Patents by Inventor Philippe Rave

Philippe Rave 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: 6198277
    Abstract: A system for inspecting in-service gas distribution mains is disclosed. Coiled tubing technology and magnetic flux leakage (MFL) technology are integrated to produce a new inspection system for low pressure, in-service distribution pipelines. The coiled tubing provides the means by which an inspection module employing MFL technology is inserted into, moved through, and removed from an in-service pipeline. A portable inspection system can thereby be moved to a desired location on a trailer. The sensor module comprises a plurality of magnet assemblies each having a Magnet N out, a Magnet S out and a magnet core, the magnet assemblies being conical in shape and being arranged into a circular array. The magnet array diameter is smaller than that of a pipe to be inspected, thus defining a radial air gap. The magnet array being constructed and arranged to provide a magnetic circuit having sufficient strength so as to be operable through the radial air gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Patrick Porter, Gerry Pittard, Kiran M. Kothari, Philippe Rave