linear detector array comprising a plurality of radiation detectors, supported on a detector support structure, capable of detecting radiation emitted by the sources, and (iii) means to position the source and a respective detector array such that (a) radiation emitted from each of the sources is capable of following a linear path from the source, through the vessel and material to at least a respective one of the detectors forming a part of the respective detector array, and (b) the linear axis of the source array and the linear axis of its respecti
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: JOHNSON MATTHEY PLC
    Inventors: Paul David Featonby, Peter Jackson, Benjamin Metcalfe, Thomas John Partington
  • Publication number: 20160313263
    Abstract: A scanning method which is a method of identifying a change in the density of an object includes arranging a source of ionizing radiation and an array of radiation detectors Dn, where n is an integer from 1 to N, capable of detecting the radiation in such a way that radiation counts are counted by the detectors as the source and detectors are rotated around the object and normalized counts values are collated in a matrix such that a pattern may be detected within the matrix from which the presence of a change in the density of the object at a location lying on at least one of the radiation paths may be inferred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: Paul David FEATONBY, Emanuele RONCHI
  • Patent number: 9127977
    Abstract: The invention provides a detector assembly for use in a nucleonic level gauge comprising: a) at least one radiation detector; b) electronic apparatus for controlling the at least one detector and processing the electronic signals produced by the at least one detector; and c) a photomultiplier; wherein all of said components (a)-(c) are capable of being enclosed in an elongate, radiation-permeable housing having a cross-sectional area which is substantially uniform along the length of the housing. A detector apparatus may contain a plurality of such detector assemblies contained within a single housing. The detector is preferably an elongate plastic scintillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey PLC
    Inventors: Paul David Featonby, Alan Roy Jones, Sara Hillary Margaret Gibson