Patents by Inventor Steven J. Grenier

Steven J. Grenier 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).

  • Patent number: 11729895
    Abstract: An example remote control for a radiographic source includes: a forward cable section configured to extend into and through a radiographic source housing, to expose a radiographic source to an exterior of the housing, and to retract into and through the radiographic source housing to retract the radiographic source into the radiographic housing; a drive cable section coupled to the forward cable section; and a drive gear configured to extend the forward cable section by driving the drive cable section in a first direction, and to retract the forward cable section by driving the drive cable section in a second direction, wherein the forward cable has a smooth exterior surface to have a lower friction than the drive cable section while traversing the radiographic source housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Grenier, John H. Crosby, Jr., Curtis D. Auzenne
  • Publication number: 20220132646
    Abstract: An example remote control for a radiographic source includes: a forward cable section configured to extend into and through a radiographic source housing, to expose a radiographic source to an exterior of the housing, and to retract into and through the radiographic source housing to retract the radiographic source into the radiographic housing; a drive cable section coupled to the forward cable section; and a drive gear configured to extend the forward cable section by driving the drive cable section in a first direction, and to retract the forward cable section by driving the drive cable section in a second direction, wherein the forward cable has a smooth exterior surface to have a lower friction than the drive cable section while traversing the radiographic source housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Steven J. Grenier, John H. Crosby, JR., Curtis D. Auzenne
  • Patent number: 10403410
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a source wire assembly for radiographic applications, particularly for guiding a gamma ray source through a tubular path, such as with a radiographic projector. The source wire assembly includes a core of flexible metal cable, such as, but not limited to, aircraft cable, which may include wires and/or strands which are woven, twisted, helix wound or braided. A distal end of the source wire assembly is securely engaged to a Radioactive source capsule assembly while a proximal end of the source wire assembly is securely engaged to a connector housing for connection to driving equipment, such as, but not limited to, a push-pull operation associated with a radiographic projector, which may include source wire locking and safety mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: QSA GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Potenza, John H. Crosby, Jr., Steven J. Grenier
  • Publication number: 20180226164
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a source wire assembly for radiographic applications, particularly for guiding a gamma ray source through a tubular path, such as with a radiographic projector. The source wire assembly includes a core of flexible metal cable, such as, but not limited to, aircraft cable, which may include wires and/or strands which are woven, twisted, helix wound or braided. A distal end of the source wire assembly is securely engaged to a Radioactive source capsule assembly while a proximal end of the source wire assembly is securely engaged to a connector housing for connection to driving equipment, such as, but not limited to, a push-pull operation associated with a radiographic projector, which may include source wire locking and safety mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Matthew A. POTENZA, John H. CROSBY, Jr., Steven J. GRENIER
  • Patent number: 10014085
    Abstract: This disclosure pertains to a holder for a radioactive source capsule with pivoting first and second parts, with redundant mechanisms for retention of the capsule during transportation and handling. These retaining mechanisms include a set screw in the first pivoting part to engage the capsule and to prevent radial movement of the capsule, a locking shelf in the second pivoting part to fix the axial orientation of the pivoting bottom end of the capsule holder, and a capture tooth within the capsule to prevent release of the capsule while in the shipping and/or handling tube of the capsule holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Steven J. Grenier
  • Publication number: 20170229200
    Abstract: This disclosure pertains to a holder for a radioactive source capsule with pivoting first and second parts, with redundant mechanisms for retention of the capsule during transportation and handling. These retaining mechanisms include a set screw in the first pivoting part to engage the capsule and to prevent radial movement of the capsule, a locking shelf in the second pivoting part to fix the axial orientation of the pivoting bottom end of the capsule holder, and a capture tooth within the capsule to prevent release of the capsule while in the shipping and/or handling tube of the capsule holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventor: Steven J. GRENIER
  • Patent number: 6781114
    Abstract: A radiographic camera has a housing, having first and second ends, that encloses a conduit having a radiographic source. The conduit is in communication with a lock assembly at the back end of the camera and to a connector assembly at the front end of the camera. The radiographic camera can be held within a jacket that has a handle with a reinforcement structure. The conduit is surrounded by a radiation shield that has a shield end attached to an endplate having a port outlet. The connector assembly features a front plate having a hole aligned with the port outlet on the endplate. The front plate features an internal surface to which a rotor is rotatably attached. The rotor provides a first rotor hole that is aligned with the port outlet and includes a port shield for blocking the first rotor hole, and a second rotor hole that is alignable with the port outlet. The rotor may be rotated so that either the first or second rotor hole is aligned with the port outlet to shield or expose the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: AEA Technology QSA Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Grenier
  • Patent number: 6481914
    Abstract: A coupling mechanism secures a radiographic source connector to a drive assembly to prevent unintentional release. The source connector includes a cup sleeve with a sleeve slot cut along its axis. The sleeve is spring-loaded to capture the ball end of a drive assembly by applying a positive locking force from the spring. The sleeve slot provides clearance for the neck of the ball end of the drive connector ball. This clearance allows the source connector to pivot approximately 90° without detaching from the drive cable at any angle or orientation. The source connector cannot be disconnected from the drive assembly due to a force applied in any direction. The only mechanism for release is to intentionally move the sleeve in a direction opposite the urging of the spring and then remove the drive connector ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: AEA Technology QSA Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Grenier, George W. Parsons
  • Patent number: D453570
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: AEA Technology QSA Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Grenier