Patents by Inventor Robert Laws

Robert Laws 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).

  • Publication number: 20120219347
    Abstract: Applicators are described suitable for the application of liquid to patient's skin. An applicator pad (3) is supported on a support flange (23) of an applicator housing (2), which receives a liquid cartridge (5). To moderate the rush of liquid on to the back of the applicator pad a flow distributor plate (6) is positioned on the rear position of the pad (3), restricting flow onto the pad to an annular slit opening around the plate (6). The front surface of the plate (6), opposing the pad (3), may have one or more grooves so that liquid can flow from the edge towards the centre. Also disclosed, as an alternative, is the use of a projecting cantilevered tongue structure to distribute liquid across the rear surface of the sponge pad. The pad may have a hooked lobe shape for a front end of the applicator pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Brian Robert Law, David John Pritchett
  • Publication number: 20120218869
    Abstract: A technique provides a source design and method for increasing low frequency output of a marine source array. The approach comprises providing a plurality of airguns. At least some of the airguns are activated to generate an effective bubble energy. The effective bubble energy may be optimized through use, preparation and/or arrangement of the airguns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Jon-Fredrik Hopperstad, Robert Laws, John Richard Tulett
  • Patent number: 8203906
    Abstract: The technologies described herein include systems and methods for performing a first seismic survey and performing a second seismic survey after a predetermined amount of time has lapsed between the first seismic survey and the second seismic survey. The shot times and the shot positions of the second seismic survey may be substantially the same as the shot times and the shot positions of the first seismic survey. After performing the seismic surveys, seismic data generated by the first seismic survey may be processed to generate a first image, and seismic data generated by the second seismic survey may be processed to generate a second image. After generating the first and second images, a difference between the first image and the second image may be computed to generate a time lapse difference image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Johan O. A. Robertsson, Dirk-Jan Van Manen, David Halliday, Robert Laws
  • Patent number: 8189969
    Abstract: A switch having two apertured plates one of which is movable relative to the other to occupy spaced switch positions, the apertures being arranged in the plates so that in each switch position two or more pairs of apertures are aligned and all others are masked, wherein light transmitted through a selected one of the two or more aligned aperture pairs in a particular switch position is visible through an external switch position indicating window to thereby provide an unambiguous indication that the movable plate is positively registered in the particular switch position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Australia Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Charles Anthony Ashcroft, Colin Robert Law
  • Patent number: 8174927
    Abstract: A technique facilitates obtaining seismic data in a marine environment. An array of acoustic sources is deployed in a marine environment. The array can be utilized for creating acoustic pulses that facilitate the collection of data on subsea structures. The methodology enables optimization of acoustic source array performance to improve the collection of useful data during a seismic survey.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jon-Fredrik Hopperstad, Robert Laws, Aslaug Stroemmen Melboe
  • Publication number: 20120090914
    Abstract: A method for attenuating out of band energy emitted from a seismic source used in a marine seismic survey. The method includes disposing the seismic source in a body of water and releasing a gas into a volume of water surrounding the seismic source. The released gas may be configured such that it displaces the volume of water surrounding the seismic source at a rate less than 2.9×106 cubic-meters per cubic-second.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Jon-Fredrik Hopperstad, Robert Laws, Julian Edward (Ed) Kragh
  • Publication number: 20120088197
    Abstract: A system for determining a flame condition in a combustor includes a pressure sensor that generates a pressure signal reflective of a pressure in the combustor. A controller receives the pressure signal and generates a flame signal reflective of the flame condition in the combustor. A method for determining a flame condition in a combustor includes measuring a pressure in the combustor, comparing the measured pressure in the combustor to a predetermined limit, and generating a flame signal based on the comparison of the measured pressure in the combustor to the predetermined limit, wherein the flame signal reflects the flame condition in the combustor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Douglas Scott Byrd, Joseph Robert Law
  • Publication number: 20120072115
    Abstract: A method of determining the signature of a seismic source array comprises determining a notional signature of at least one source of an array of n seismic sources from measurements of the emitted wavefield from the array made at 2n independent locations and from the relative positions of the sources of the array and the 2n independent locations. The notional signature of a source may be determined from the difference (or some other function) of the measurements of the emitted wavefield made by the two sensors associated with that source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: WesternGeco LLC
    Inventor: Robert Laws
  • Patent number: 8136625
    Abstract: A method for attenuating out of band energy emitted from a seismic source used in a marine seismic survey. The method includes disposing the seismic source in a body of water and releasing a gas into a volume of water surrounding the seismic source. The released gas may be configured such that it displaces the volume of water surrounding the seismic source at a rate less than 2.9×106 cubic-meters per cubic-second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jon-Fredrik Hopperstad, Robert Laws, Julian Edward (Ed) Kragh
  • Patent number: 8127556
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of controlling a turbomachine having at least one fuel supply system that uses an unchoked valve. Here, the method may determine the flow characteristics of a fuel in a fuel supply system without using a flow meter. The present invention also provides a fuel supply system with a configuration comprising at least one unchoked valve. The fuel system may not require the use of a flow meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Reuben Aiton, Joseph Robert Law
  • Publication number: 20120048642
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing low frequency output of marine sources are described. The marine source arrangements and associated methods disclosed herein seek to fully frequency lock bubbles emitted by airguns in close proximity to one another. In this manner, larger effective bubble volumes can be achieved, thus increasing low frequency output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Jon-Fredrik Hopperstad, Robert Laws
  • Publication number: 20120024907
    Abstract: A pump dispenser in which the associated container interior reduces its volume progressively as product is dispensed to avoid air contact with the product. An air trap member having a downwardly-convex dish form is provided below a floor of the associated dispenser module around an inlet to guide any such air away from the inlet. A peripheral portion forms a retaining lip for flexible wiping contact with the container wall interior, allowing air passage on assembly of the dispenser. A central tubular formation of the trap member separates the trapped air from the inlet and can be used to plug the trap member into the inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Brian Robert Law, David John Pritchett
  • Publication number: 20110310700
    Abstract: The technologies described herein include systems and methods for performing a first seismic survey and performing a second seismic survey after a predetermined amount of time has lapsed between the first seismic survey and the second seismic survey. The shot times and the shot positions of the second seismic survey may be substantially the same as the shot times and the shot positions of the first seismic survey. After performing the seismic surveys, seismic data generated by the first seismic survey may be processed to generate a first image, and seismic data generated by the second seismic survey may be processed to generate a second image. After generating the first and second images, a difference between the first image and the second image may be computed to generate a time lapse difference image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Johan O. A. Robertsson, Dirk-Jan Van Manen, David Halliday, Robert Laws
  • Publication number: 20110238358
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention have the technical effect of determining when to test an overspeed protection system of a powerplant machine. As described herein, embodiments of the present invention may be applied to a wide variety of powerplant machines, each comprising a shaft. After determining that test of the overspeed protection system should be performed, embodiments of the present invention may allow for a variety of methods to test the overspeed protection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Frederick William Block, Richard Lee Nichols, Joseph Robert Law, Bret Stephen Dalton, George Allen Ellis
  • Publication number: 20110232297
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention have the technical effect of automatically testing an overspeed protection system of a powerplant machine comprising at least one shaft. An embodiment of the present invention may automatically test the overspeed protection system while the powerplant machine is decelerating from full-speed-no-load (FSNL). Another embodiment of the present invention may automatically test the overspeed protection system of the powerplant machine while the powerplant machine is accelerating to FSNL.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Frederick William Block, Richard Lee Nichols, Joseph Robert Law, Bret Stephen Dalton, George Allen Ellis
  • Publication number: 20110198371
    Abstract: A dosing device for dispensing liquid from a container (1) in which flow through flow openings (23) to an outlet tube (44) is blocked after controlled delay by an obturator (3) moveable within a control chamber (2) mounted in a container neck (101) behind the outlet tube (44). Movement of the obturator (3) is governed by restricted flow through control openings (28) at the rear of the control chamber. Restoration of the obturator to the back of the control chamber facilitates repeated dosing. An elastomeric element (6) of resiliently deformable material promotes a seal to achieve a cleanly defined dose. In one proposal the elastomeric element coats the surface of the obturator and/or the outlet tube (64) to cut off the flow. Another proposal provides a one-way elastomeric valve element (63) for blocking the flow openings to enable rapid recovery after a dosing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Brian Robert Law, Jeffrey William Spencer, David John Pritchett
  • Publication number: 20110174840
    Abstract: A dispenser pump is disclosed of the moveable-nozzle type, arranged for sealing a vent path in the extended position of the pump plunger. A pump body includes an internal collar formed at the lower end of a tubular insert, through which the vent path passes. This collar has a seal portion. The plunger has a complementary seal portion which makes a guided and fitting engagement with the collar seal portion. One or both of the plunger seal portion and the collar seal portion is formed as an annular taper, so that the seal portions are guided into close engagement with one another. Plunger lock-down formations are constructed to engage at the bottom of the body insert and remain below the top opening of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Brian Robert Law, David John Pritchett
  • Publication number: 20110168740
    Abstract: An inverted dispenser pump is used to dispense foam. The dispenser pump includes an air cylinder with an air piston to pump air to form the foam along with a liquid cylinder that has a liquid cylinder piston to pump liquid to form the foam. A conduit shell is received over the liquid cylinder in order to draw fluid when in an inverted state. An intake valve member is received around the opening of the conduit shell. The intake valve member has a seal flap configured to seal against the conduit shell opening in order to reduce flow restrictions of liquid drawn into the liquid cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: David John Pritchett, Brian Robert Law
  • Publication number: 20110110188
    Abstract: The technologies described herein include systems and methods for performing a first seismic survey and performing a second seismic survey after a predetermined amount of time has lapsed between the first seismic survey and the second seismic survey. The shot times and the shot positions of the second seismic survey may be substantially the same as the shot times and the shot positions of the first seismic survey. After performing the seismic surveys, seismic data generated by the first seismic survey may be processed to generate a first image, and seismic data generated by the second seismic survey may be processed to generate a second image. After generating the first and second images, a difference between the first image and the second image may be computed to generate a time lapse difference image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Johan O. A. Robertsson, Dirk-Jan Van Manen, David Halliday, Robert Laws
  • Patent number: 7938297
    Abstract: Certain pump dispensers, for example foam dispensers, are specially adapted for inverted use. One feature especially useful in a foam dispenser having both an air cylinder and a liquid cylinder with respective pistons is an intake conduit arrangement to increase the clearance of liquid from the container. An intermediate shell fits over the upright liquid cylinder body and carries an inlet valve positively urged upward to the closed position to prevent leaking. A conduit shell fits over the intermediate shell and creates an intake conduit extending down the side of the liquid cylinder to an intake opening lower down the pump body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Rieke Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Robert Law, David John Pritchett, Jeffrey William Spencer