Patents by Inventor Robert Echols

Robert Echols 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).

  • Eddy current inspection probe for inspecting multiple portions of a turbine blade having different geometric surfaces
    Patent number: 7068029
    Abstract: An eddy current inspection probe provides multiple interchangeable configurations for enabling an inspector to reach most or all portions of most or all turbine blades within a combustion turbine by inserting the probe through an inspection port, without disassembling the turbine. The probe shaft contains the electronic signal wire for the inspection tip and a port for a video probe, thereby facilitating use of the video probe and protecting these components. The inspection tip connector at the end of the main shaft is pivotally secured to the shaft, and may be set at any desired angle by using a semirigid or rigid member passing through the shaft, and connected to lever within the handle. Any one of a plurality of probe tips and shaft extensions may be selected to configure the inspection probe to reach a desired location within the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford Hatcher, Robert Echols
  • Eddy current inspection probe for inspecting multiple portions of a turbine blade having different geometric surfaces
    Publication number: 20050200355
    Abstract: An eddy current inspection probe provides multiple interchangeable configurations for enabling an inspector to reach most or all portions of most or all turbine blades within a combustion turbine by inserting the probe through an inspection port, without disassembling the turbine. The probe shaft contains the electronic signal wire for the inspection tip and a port for a video probe, thereby facilitating use of the video probe and protecting these components. The inspection tip connector at the end of the main shaft is pivotally secured to the shaft, and may be set at any desired angle by using a semirigid or rigid member passing through the shaft, and connected to lever within the handle. Any one of a plurality of probe tips and shaft extensions may be selected to configure the inspection probe to reach a desired location within the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Publication date: September 15, 2005
    Inventors: Clifford Hatcher, Robert Echols
  • Eddy current inspection probe for inspecting multiple portions of a turbine blade having different geometric surfaces
    Patent number: 6867586
    Abstract: An eddy current inspection probe provides multiple interchangeable configurations for enabling an inspector to reach most or all portions of most or all turbine blades within a combustion turbine by inserting the probe through an inspection port, without disassembling the turbine. The probe shaft contains the electronic signal wire for the inspection tip and a port for a video probe, thereby facilitating use of the video probe and protecting these components. The inspection tip connector at the end of the main shaft is pivotally secured to the shaft, and may be set at any desired angle by using a semirigid or rigid member passing through the shaft, and connected to lever within the handle. Any one of a plurality of probe tips and shaft extensions may be selected to configure the inspection probe to reach a desired location within the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventors: Clifford Hatcher, Robert Echols
  • Eddy current inspection probe
    Publication number: 20040051525
    Abstract: An eddy current inspection probe provides multiple interchangeable configurations for enabling an inspector to reach most or all portions of most or all turbine blades within a combustion turbine by inserting the probe through an inspection port, without disassembling the turbine. The probe shaft contains the electronic signal wire for the inspection tip and a port for a video probe, thereby facilitating use of the video probe and protecting these components. The inspection tip connector at the end of the main shaft is pivotally secured to the shaft, and may be set at any desired angle by using a semirigid or rigid member passing through the shaft, and connected to lever within the handle. Any one of a plurality of probe tips and shaft extensions may be selected to configure the inspection probe to reach a desired location within the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventors: Clifford Hatcher, Robert Echols