Patents by Inventor Robert X. Gao
Robert X. Gao 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: 10520397Abstract: Multiple methods and corresponding apparatuses for efficient and reliable defect diagnosis in components of mechanical systems, are described. According to one aspect, multi-scale enveloping-order spectrogram is used to diagnose, or detect, defects in a moving component of a mechanical system. According to another aspect, defect identification and diagnosis in a motor is performed based on spectral characteristics of motor current envelope. According to yet another aspect, a logic rule model, employing classification of features associated with single- or multi-sensor data, is employed for diagnosis of defects in components of mechanical systems.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignees: University of Connecticut, Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.Inventors: Robert X. Gao, Jinjiang Wang, Ruqiang Yan, Brian Charles Ellis, Boone Elbert Smith, Jose Abelardo Sanchez Puente
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Patent number: 9581560Abstract: A method for operating a sensor, including simultaneously exciting a first set of electrodes and sensing an output of each electrode of a second set of electrodes, storing output data corresponding to the output of each electrode of the second set of electrodes in a memory storage device, shifting at least one electrode from the first set of electrodes to the second set of electrodes and at least one electrode from the second set of electrodes to the first set of electrodes, and repeating the simultaneously exciting and sensing, the storing, and the shifting until an output data has been stored for each possible pair of electrodes in the first and second set of electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignees: The University of Conneticut, United Technologies CorporationInventors: Zhaoyan Fan, Robert X. Gao, Jeffery A. Lovett, Lance L. Smith
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Patent number: 9500540Abstract: A method of determining a spatial and temporal pressure distribution profile on an outer surface of a rotating apparatus includes producing one or more pressure indications in response to pressure applied to the outer surface of the rotating apparatus. The producing is carried out by a transducer assembly embedded within the rotating apparatus at a distance d from the outer surface of the rotating apparatus. The method further includes sampling, by an acquisition assembly, the one or more pressure indications from the transducer assembly and storing the sampled one or more pressure indications. The method also includes processing the one or more pressure indications to produce the pressure distribution profile describing the pressure applied to the outer surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: University of ConnecticutInventors: Robert X. Gao, Zhaoyan Fan, Jian Cao
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Patent number: 9446544Abstract: In an injection molding process, it can be difficult to detect, in real time, process control variables such as pressure and temperature. Traditional temperature detectors and pressure sensors can be difficult to place in or near a mold cavity. An example embodiment of the present invention includes a self-powered multivariate sensor and uses acoustic transmission. The sensor may employ an infra-red thermal detector and pressure sensor and transmit coded representations of measurements acoustically via a body of the mold. From the temperature and pressure, melt velocity and melt viscosity of a compound in the mold can be determined with a high degree of accuracy by a processor internal to or external from the sensor. The example embodiment maintains structural integrity of the mold, provides a wireless self-powered sensor, and makes available sensing of properties of the viscous compound to enable injection molded parts production at a success rate exceeding 90%.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignees: University of Connecticut, University of MassachusettsInventors: Robert X. Gao, Zhaoyan Fan, David O. Kazmer
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Publication number: 20150338364Abstract: A method for operating a sensor, including simultaneously exciting a first set of electrodes and sensing an output of each electrode of a second set of electrodes, storing output data corresponding to the output of each electrode of the second set of electrodes in a memory storage device, shifting at least one electrode from the first set of electrodes to the second set of electrodes and at least one electrode from the second set of electrodes to the first set of electrodes, and repeating the simultaneously exciting and sensing, the storing, and the shifting until an output data has been stored for each possible pair of electrodes in the first and second set of electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2015Publication date: November 26, 2015Inventors: Zhaoyan Fan, Robert X. Gao, Jeffery A. Lovett, Lance W. Smith
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Patent number: 9170224Abstract: A method for operating a sensor, including simultaneously exciting a first set of electrodes and sensing an output of each electrode of a second set of electrodes, storing output data corresponding to the output of each electrode of the second set of electrodes in a memory storage device, shifting at least one electrode from the first set of electrodes to the second set of electrodes and at least one electrode from the second set of electrodes to the first set of electrodes, and repeating the simultaneously exciting and sensing, the storing, and the shifting until an output data has been stored for each possible pair of electrodes in the first and second set of electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2013Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignees: The University of Connecticut, United Technologies CorporationInventors: Zhaoyan Fan, Robert X. Gao, Jeffery A. Lovett, Lance L. Smith
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Publication number: 20150233792Abstract: Multiple methods and corresponding apparatuses for efficient and reliable defect diagnosis in components of mechanical systems, are described. According to one aspect, multi-scale enveloping-order spectrogram is used to diagnose, or detect, defects in a moving component of a mechanical system. According to another aspect, defect identification and diagnosis in a motor is performed based on spectral characteristics of motor current envelope. According to yet another aspect, a logic rule model, employing classification of features associated with single- or multi-sensor data, is employed for diagnosis of defects in components of mechanical systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2012Publication date: August 20, 2015Applicants: CANRIG DRILLING TECHNOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUTInventors: Robert X. Gao, Jinjiang Wang, Ruqiang Yan, Brian Charles Ellis, Boone Elbert Smith, Jose Abelardo Sanchez Puente
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Publication number: 20150160101Abstract: A method of testing and monitoring operational integrity of a drilling rig is described. The method includes operating the drilling rig in a non-drilling mode at a sequence of different phases including an acceleration phase, a constant speed phase, and a decelerating phase, collecting sensor data associated with one or more components of the drilling rig while the drilling is operated in the non-drilling mode at the sequence of different phases, and analyzing the collected sensor data to determine the operational integrity of the drilling rig. The analyzed data, together with previously stored historical data is used to estimate the life expectancy of the rig and monitor, plan, control, or report maintenance activity for the drilling rig, top drive, or any other system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2012Publication date: June 11, 2015Applicants: Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd., University of ConnecticutInventors: Robert X. Gao, Jinjiang Wang, Ruqiang Yan, Brian Charles Ellis, Boone Elbert Smith, Jose Abelardo Sanchez Puente
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Patent number: 8971801Abstract: Manufacturing processes monitor forces or pressures within a machine. Metal within machines affect wireless communications within the machines for reporting monitored data. An embodiment of the present invention is a sensor that provides wireless communications unaffected by metals and with less electrical noise than slip rings. An embodiment can monitor manufacturing processes, such as by employing a piezoelectric transducer to measure forces or pressures in a machine and generate an electrical signal representing, for example, forces measured by the piezoelectric transducer. A threshold modulator circuit converts the electrical signal into a series of electrical pulses, which can be transmitted as a corresponding series of magnetic field pulses to a wireless receiver. The receiver reconstructs the original electrical signal, thereby enabling a receiver system to determine physical activities in the machine. The embodiment may be self-powered through use of power generated by the piezoelectric transducer.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: University of ConnecticutInventors: Robert X. Gao, Sripati Sah
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Publication number: 20140260680Abstract: A method of determining a spatial and temporal pressure distribution profile on an outer surface of a rotating apparatus includes producing one or more pressure indications in response to pressure applied to the outer surface of the rotating apparatus. The producing is carried out by a transducer assembly embedded within the rotating apparatus at a distance d from the outer surface of the rotating apparatus. The method further includes sampling, by an acquisition assembly, the one or more pressure indications from the transducer assembly and storing the sampled one or more pressure indications. The method also includes processing the one or more pressure indications to produce the pressure distribution profile describing the pressure applied to the outer surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: University of ConnecticutInventors: Robert X. Gao, Zhaoyan Fan, Jian Cao
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Patent number: 8762084Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel sensing technique, termed Multiple Excitation Capacitance Polling (MECaP), that improves the efficiency of Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT). Unlike traditional alternating current techniques, where excitation signal is applied to an electrode one at a time, MECaP involves simultaneously applying multiple excitation signals, in a progressively increasing fashion, to multiple electrodes on an ECT sensor. The received signals are filtered or otherwise decomposed (e.g., Fourier transformed) into different components, and the individual components are used to generate an image of the article or substance disposed between the electrodes. Because multiple capacitances can be simultaneously measured as a consequence, scanning with MECaP can significantly increase the image scanning speed. For example, scanning with MECaP may enable frames rates of tens of kHz for imaging dynamic processes such as engine combustion.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2010Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: The University of ConnecticutInventors: Robert X. Gao, Zhaoyan Fan
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Publication number: 20140118010Abstract: A method for operating a sensor, including simultaneously exciting a first set of electrodes and sensing an output of each electrode of a second set of electrodes, storing output data corresponding to the output of each electrode of the second set of electrodes in a memory storage device, shifting at least one electrode from the first set of electrodes to the second set of electrodes and at least one electrode from the second set of electrodes to the first set of electrodes, and repeating the simultaneously exciting and sensing, the storing, and the shifting until an output data has been stored for each possible pair of electrodes in the first and second set of electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Zhaoyan Fan, Robert X. Gao, Jeffery A. Lovett, Lance L. Smith
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Publication number: 20130030723Abstract: In an injection molding process, it can be difficult to detect, in real time, process control variables such as pressure and temperature. Traditional temperature detectors and pressure sensors can be difficult to place in or near a mold cavity. An example embodiment of the present invention includes a self-powered multivariate sensor and uses acoustic transmission. The sensor may employ an infra-red thermal detector and pressure sensor and transmit coded representations of measurements acoustically via a body of the mold. From the temperature and pressure, melt velocity and melt viscosity of a compound in the mold can be determined with a high degree of accuracy by a processor internal to or external from the sensor. The example embodiment maintains structural integrity of the mold, provides a wireless self-powered sensor, and makes available sensing of properties of the viscous compound to enable injection molded parts production at a success rate exceeding 90%.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: University of ConnecticutInventors: Robert X. Gao, Zhaoyan Fan, David O. Kazmer
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Publication number: 20130017783Abstract: Manufacturing processes monitor forces or pressures within a machine. Metal within machines affect wireless communications within the machines for reporting monitored data. An embodiment of the present invention is a sensor that provides wireless communications unaffected by metals and with less electrical noise than slip rings. An embodiment can monitor manufacturing processes, such as by employing a piezoelectric transducer to measure forces or pressures in a machine and generate an electrical signal representing, for example, forces measured by the piezoelectric transducer. A threshold modulator circuit converts the electrical signal into a series of electrical pulses, which can be transmitted as a corresponding series of magnetic field pulses to a wireless receiver. The receiver reconstructs the original electrical signal, thereby enabling a receiver system to determine physical activities in the machine. The embodiment may be self-powered through use of power generated by the piezoelectric transducer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2012Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: University of ConnecticutInventors: Robert X. Gao, Sripati Sah
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Publication number: 20100332170Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel sensing technique, termed Multiple Excitation Capacitance Polling (MECaP), that improves the efficiency of Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT). Unlike traditional alternating current techniques, where excitation signal is applied to an electrode one at a time, MECaP involves simultaneously applying multiple excitation signals, in a progressively increasing fashion, to multiple electrodes on an ECT sensor. The received signals are filtered or otherwise decomposed (e.g., Fourier transformed) into different components, and the individual components are used to generate an image of the article or substance disposed between the electrodes. Because multiple capacitances can be simultaneously measured as a consequence, scanning with MECaP can significantly increase the image scanning speed. For example, scanning with MECaP may enable frames rates of tens of kHz for imaging dynamic processes such as engine combustion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventors: Robert X. Gao, Zhaoyan Fan
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Patent number: 7602985Abstract: A signal processing technique that decomposes complex, dynamically changing non-stationary signals from machine components such as bearings into different scales by means of a continuous wavelet transform. The envelope signal in each scale is then calculated from the modulus of the wavelet coefficients. Subsequently, Fourier transform is performed repetitively on the envelope of the signal at each scale, resulting in an “envelope spectrum” of the original signal at the various scales. The final output is a three-dimensional scale-frequency map that indicates the intensity and location of the defect-related frequency lines. The technique is generic in nature, and applicable not only to machine condition monitoring, but also to the health monitoring of a wide range of dynamic systems, including human beings.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: University of MassachusettsInventors: Robert X. Gao, Ruqiang Yan
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Publication number: 20090222228Abstract: A signal processing technique that decomposes complex, dynamically changing non-stationary signals from machine components such as bearings into different scales by means of a continuous wavelet transform. The envelope signal in each scale is then calculated from the modulus of the wavelet coefficients. Subsequently, Fourier transform is performed repetitively on the envelope of the signal at each scale, resulting in an “envelope spectrum” of the original signal at the various scales. The final output is a three-dimensional scale-frequency map that indicates the intensity and location of the defect-related frequency lines. The technique is generic in nature, and applicable not only to machine condition monitoring, but also to the health monitoring of a wide range of dynamic systems, including human beings.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2006Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventors: Robert X. Gao, Ruqiang Yan
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Patent number: 7104139Abstract: System and method for measuring static load by using a piezoelectric load sensor with a feedback technique to compensate for the signal loss due to charge leakage, and therefore ensures measurement accuracy. The system is integrated with other structure, objects and devices to measure static loads applied to a mechanical shaft, in an on-line, in-process, quasi real-time fashion. The system can be used to measure static load and thus oversee an entire machine system or a manufacturing process.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: University of MassachusettsInventors: Robert X. Gao, Szabolcs Sovenyi