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).
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Patent number: 11474053Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 21, 2022Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited CompanyInventors: Christopher Bowdon, Paul David Featonby, James Stephen Howstan, Peter Jackson, Kenneth James, Emanuele Ronchi
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Publication number: 20220244198Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2022Publication date: August 4, 2022Inventors: Christopher Bowdon, Paul David Featonby, James Stephen Howstan, Peter Jackson, Kenneth James, Emanuele Ronchi
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Patent number: 11402339Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 8, 2020Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited CompanyInventors: Christopher Bowdon, Paul David Featonby, James Stephen Howstan, Peter Jackson, Kenneth James, Emanuele Ronchi
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Publication number: 20210033545Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2020Publication date: February 4, 2021Inventors: Christopher Bowdon, Paul David Featonby, James Stephen Howstan, Peter Jackson, Kenneth James, Emanuele Ronchi
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Patent number: 10697905Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 17, 2016Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited CompanyInventors: Paul David Featonby, Owen John Lloyd Jones, Francis O'Doherty, Emanuele Ronchi, John Somerton
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Patent number: 10641716Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 19, 2017Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited CompanyInventors: Christopher Bowdon, Paul David Featonby, James Stephen Howstan, Peter Jackson, Kenneth James, Emanuele Ronchi
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Patent number: 10458834Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 5, 2013Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited CompanyInventors: Paul David Featonby, Timothy Hough, Geoffrey Stuart Howe
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Patent number: 10451569Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 31, 2015Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited CompanyInventors: Paul David Featonby, Emanuele Ronchi
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Patent number: 10436172Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 12, 2016Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited CompanyInventor: Paul David Featonby
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Patent number: 10073048Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 1, 2015Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited CompanyInventors: Paul David Featonby, Emanuele Ronchi
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Publication number: 20180119667Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2016Publication date: May 3, 2018Inventor: Paul David FEATONBY
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Publication number: 20180100816Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2016Publication date: April 12, 2018Inventors: Paul David FEATONBY, Owen John Lloyd JONES, Francis O'DOHERTY, Emanuele RONCHI, John SOMERTON
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Patent number: 9897558Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 2, 2012Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: JOHNSON MATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANYInventors: Christopher Bowdon, Paul David Featonby, James Stephen Howstan, Peter Jackson, Kenneth James, Emanuele Ronchi
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Patent number: 9869647Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited CompanyInventors: Paul David Featonby, Emanuele Ronchi
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Publication number: 20180011208Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2017Publication date: January 11, 2018Inventors: Christopher BOWDON, Paul David FEATONBY, James Stephen HOWSTAN, Peter JACKSON, Kenneth JAMES, Emanuele RONCHI
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Publication number: 20170122887Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2015Publication date: May 4, 2017Applicant: JOHNSON MATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANYInventors: Paul David FEATONBY, Emanuele RONCHI
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Publication number: 20170045465Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2015Publication date: February 16, 2017Inventors: Paul David FEATONBY, Emanuele RONCHI
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Patent number: 9534947Abstract: 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 respectiType: GrantFiled: April 16, 2015Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: JOHNSON MATTHEY PLCInventors: Paul David Featonby, Peter Jackson, Benjamin Metcalfe, Thomas John Partington
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Publication number: 20160313263Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2014Publication date: October 27, 2016Inventors: Paul David FEATONBY, Emanuele RONCHI
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Patent number: 9127977Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: Johnson Matthey PLCInventors: Paul David Featonby, Alan Roy Jones, Sara Hillary Margaret Gibson