Patents by Inventor Robert E. Shannon
Robert E. Shannon 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: 8477154Abstract: A method of using a Graphic User Interface (GUI) for interactive virtual inspection of modeled objects. The method includes acquiring a three-dimensional model of a modeled object and displaying a first view of the modeled object for a user to identify locations of interest on a surface of the modeled object visible within the first view. The user enters information to create a markup tag that annotates the location of interest, and the markup tag is automatically associated with the location of interest on the modeled object. A second view of the modeled object is displayed including the user identified location of interest and the markup tag.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2007Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Fredrick M. Davis, Yakup Genc, Sergey Kabanov, Robert E. Shannon, Xiang Zhang
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Patent number: 8244025Abstract: A method of coalescing information about inspected objects. The method includes acquiring an image set of an object to be inspected, the image set having a three-dimensional model of the object and a plurality of two-dimensional images of the object. A location of interest is identified on a surface of the modeled object and global coordinate points of the three-dimensional model are designated that characterize the location of interest of the modeled object. A markup tag annotating the location of interest is associate with the designated global coordinate points of the three-dimensional model, and the markup tag is conveyed when viewing any one of the plurality of two-dimensional images of the image set that have at least one image point that correlates to a corresponding designated global coordinate point of the three-dimensional model that characterize the location of interest.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2007Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Fredrick M. Davis, Yakup Genc, Robert E. Shannon, Xiang Zhang
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Patent number: 7822268Abstract: A method for processing thermography signals. A time series of radiometric data is measured from a surface (104) of an object (102) over a period of heating and subsequent cooling, and a mathematical curve (1, 2) is fit to the data. An amplitude aspect and one or more shape aspects are identified for each curve. The amplitude and shape aspects are then used together to characterize features such as defects in the object. The amplitude and shape aspects for an array of such data may be combined in a single noise-free visual display (100) by associating hue (color) with the shape aspect and luminance (brightness) with the amplitude aspect. Optionally, a second shape aspect may be identified and associated with saturation on the display. A visible image of the object may be overlaid on the display.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2006Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Max Rothenfusser, Robert E. Shannon, Matthias Goldammer, Christian Homma
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Patent number: 7689003Abstract: An inspection apparatus (10) applying two dimensional nondestructive examination images onto a three dimensional solid model of a component (12) to display a virtual component (73) that may be manipulated to perform a nondestructive inspection. The two dimensional nondestructive examination images may be acquired from a plurality of views of the component in order to provide full coverage of the surface to be inspected, with appropriate stitching of images in regions of overlap between adjacent views. The two dimensional images (62) may be color or black and white photographs or ultraviolet or infrared images, for example. Multiple types of nondestructive examination images, results of inspection data evaluations, and design, operational and/or maintenance information may be displayed separately or jointly on the three dimensional solid model.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Shannon, Clifford Hatcher, Claudio Laloni, Frank Forster, Fredrick M. Davis
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Patent number: 7485882Abstract: A hand-held thermography system (8). A generator (10) supplies current to a transformer (15) in a handle (16). An induction coil (20) connected to the transformer (15) extends from the handle (16). The induction coil (20) induces eddy currents in a test object (50), producing a thermal topography on a surface (52) of the object (50) that reveals structural features including defects in the object. An infrared camera (24) mounted on the transformer (16) digitizes images of the thermal topography. A controller (12) processes the images, displays them on a monitor (14), and stores them in a digital memory (11) for evaluation. Digitized positional data relating the position of the image to the surface may also be stored. An operator (40) presses a trigger (17), signaling the controller (12) to start current to the induction coil (20) and simultaneously to acquire and process one or more images from the camera (24).Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2006Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Zombo, Robert E. Shannon, Max Rothenfusser, Matthias Goldammer, Christian Homma, Joachim Baumann
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Publication number: 20080247635Abstract: A method of coalescing information about inspected objects. The method includes acquiring an image set of an object to be inspected, the image set having a three-dimensional model of the object and a plurality of two-dimensional images of the object. A location of interest is identified on a surface of the modeled object and global coordinate points of the three-dimensional model are designated that characterize the location of interest of the modeled object. A markup tag annotating the location of interest is associate with the designated global coordinate points of the three-dimensional model, and the markup tag is conveyed when viewing any one of the plurality of two-dimensional images of the image set that have at least one image point that correlates to a corresponding designated global coordinate point of the three-dimensional model that characterize the location of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2007Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicant: SIEMENS POWER GENERATION, INC.Inventors: Fredrick M. Davis, Yakup Genc, Robert E. Shannon, Xiang Zhang
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Publication number: 20080247636Abstract: A method of using a Graphic User Interface (GUI) for interactive virtual inspection of modeled objects. The method includes acquiring a three-dimensional model of a modeled object and displaying a first view of the modeled object for a user to identify locations of interest on a surface of the modeled object visible within the first view. The user enters information to create a markup tag that annotates the location of interest, and the markup tag is automatically associated with the location of interest on the modeled object. A second view of the modeled object is displayed including the user identified location of interest and the markup tag.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2007Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicant: SIEMENS POWER GENERATION, INC.Inventors: Fredrick M. Davis, Yakup Genc, Sergey Kabanov, Robert E. Shannon, Xiang Zhang
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Publication number: 20080067455Abstract: A hand-held thermography system (8). A generator (10) supplies current to a transformer (15) in a handle (16). An induction coil (20) connected to the transformer (15) extends from the handle (16). The induction coil (20) induces eddy currents in a test object (50), producing a thermal topography on a surface (52) of the object (50) that reveals structural features including defects in the object. An infrared camera (24) mounted on the transformer (16) digitizes images of the thermal topography. A controller (12) processes the images, displays them on a monitor (14), and stores them in a digital memory (11) for evaluation. Digitized positional data relating the position of the image to the surface may also be stored. An operator (40) presses a trigger (17), signaling the controller (12) to start current to the induction coil (20) and simultaneously to acquire and process one or more images from the camera (24).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2006Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: Paul J. Zombo, Robert E. Shannon, Max Rothenfusser, Matthias Goldammer, Christian Homma, Joachim Baumann
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Publication number: 20070288177Abstract: A method for processing thermography signals. A time series of radiometric data is measured from a surface (104) of an object (102) over a period of heating and subsequent cooling, and a mathematical curve (1, 2) is fit to the data. An amplitude aspect and one or more shape aspects are identified for each curve. The amplitude and shape aspects are then used together to characterize features such as defects in the object. The amplitude and shape aspects for an array of such data may be combined in a single noise-free visual display (100) by associating hue (color) with the shape-aspect and luminance (brightness) with the amplitude aspect. Optionally, a second shape aspect may be identified and associated with saturation on the display. A visible image of the object may be overlaid on the display.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2006Publication date: December 13, 2007Inventors: Max Rothenfusser, Robert E. Shannon, Matthias Goldammer, Christian Homma
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Publication number: 20070217672Abstract: An inspection apparatus (10) applying two dimensional nondestructive examination images onto a three dimensional solid model of a component (12) to display a virtual component (73) that may be manipulated to perform a nondestructive inspection. The two dimensional nondestructive examination images may be acquired from a plurality of views of the component in order to provide full coverage of the surface to be inspected, with appropriate stitching of images in regions of overlap between adjacent views. The two dimensional images (62) may be color or black and white photographs or ultraviolet or infrared images, for example. Multiple types of nondestructive examination images, results of inspection data evaluations, and design, operational and/or maintenance information may be displayed separately or jointly on the three dimensional solid model.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2006Publication date: September 20, 2007Inventors: Robert E. Shannon, Clifford Hatcher, Claudio Laloni, Frank Forster, Fredrick M. Davis
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Patent number: 7064331Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating an acoustic thermography system 10 and/or enhancing the flaw detection abilities of such a system is provided. The method allows applying a material (e.g., 103) to a specimen 12 undergoing acoustic thermography inspection. The material is thermally responsive to acoustic energy transmitted to the specimen by the acoustic thermography system. In one aspect thereof, a thermal response of the material applied to the specimen when subjected to acoustic energy is processed to determine whether the level of acoustic energy applied by the acoustic thermographic system appropriately meets a desired amount of acoustic energy for inspecting the specimen. In another aspect thereof, the thermal response of the specimen in combination with the applied material may be processed to determine whether certain types of flaws (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2003Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.Inventors: Max Rothenfusser, Christian Homma, Paul John Zombo, Paul D. Vona, Robert E. Shannon
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Patent number: 7057176Abstract: A defect detection system for thermally imaging a structure that has been energized by a sound energy. The system includes a transducer that couples a sound signal into the structure, where the sound signal causes defects in the structure to heat up. In one embodiment, the sound signal has one or more frequencies that are at or near an eigen-mode of the structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2005Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.Inventors: Max J. Rothenfusser, Joachim F. Baumann, Robert E. Shannon, Paul J. Zombo
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Patent number: 6998616Abstract: A defect detection system for thermally imaging a structure that has been energized by a sound energy. The system includes a transducer that couples a sound signal into the structure, where the sound signal causes defects in the structure to heat up. In one embodiment, a non-linear coupling material is positioned between the transducer and the structure to couple the sound energy from the transducer to the structure. A predetermined force is applied to the transducer and a pulse duration and a pulse frequency of the sound signal are selected so that the sound energy induces acoustic chaos in the structure, thus generating increased thermal energy. A thermal imaging camera images the structure when it is heated by the sound signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Wayne State UniversityInventors: Lawrence D. Favro, Robert L. Thomas, Xiaoyan Han, Max J. Rothenfusser, Joachim F. Baumann, Robert E. Shannon, Paul J. Zombo
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Patent number: 6877894Abstract: An apparatus (10) for performing acoustic thermography including a fixture (32) having a compliant member (40) that allows contacting surfaces of a horn face (20) and a specimen surface (16) to self-align into parallel contact in response to only the contacting force (FC) there between. When the contacting surfaces are brought together in a slightly non-parallel alignment, the contacting force develops a force component (FN) that is normal to the plane of contact. This normal force causes deflection of a compliant member, thereby providing movement that brings the contacting surfaces into parallel alignment. The compliant member may be a spring (48), elastomer (50), swivel member (56), bearing member (80), or a curved non-stick surface (90) in various embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventors: Paul D. Vona, Paul J. Zombo, Robert E. Shannon
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System and method for multiple mode flexible excitation and acoustic chaos in sonic infrared imaging
Publication number: 20040089812Abstract: A defect detection system for thermally imaging a structure that has been energized by a sound energy. The system includes a transducer that couples a sound signal into the structure, where the sound signal causes defects in the structure to heat up. In one embodiment, the sound signal has one or more frequencies that are at or near an eigen-mode of the structure. In another embodiment, an on-linear coupling material is positioned between the transducer and the structure to couple the sound energy from the transducer to the structure. A predetermined force is applied to the transducer and a pulse duration and a pulse frequency of the sound signal are selected so that the sound energy induces acoustic chaos in the structure, thus generating increased thermal energy. A thermal imaging camera images the structure when it is heated by the sound signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Applicants: Wayne State University, Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventors: Lawrence D. Favro, Robert L. Thomas, Xiaoyan Han, Max J. Rothenfusser, Joachim F. Baumann, Robert E. Shannon, Paul J. Zombo -
Publication number: 20040056200Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating an acoustic thermography system 10 and/or enhancing the flaw detection abilities of such a system is provided. The method allows applying a material (e.g., 103) to a specimen 12 undergoing acoustic thermography inspection. The material is thermally responsive to acoustic energy transmitted to the specimen by the acoustic thermography system. In one aspect thereof, a thermal response of the material applied to the specimen when subjected to acoustic energy is processed to determine whether the level of acoustic energy applied by the acoustic thermographic system appropriately meets a desired amount of acoustic energy for inspecting the specimen. In another aspect thereof, the thermal response of the specimen in combination with the applied material may be processed to determine whether certain types of flaws (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventors: Max Rothenfusser, Christian Homma, Paul John Zombo, Paul D. Vona, Robert E. Shannon
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Publication number: 20040057492Abstract: An apparatus (10) for performing acoustic thermography including a fixture (32) having a compliant member (40) that allows contacting surfaces of a horn face (20) and a specimen surface (16) to self-align into parallel contact in response to only the contacting force (FC) there between. When the contacting surfaces are brought together in a slightly non-parallel alignment, the contacting force develops a force component (FN) that is normal to the plane of contact. This normal force causes deflection of a compliant member, thereby providing movement that brings the contacting surfaces into parallel alignment. The compliant member may be a spring (48), elastomer (50), swivel member (56), bearing member (80), or a curved non-stick surface (90) in various embodiments.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2002Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventors: Paul D. Vona, Paul J. Zombo, Robert E. Shannon
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Patent number: 5423222Abstract: A nondestructive method for determining the amount of deformation induced in a material by a compressive force is provided that includes the steps of uniformly dispersing a quantity of a particulate tagging substance in the material whose presence and distribution is detectable by a form of radiant energy, applying a compressive to the material, and then determining the extent to which the material is compressively deformed by transmitting the appropriate radiant energy through the material to determine changes in the density and distribution of the particulate tagging substance. The method may advantageously be applied to determine the extent to which a granular material such as asphalt concrete has been compacted over a roadbed, as well as to determine strain and wear patterns in gaskets formed from elastic materials.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1993Date of Patent: June 13, 1995Assignee: Westinghouse Electric CorporationInventors: George E. Rudd, Rajender K. Sadhir, William G. Clark, Jr., Robert E. Shannon
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Patent number: 5396800Abstract: Apparatus and method for inspecting a tubular member for degradation, which tubular member may be a control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) penetration tube of the kind typically found in nuclear power reactor pressure vessels. The CRDM penetration tube includes a thermal sleeve concentrically disposed therein, the sleeve being radially rotatable and axially translatable within the tube. However, the sleeve may be nonhomogeneous, which nonhomogeneity could undesirably mask the inspection signal as the inspection sensor is radially and axially moved in order to inspect the tube.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1993Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Assignee: Westinghouse Electric CorporationInventors: David S. Drinon, Mustan Attaar, Warren R. Junker, Robert E. Shannon
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Patent number: 5391595Abstract: Both a system and method are provided for remotely heating a polymeric material to a selected temperature. The system generally comprises particulate ferromagnetic material dispersed throughout the polymeric material to form a composite, wherein the particulate material has a Curie temperature that corresponds to the selected heating temperature, and a source of microwave energy for remotely applying a beam of microwave energy to the polymeric composite material. Preferably, the particulate ferromagnetic material comprises only about 2 percent of the total composite by weight. The polymeric material may be compliant, thermosettable plastic, and the Curie temperature of the particulate ferromagnetic material dispersed therein may advantageously be above the curing temperature of the polymer, such that the beam from the source of microwave energy may be used to remotely join surfaces or construct joints in composite structures.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1994Date of Patent: February 21, 1995Assignee: Westinghouse Electric CorporationInventors: William G. Clark, Jr., Robert E. Shannon, Warren R. Junker