Patents by Inventor Robert Martin Roney
Robert Martin Roney 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: 10481132Abstract: A system is provided having a probe assembly configured to inspect components of an assembled flange connection when the probe assembly is disposed within a bore of the components. The probe assembly includes a shaft configured to be aligned with an axis of the assembled flange connection, one or more ultrasound probes coupled to the shaft, and one or more encoders. The one or more ultrasound probes are configured to interface with an interior surface of the bore of the components, to emit ultrasound signals into the components, and to receive ultrasound signals from the components. The one or more encoders are coupled to the shaft and are configured to determine a position of the one or more ultrasound probes relative to a reference point of the assembled flange connection during an inspection of components of the assembled flange connection.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2018Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Manuel Kenneth Bueno, Robert Martin Roney, Jr., Willis James Perry, Robert Charles Shaffer, Richard Michael Hatley
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Publication number: 20180372686Abstract: A system is provided having a probe assembly configured to inspect components of an assembled flange connection when the probe assembly is disposed within a bore of the components. The probe assembly includes a shaft configured to be aligned with an axis of the assembled flange connection, one or more ultrasound probes coupled to the shaft, and one or more encoders. The one or more ultrasound probes are configured to interface with an interior surface of the bore of the components, to emit ultrasound signals into the components, and to receive ultrasound signals from the components. The one or more encoders are coupled to the shaft and are configured to determine a position of the one or more ultrasound probes relative to a reference point of the assembled flange connection during an inspection of components of the assembled flange connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2018Publication date: December 27, 2018Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Manuel Kenneth Bueno, Robert Martin Roney, JR., Willis James Perry, Robert Charles Shaffer, Richard Michael Hatley
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Patent number: 10126248Abstract: A system includes a vessel floating on a body of water. The system also includes at least one conduit extending from the vessel to below the body of water. The system also includes a scanning device disposed within the at least one conduit. The scanning device includes at least one two-dimensional (2D) line scanner and a rotary encoder coupled to the at least one 2D line scanner. The scanning device is configured to generate three-dimensional (3D) image data of a surface of the at least one conduit or at least one component disposed within the at least one conduit.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2017Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Manuel Kenneth Bueno, Robert Martin Roney, Jr.
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Patent number: 10073062Abstract: A system includes a probe assembly configured to inspect components of an assembled flange connection when the probe assembly is disposed within a bore of the components. The probe assembly includes a shaft configured to be aligned with an axis of the assembled flange connection, one or more ultrasound probes coupled to the shaft, and one or more encoders. The one or more ultrasound probes are configured to interface with an interior surface of the bore of the components, to emit ultrasound signals into the components, and to receive ultrasound signals from the components. The one or more encoders are coupled to the shaft and are configured to determine a position of the one or more ultrasound probes relative to a reference point of the assembled flange connection during an inspection of components of the assembled flange connection.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2015Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Manuel Kenneth Bueno, Robert Martin Roney, Jr., Willis James Perry, Robert Charles Shaffer, Richard Michael Hatley
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Publication number: 20170234806Abstract: A system includes a vessel floating on a body of water. The system also includes at least one conduit extending from the vessel to below the body of water. The system also includes a scanning device disposed within the at least one conduit. The scanning device includes at least one two-dimensional (2D) line scanner and a rotary encoder coupled to the at least one 2D line scanner. The scanning device is configured to generate three-dimensional (3D) image data of a surface of the at least one conduit or at least one component disposed within the at least one conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2017Publication date: August 17, 2017Inventors: Manuel Kenneth Bueno, Robert Martin Roney, JR.
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Patent number: 9651503Abstract: A system includes a vessel floating on a body of water. The system also includes at least one conduit extending from the vessel to below the body of water. The system also includes a scanning device disposed within the at least one conduit. The scanning device includes at least one two-dimensional (2D) line scanner and a rotary encoder coupled to the at least one 2D line scanner. The scanning device is configured to generate three-dimensional (3D) image data of a surface of the at least one conduit or at least one component disposed within the at least one conduit.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2015Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Manuel Kenneth Bueno, Robert Martin Roney, Jr.
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Publication number: 20160069820Abstract: A system includes a vessel floating on a body of water. The system also includes at least one conduit extending from the vessel to below the body of water. The system also includes a scanning device disposed within the at least one conduit. The scanning device includes at least one two-dimensional (2D) line scanner and a rotary encoder coupled to the at least one 2D line scanner. The scanning device is configured to generate three-dimensional (3D) image data of a surface of the at least one conduit or at least one component disposed within the at least one conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2015Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: Manuel Kenneth Bueno, Robert Martin Roney, Jr.
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Publication number: 20160069839Abstract: A system includes a probe assembly configured to inspect components of an assembled flange connection when the probe assembly is disposed within a bore of the components. The probe assembly includes a shaft configured to be aligned with an axis of the assembled flange connection, one or more ultrasound probes coupled to the shaft, and one or more encoders. The one or more ultrasound probes are configured to interface with an interior surface of the bore of the components, to emit ultrasound signals into the components, and to receive ultrasound signals from the components. The one or more encoders are coupled to the shaft and are configured to determine a position of the one or more ultrasound probes relative to a reference point of the assembled flange connection during an inspection of components of the assembled flange connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2015Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: Manuel Kenneth Bueno, Robert Martin Roney, JR., Willis James Perry, Robert Charles Shaffer, Richard Michael Hatley
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Patent number: 8434216Abstract: Methods and systems for maintaining a machine using an in-situ vehicle (IV) is provided. The IV may be used with a machine that includes a work-piece and an interference body positioned proximate a surface of the work-piece such that a relatively small gap extends between the work-piece and the interference body. The method includes transporting the IV from external to the machine into the gap, positioning the IV in the gap such that at least a portion of the IV circumscribes a work area of the work-piece, locking the IV between the work-piece and the interference body, and manipulating a tool coupled to the IV from external to the machine, the tool configured to transfer a component between the work-piece and a storage cassette on the IV.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Waheed Tony Mall, Robert Martin Roney, Jr., Roderick Mark Lusted, Eric Buskirk, James Thaddeus Henley, Paul C. Bagley, Gary Lindsey Stewart, Kenneth John Hatley, Richard Michael Hatley, Peter John McGrath
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Patent number: 8275558Abstract: A method and apparatus for visually detecting and measuring retention assembly tightness are disclosed. In an embodiment, an optical device is used to obtain at least an image of a retention assembly, the optical device being insertable into a slot between two stator core laminations and directable toward a side view of the retention assembly. The image is displayed on a display, and a measurer is used to determine a tightness of a retention assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Francis Alexander Reed, Robert Martin Roney, Jr.
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Publication number: 20110213568Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for assessment of a generator rotor are provided. A method includes receiving crack data for the generator rotor from at least one inspection; computing a crack propagation rate based on the crack data and at least one parameter, wherein the at least one parameter comprises an operating condition of the generator rotor or a design parameter of the generator rotor; and providing at least one recommendation associated with the generator rotor based on the computed crack propagation rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2010Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Yogesh Kesrinath Potdar, Robert Martin Roney, JR., Paul Clinton Bagley, Shantanu Madhavrao Sane, Umit Ozkan
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Publication number: 20110184661Abstract: A method and apparatus for visually detecting and measuring retention assembly tightness are disclosed. In an embodiment, an optical device is used to obtain at least an image of a retention assembly, the optical device being insertable into a slot between two stator core laminations and directable toward a side view of the retention assembly. The image is displayed on a display, and a measurer is used to determine a tightness of a retention assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2010Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Francis Alexander Reed, Robert Martin Roney, Jr.
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Patent number: 7779709Abstract: Methods and systems for an in-situ inspection system includes at least one source of an inspection fluid, a source of an atomizing fluid, a control panel configured to control a flow of at least one of the inspection fluid and the atomizing fluid, and a mixing box configured to mix the inspection fluid with the atomizing fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Robert Martin Roney, Jr., Thomas Francis Murphy, Richard Michael Hatley
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Patent number: 7717666Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for machinery testing and inspection using a manipulator are provided. The apparatus includes a tubular shaft, an operator end coupled to the tubular shaft and including a first spool rotatably coupled to the operator end, an effector including an attachment end that includes a second spool rotatably coupled to the attachment end, and a control cable channeled through the shaft from the first spool to the second spool. The control cable is wound at least partially around the first spool and is wound at least partially around the second spool such that rotation of the first spool rotates the second spool using the control cable.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Robert Martin Roney, Jr., Richard Michael Hatley
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Publication number: 20090172934Abstract: Methods and systems for maintaining a machine using an in-situ vehicle (IV) is provided. The IV may be used with a machine that includes a work-piece and an interference body positioned proximate a surface of the work-piece such that a relatively small gap extends between the work-piece and the interference body. The method includes transporting the IV from external to the machine into the gap, positioning the IV in the gap such that at least a portion of the IV circumscribes a work area of the work-piece, locking the IV between the work-piece and the interference body, and manipulating a tool coupled to the IV from external to the machine, the tool configured to transfer a component between the work-piece and a storage cassette on the IV.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2008Publication date: July 9, 2009Inventors: Waheed Tony Mall, Robert Martin Roney, JR., Roderick Mark Lusted, Eric Buskirk, James Thaddeus Henley, Paul C. Bagley, Gary Lindsey Stewart, Kenneth John Hatley, Richard Michael Hatley, Peter John McGrath
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Patent number: 7026811Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a metallic post contoured in a single dimension for defects. The apparatus has a clamp having at least one jaw with a surface conforming to the contour to the metallic post. The conforming jaw or jaws also have a plurality of eddy current coils and the probe has at least one sensor configured to sense at least one of position or motion.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2004Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Robert Martin Roney, Jr., Thomas Francis Murphy
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Patent number: 6857330Abstract: A scanner assembly for dovetail inspection of the wheels of a turbine rotor includes a series of circumferentially pivotally connected links: a motor link, transmission links, an encoder link, an adjustable link, free links and a base link mounting a transducer. The motor link mounts a motor for driving rollers on the transmission links and rotating the scanner assembly about the rotor shaft. The encoder link mounts an encoder for determining the circumferential position of the transducer about the shaft. The adjustable link enables the assembly to be tightened or loosened about the rotor shaft. The free links and base link complete the circular scanner assembly about the shaft. A single scan for a full 360° investigates the plurality of hooks on the side of the wheel opposite the transducer.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas Francis Murphy, Robert Martin Roney, Jr., Robert L'Heureux, Denis Labrecque
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Publication number: 20030221497Abstract: A scanner assembly for dovetail inspection of the wheels of a turbine rotor includes a series of circumferentially pivotally connected links: a motor link, transmission links, an encoder link, an adjustable link, free links and a base link mounting a transducer. The motor link mounts a motor for driving rollers on the transmission links and rotating the scanner assembly about the rotor shaft. The encoder link mounts an encoder for determining the circumferential position of the transducer about the shaft. The adjustable link enables the assembly to be tightened or loosened about the rotor shaft. The free links and base link complete the circular scanner assembly about the shaft. A single scan for a full 360° investigates the plurality of hooks on the side of the wheel opposite the transducer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Thomas Francis Murphy, Robert Martin Roney, Robert L'Heureux, Denis Labrecque
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Publication number: 20020079452Abstract: An infrared inspection system and an induction heating system used in conjunction enable the inspection of rubber coated rolls, such as rolls used in the pulp and paper industry. The system effects non-destructive inspections of rubber coated rolls to detect a debonded condition between the metal core and rubber coating. The method includes supporting a roll for inspection, evenly heating or cooling the roll, and observing a thermal transient of the roll generated by the evenly heating process. Using an infrared camera, observed areas that are not transferring heat uniformly with respect to neighboring areas are suspected debonded areas.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2000Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventors: Robert Martin Roney, John William Devitt, David Roy Parker, Vladimir Pilic
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Patent number: 6399949Abstract: An infrared inspection system and an induction heating system used in conjunction enable the inspection of rubber coated rolls, such as rolls used in the pulp and paper industry. The system effects non-destructive inspections of rubber coated rolls to detect a debonded condition between the metal core and rubber coating. The method includes supporting a roll for inspection, evenly heating or cooling the roll, and observing a thermal transient of the roll generated by the evenly heating process. Using an infrared camera, observed areas that are not transferring heat uniformly with respect to neighboring areas are suspected debonded areas.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Robert Martin Roney, Jr., John William Devitt, David Roy Parker, Vladimir Pilic