Patents by Inventor Richard J. Girndt

Richard J. Girndt 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: 8931344
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for inspecting a flaws in tubular disclosed herein include but are not limited to inspection stations comprising one or more chutes adapted to receive a tubular, an inspection assembly adapted to ultrasonically inspect a tubular in the one or more chutes, and one or more rotators for apply directional forces on the tubular to advance and rotate the tubular in the one or more chutes. The inspection assembly is adapted to ultrasonically inspect tubulars while the tubulars are under a rotational force in the chute. The inspection assembly may be further adapted to identify the end of a tubular in a first chute and index the position of the inspection assembly over a second chute to inspect a tubular loaded in the second chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Richard J. Girndt
  • Patent number: 8214161
    Abstract: The system provides first and second sensor assemblies and processor that work in cooperation to detect flaws in welded tubulars. The first sensor detects and provides an indication of the weld line to the processor, which analyzes the indication and determines the approximate location of the weld line along the tubular. The processor then transmits a signal to the second sensor assembly, which is preferably mounted on an automatic positioning apparatus. In response to the signal, the automatic positioning apparatus adjusts and readjusts the position of the second sensor assembly into proximity with the weld line to search for flaws in the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Richard J. Girndt
  • Publication number: 20110219881
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for inspecting a flaws in tubular disclosed herein include but are not limited to inspection stations comprising one or more chutes adapted to receive a tubular, an inspection assembly adapted to ultrasonically inspect a tubular in the one or more chutes, and one or more rotators for apply directional forces on the tubular to advance and rotate the tubular in the one or more chutes. The inspection assembly is adapted to ultrasonically inspect tubulars while the tubulars are under a rotational force in the chute. The inspection assembly may be further adapted to identify the end of a tubular in a first chute and index the position of the inspection assembly over a second chute to inspect a tubular loaded in the second chute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Richard J. Girndt
  • Publication number: 20090132181
    Abstract: The system provides first and second sensor assemblies and processor that work in cooperation to detect flaws in welded tubulars. The first sensor detects and provides an indication of the weld line to the processor, which analyzes the indication and determines the approximate location of the weld line along the tubular. The processor then transmits a signal to the second sensor assembly, which is preferably mounted on an automatic positioning apparatus. In response to the signal, the automatic positioning apparatus adjusts and readjusts the position of the second sensor assembly into proximity with the weld line to search for flaws in the tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Richard J. Girndt
  • Publication number: 20080178678
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for ultrasonic detection of flaws or defects in oil field tubulars utilizing composite transducers. An array of composite transducers are utilized to detect anomalies in the tubulars, such as transverse, wall or longitudinal defects. The use of the composite transducers allow for a greater inspection area over traditional transducers thereby reducing the number of channels needed for inspection of the tubulars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Richard J. Girndt
  • Patent number: 5600069
    Abstract: Ultrasonic testing apparatus 10 and method for ultrasonically scanning an oilfield tubular 42,56. The apparatus includes four ultrasonic arrays 12, 14, 16, 18 each containing a plurality of individual watertight ultrasonic transducers 20. Axially adjustable ultrasonic arrays 100, 121 include axially spaced sockets 102, 106, and 122, 124, 126, respectively, for controlling an axial movement thereof to preferably discrete positions associated with each selected range of diameters of oilfield tubulars to be tested. Within that range of diameters, the ultrasonic testing apparatus 10 reliably provides for a constant 100% coverage of the tubular to be tested. During scanning, the tubular 56 is moved axially and rotationally with respect to an ultrasonic testing apparatus 50 to provide a helical scan pattern along the length of the tubular 56.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: ICO, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Girndt, David E. Siverling
  • Patent number: 5175964
    Abstract: An improved technique is provided for removing flaws from internal pipe walls, and particularly the internal walls of tubes used in petroleum drilling and recovering operations. An ultrasonic detection unit positioned exterior of the oilfield tube is used to detect the defect. A powered grinding wheel is positioned on a support which may be axially moved to a desired location within the tubular passageway. A powered reciprocation unit including a crank arm and a connecting rod extending from the crank arm is used to reciprocate the grinding wheel with respect to the tubular member. The apparatus is provided with a base and a plurality of rollers for supporting and controlling the tubular member. A camera and a spray unit may be provided adjacent the grinding wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventor: Richard J. Girndt