Patents by Inventor Robert A. Barker
Robert A. Barker 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: 10857403Abstract: An infrastructure monitoring assembly includes a fire hydrant; a pipe connected in fluid communication with the fire hydrant, a fluid at least partially filling the pipe; a sensor positioned in the fluid, the sensor configured to measure a parameter of the fluid; and a processor connected in communication with the sensor, the processor configured to receive a signal from the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2019Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: Mueller International, LLCInventors: Gregory E. Hyland, Robert Paul Keefe, Marietta Edmunds Zakas, Clayton Robert Barker
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Patent number: 10843021Abstract: An infrastructure monitoring assembly includes a nozzle cap, the nozzle cap comprising a metallic material; an antenna cover, the antenna cover attached to the nozzle cap, the antenna cover comprising a plastic material, the antenna cover defining an antenna cavity; and an antenna extending into the antenna cavity. An infrastructure monitoring assembly includes a fire hydrant, the fire hydrant defining a nozzle; a nozzle cap, the nozzle cap comprising a metallic material, the nozzle cap attached to the nozzle and sealing the nozzle; an antenna cover attached to the nozzle cap, the antenna cover comprising a plastic material, the antenna cover defining an antenna cavity; and an antenna disposed within the antenna cavity.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2017Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Mueller International, LLCInventors: Gregory E. Hyland, Robert Paul Keefe, Marietta Edmunds Zakas, Clayton Robert Barker
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Publication number: 20200069987Abstract: An infrastructure monitoring assembly includes a fire hydrant; a pipe connected in fluid communication with the fire hydrant, a fluid at least partially filling the pipe; a sensor positioned in the fluid, the sensor configured to measure a parameter of the fluid; and a processor connected in communication with the sensor, the processor configured to receive a signal from the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2019Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventors: Gregory E. Hyland, Robert Paul Keefe, Marietta Edmunds Zakas, Clayton Robert Barker
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Publication number: 20190272678Abstract: Example implementations may relate to methods and systems for detecting an event in a physical region within a physical space. Accordingly, a computing system may receive from a subscriber device an indication of a virtual region within a virtual representation of the physical space such that the virtual region corresponds to the physical region. The system may also receive from the subscriber a trigger condition associated with the virtual region, where the trigger condition corresponds to a particular physical change in the physical region. The system may also receive sensor data from sensors in the physical space and a portion of the sensor data may be associated with the physical region. Based on the sensor data, the system may detect an event in the physical region that satisfies the trigger condition and may responsively provide to the subscriber a notification that indicates that the trigger condition has been satisfied.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2019Publication date: September 5, 2019Inventors: Arshan Poursohi, Daniel Aden, Matthew Amacker, Charles Robert Barker, Paul Vincent Byrne, Paul Du Bois, Greg Joseph Klein, Steve Scott Tompkins
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Patent number: 10347047Abstract: Example implementations may relate to methods and systems for detecting an event in a physical region within a physical space. Accordingly, a computing system may receive from a subscriber device an indication of a virtual region within a virtual representation of the physical space such that the virtual region corresponds to the physical region. The system may also receive from the subscriber a trigger condition associated with the virtual region, where the trigger condition corresponds to a particular physical change in the physical region. The system may also receive sensor data from sensors in the physical space and a portion of the sensor data may be associated with the physical region. Based on the sensor data, the system may detect an event in the physical region that satisfies the trigger condition and may responsively provide to the subscriber a notification that indicates that the trigger condition has been satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2016Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Arshan Poursohi, Daniel Aden, Matthew Amacker, Charles Robert Barker, Paul Vincent Byrne, Paul Du Bois, Greg Joseph Klein, Steve Scott Tompkins
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Patent number: 10262518Abstract: A method of disseminating information includes detecting, by a first monitoring device, a condition of an aspect of an infrastructure; transmitting data relating to the condition and a first time stamp; detecting, by a second monitoring device, the condition; transmitting data relating to the condition and a second time stamp; determining whether a difference in data indicates a problem of contamination; subsequent to an indication of the problem of contamination, determining an amount of the contamination, an approximate location of the contamination, a direction of contamination movement, and a speed of the contamination movement, based on the first time stamp and the second time stamp; determining whether a difference in data indicates corrosion within the infrastructure; and subsequent to the indication of corrosion, determining whether the data relating to the condition indicates an amount of corrosion determined to be the problem, and a level of severity of the corrosion.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2018Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: Mueller International LLCInventors: Gregory E. Hyland, Robert Paul Keefe, Marietta Edmonds Zakas, Clayton Robert Barker
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Patent number: 10109059Abstract: Example methods and systems for background subtraction re-initialization are disclosed. In an example method, computing system may use a set of active sensors to determine a background representation of a space that can be divided into subspaces with each subspace depicted by a quantity of data points that depends on the active sensors. The system may determine locations of objects moving the space using the active sensors and the background representation. In some instances, the system may receive an indication of a change in the active sensors and responsively determine new quantities of data points that depict each subspace after the change. The system may further adjust the background representation of the space by subtracting data points corresponding to the determined locations of the objects moving in the space from the new quantities of data points that depict each subspace of the space after the change in the active sensors.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2016Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Greg Joseph Klein, Charles Robert Barker, Jr.
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Publication number: 20180174424Abstract: A method of disseminating information includes detecting, by a first monitoring device, a condition of an aspect of an infrastructure; transmitting data relating to the condition and a first time stamp; detecting, by a second monitoring device, the condition; transmitting data relating to the condition and a second time stamp; determining whether a difference in data indicates a problem of contamination; subsequent to an indication of the problem of contamination, determining an amount of the contamination, an approximate location of the contamination, a direction of contamination movement, and a speed of the contamination movement, based on the first time stamp and the second time stamp; determining whether a difference in data indicates corrosion within the infrastructure; and subsequent to the indication of corrosion, determining whether the data relating to the condition indicates an amount of corrosion determined to be the problem, and a level of severity of the corrosion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2018Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventors: Gregory E. Hyland, Robert Paul Keefe, Marietta Edmonds Zakas, Clayton Robert Barker
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Publication number: 20180093117Abstract: An infrastructure monitoring assembly includes a nozzle cap, the nozzle cap comprising a metallic material; an antenna cover, the antenna cover attached to the nozzle cap, the antenna cover comprising a plastic material, the antenna cover defining an antenna cavity; and an antenna extending into the antenna cavity. An infrastructure monitoring assembly includes a fire hydrant, the fire hydrant defining a nozzle; a nozzle cap, the nozzle cap comprising a metallic material, the nozzle cap attached to the nozzle and sealing the nozzle; an antenna cover attached to the nozzle cap, the antenna cover comprising a plastic material, the antenna cover defining an antenna cavity; and an antenna disposed within the antenna cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2017Publication date: April 5, 2018Inventors: Gregory E. Hyland, Robert Paul Keefe, Marietta Edmunds Zakas, Clayton Robert Barker
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Patent number: 9934670Abstract: An infrastructure monitoring system includes: a first monitoring device configured to detect and monitor a first condition of a first aspect of the infrastructure and transmit a data signal including data relating to the first condition; a second monitoring device configured to detect and monitor a second condition of a second aspect of the infrastructure and transmit a data signal including data relating to the second condition; a third monitoring device configured to detect and monitor a third condition of a third aspect of the infrastructure and transmit a data signal including data relating to the third condition; and an operations center communicatively coupled to each monitoring device, the operations center configured to receive the data signal from each monitoring device and determine whether the data included in the data signal received from any one of the monitoring devices indicates a problem within the infrastructure.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Mueller International, LLCInventors: Gregory E. Hyland, Robert Paul Keefe, Marietta Edmonds Zakas, Clayton Robert Barker, III
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Patent number: 9861848Abstract: A leak detection assembly includes a leak detection sensor mountable on a surface of a component of a water infrastructure system; and a communications device mountable on the component, the leak detection sensor connected to the communications device, the communications device including an antenna, wherein the communications device is a component of an infrastructure monitoring system. A leak detection system includes a component of a water infrastructure system; a leak detection sensor mounted on a surface of the component; and a communications device positioned in proximity to the component and connected to the leak detection sensor, the communications device including an antenna, wherein the communications device is a component of an infrastructure monitoring system.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Mueller International, LLCInventors: Gregory E. Hyland, Robert Paul Keefe, Marietta Edmunds Zakas, Clayton Robert Barker, III
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Patent number: 9849322Abstract: An infrastructure monitoring assembly includes a housing mountable on a fire hydrant of an infrastructure system; and a sensor coupled to the housing, the sensor configured to sense at least one condition of a fluid within the infrastructure system. An infrastructure monitoring system includes a fire hydrant of an infrastructure system; a housing mountable on the fire hydrant of the infrastructure system; and a sensor coupled to the housing, the sensor configured to sense at least one condition of a fluid within the infrastructure system.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Mueller International, LLCInventors: Gregory E. Hyland, Robert Paul Keefe, Marietta Edmunds Zakas, Clayton Robert Barker
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Patent number: 9799204Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for an infrastructure monitoring system.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Mueller International, LLCInventors: Gregory E. Hyland, Robert Paul Keefe, Marietta Edmunds Zakas, Clayton Robert Barker
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Patent number: 9782711Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic control of a baghouse fabric filter system as a single unit to maintain a consistent pressure drop are disclosed. The fabric filter system may be a pulse jet cleaning system, and a controller may be provided to receive inputs from pressure sensors and other components and to control activation of pulse pipes for cleaning filter bags. The controller may adjust parameters including the dwell time between pulses, the duration of each pulse, and the pulse air pressure. The controller may further optimize these parameters to provide the minimum cleaning necessary per pulse to achieve the consistent differential pressure. By continuously adjusting the parameters, the system maintains the maximum amount of filter cake on the bags to promote optimal emissions control performance.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: COVANTA ENERGY, LLCInventor: Robert Barker
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Patent number: 9709277Abstract: The present application provides a micro-mixer fuel plenum for mixing a flow of fuel and a flow of air in a combustor. The micro-mixing fuel plenum may include an outer barrel and a number of mixing tubes positioned within the outer barrel. The mixing tubes may include one or more heat transfer features thereon.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2012Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Christopher Paul Keener, Thomas Edward Johnson, Carl Robert Barker
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Publication number: 20170148217Abstract: Example implementations may relate to methods and systems for detecting an event in a physical region within a physical space. Accordingly, a computing system may receive from a subscriber device an indication of a virtual region within a virtual representation of the physical space such that the virtual region corresponds to the physical region. The system may also receive from the subscriber a trigger condition associated with the virtual region, where the trigger condition corresponds to a particular physical change in the physical region. The system may also receive sensor data from sensors in the physical space and a portion of the sensor data may be associated with the physical region. Based on the sensor data, the system may detect an event in the physical region that satisfies the trigger condition and may responsively provide to the subscriber a notification that indicates that the trigger condition has been satisfied.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2016Publication date: May 25, 2017Inventors: Arshan Poursohi, Daniel Aden, Matthew Amacker, Charles Robert Barker, Paul Vincent Byrne, Paul Du Bois, Greg Joseph Klein, Steve Scott Tompkins
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Patent number: 9500370Abstract: A fuel nozzle in a combustion turbine engine that includes: a fuel plenum defined between an circumferentially extending shroud and axially by a forward tube-sheet and an aft tube-sheet; and a mixing-tube that extends across the fuel plenum that defines a passageway connecting an inlet formed through the forward tube-sheet and an outlet formed through the aft tube-sheet, the mixing-tube comprising one or more fuel ports that fluidly communicate with the fuel plenum. The mixing-tube may include grooves on an outer surface, and be attached to the forward tube-sheet by a connection having a fail-safe leakage path.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2013Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Carl Robert Barker
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Patent number: 9432255Abstract: Aspects and implementations of the present disclosure are directed to methods and systems for a network tolerant to a network device that is temporarily absent from the control plane. In one aspect, in general, the system includes an event manager configured to send, to a controller configured to exchange control messages with a network device, a first request to temporarily withdraw the network device from control plane interactions. The event manager then triggers an event at the network device during which the network device is non-responsive to control plane interactions. After determining that the event has completed, the event manager sends the controller a second request to restore the network device. The controller is configured to request, responsive to the first request, a network application to transition to a tolerant state; and to request, responsive to the second request, the network application to transition to a sensitive state.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Jahangir Hasan, Rajababru Thatikunta, Joon Suan Ong, Charles Robert Barker, Jr., Lorenzo Vicisano, Subbaiah Naidu Kotla Venkata, Victor Lin
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Publication number: 20160049067Abstract: An infrastructure monitoring system includes: a first monitoring device configured to detect and monitor a first condition of a first aspect of the infrastructure and transmit a data signal including data relating to the first condition; a second monitoring device configured to detect and monitor a second condition of a second aspect of the infrastructure and transmit a data signal including data relating to the second condition; a third monitoring device configured to detect and monitor a third condition of a third aspect of the infrastructure and transmit a data signal including data relating to the third condition; and an operations center communicatively coupled to each monitoring device, the operations center configured to receive the data signal from each monitoring device and determine whether the data included in the data signal received from any one of the monitoring devices indicates a problem within the infrastructure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2015Publication date: February 18, 2016Inventors: Gregory E. Hyland, Robert Paul Keefe, Marietta Edmonds Zakas, Clayton Robert Barker, III
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Publication number: 20160001114Abstract: An infrastructure monitoring assembly includes a housing mountable on a fire hydrant of an infrastructure system; and a sensor coupled to the housing, the sensor configured to sense at least one condition of a fluid within the infrastructure system. An infrastructure monitoring system includes a fire hydrant of an infrastructure system; a housing mountable on the fire hydrant of the infrastructure system; and a sensor coupled to the housing, the sensor configured to sense at least one condition of a fluid within the infrastructure system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2015Publication date: January 7, 2016Inventors: Gregory E. Hyland, Robert Paul Keefe, Marietta Edmunds Zakas, Clayton Robert Barker