Inspecting Patents (Class 73/865.8)
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Patent number: 11630084Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as a hole, crack, wrinkle, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting defect areas within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each defect area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2020Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: VERIFI TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman
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Patent number: 11624711Abstract: Method for the optical inspection of containers, where the containers are transported with a conveyor as a container mass flow, where the containers are each captured with an optical inspection unit as first image data, and where the first image data is evaluated with an image processing unit for contamination and/or defects on the respective container, where the first image data of several containers is overlaid to form an overlay image, and where the overlay image is evaluated for the presence of points of contamination in a beam path of the optical inspection unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2020Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: KRONES AGInventor: Alexander Hewicker
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Patent number: 11610466Abstract: A hierarchical early-warning system for landslide probability issues a first level warning based on measured rainfall amounts exceeding a determined threshold, a second level warning, after the first level warning, based additionally on measured soil moisture content measured at different levels, and Factor of safety derived from forecasted pore pressure (FPP) each exceeding a determined threshold, a third level warning, after the first and the second level warnings, based additionally on ground movement measurements compared to a determined threshold, and a fourth level warning after the first, second and third level warnings, based additionally on data from movement-based sensors including strain gauge data.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2021Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Inventors: Maneesha Vinodini Ramesh, Divya Pullarkatt, Hemalatha Thirugnanam, Nitin Kumar M., P. Venkat Rangan
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Patent number: 11589732Abstract: An endoscope apparatus having: an insertion portion extending along a longitudinal axis; a roller driven by a drive force to rotate around the longitudinal axis; and a cover member covering the roller, wherein the cover member has: a base layer having: an outer surface direction side; and an inner surface direction side arranged to contact the roller, wherein portions of the base layer covering the roller as the roller rotates around the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion elastically elongate in an outer surface direction of the insertion portion, and wherein the base layer has a secondary material being a first color at a first temperature range and a second color at a second temperature range; and an external coating layer formed on at least one of the outer surface direction side and the inner surface direction side of the base layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2019Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventor: Robert E. Ailinger
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Patent number: 11579118Abstract: An inline inspection tool of this disclosure includes at least one sensor arm (50) having a sensor head (30) located at its distal end (51), the sensor head including an arched-shaped pipe contacting portion (33) between its forward and rearward ends (32, 34), the pipe contacting portion having a radius R and a width WC; and at least one triaxial sensor element (31) having at least a portion located directly below the arched-shaped pipe contacting portion and having a width WS, WC<WS. During the tool's travel through a pipeline, contact of the sensor head with the pipe wall lies along a single line of travel substantially equal to the width WC. Because of its shape, the sensor head better traces and maintains contact with the pipe wall to detect dents, wrinkles, weld intrusions, and other defects or anomalies in the pipe wall.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2020Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: TDW Delaware, Inc.Inventors: Todd R. Mendenhall, Blake Owen, Ed Maynard
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Patent number: 11549912Abstract: An in-line inspection (ILI) tool 20 for use inspecting pipelines includes a plurality of collapsible guide centralizers 100 configured and sized to correspond to the inside diameter of the pipeline being inspected. The guide centralizes 100 include wheels 102 roll along the inside wall of the pipeline being inspected to maintain the guide centralizers “centered” within the pipeline. A collapsible exciter unit centralizer 200 is positioned between collapsible guide centralizers 100 to “center” the exciter unit centralizer relative to the interior of the pipeline. The exciter unit centralizer 200 generates signals in the form of an alternating magnetic field that travel along the wall of the pipeline which in turn generates eddy current signals. The eddy current signals undergo a change if a discontinuity in the pipeline is encountered by the inspection tool 20, which signal change or deviation is detected by a collapsible detector unit centralizer 300 positioned between the collapsible guide centralizers 100.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2021Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: PICA Pipeline Inspection and Condition Analysis CorporationInventors: David E. Russell, David Burton
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Patent number: 11510560Abstract: An arrangement, and associated method, for cleaning and disinfecting an endoscope having an internal channel accessible via an opening. The arrangement includes: a support structure; at least one tray including at least one fixture arranged to maintain the endoscope in the desired position within the tray; a rack arranged to support the tray; a control unit arranged to control and operate the arrangement; a user interface connected to the control unit and arranged to make it possible for an operator to indicate the type of endoscope arranged in the tray; an optical device connected to the control unit and configured to confirm the type of endoscope arranged in the tray; a robotic device operated by the control unit and arranged to clean the at least one channel in the endoscope arranged in the tray; and a disinfector device arranged to enclose the tray and disinfect the endoscope.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2017Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: LUKI ABInventor: Michael Larsson
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Patent number: 11479416Abstract: Examples of non-invasive inspection of a mechanical system are described. In an example implementation, a first operational data from a detector mounted on an item being handled by a mechanical system is retrieved. The detector may include one or more sensors, and the first operational data is indicative of a current operational condition of the mechanical system. The first operational data can be compared with a corresponding historical first operational data and an error in the current operational condition of the mechanical system is determined based on the comparison. In response to the identification of the error, a notification is generated to perform a non-invasive inspection of the mechanical system.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2018Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: ACCENTURE GLOBAL SOLUTIONS LIMITEDInventors: Christian Martono, Teck Leng Neo
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Patent number: 11438844Abstract: A hydrant apparatus may be employed to monitor a water distribution system, and may include a sensor, a processor, and a local clock source. The apparatus may wake from a low power mode to a sensing mode, receive the sensor data, associate the sensor data with a first local clock time, and return the apparatus to the low power mode from the sensing mode. The apparatus may subsequently wake to an operational mode, determine a second local clock time subsequent to the first local clock time, associate an external clock time with the second local clock time, determine an offset for the received sensor data based on the first local clock time and the association between the second local clock time and the external clock time, and transmit the sensor data and the offset to an external monitoring system.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2021Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: AMI Investments, LLCInventor: Tom Bohrer
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Patent number: 11422116Abstract: A robot system for non-destructive testing (NDT) of a test object, including: a transducer holder and an NDT transducer to perform an NDT on the surface of the test object; a memory to store a predefined trajectory of the NDT transducer; a force-sensing device to provide measurements of the contact forces and/or contact moments between the surface of the test object and the NDT transducer and/or the transducer holder; a controller to generate an actuation signal based on the predefined trajectory; and a positioning device to control the position and/or orientation of the NDT transducer relative to the test object based on the actuation signal. Consequently, the position and/or orientation of the NDT transducer relative to the test object and the contact forces and/or contact moments between the NDT transducer and/or the transducer holder and the test object can be automatically adapted to improve the quality of the NDT measurement.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2019Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: FLEXIBLE ROBOTIC SOLUTIONSInventor: Joris De Schutter
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Patent number: 11353377Abstract: In a wedge looseness diagnosis which is performed by striking wedges of a rotary electric machine, a variation of a wave form of a strike sound is reduced with respect to a variation of an amount of looseness of the wedges, and it is difficult that a slight difference of the amount of the looseness of the wedges is discriminated, so that the wedges are struck by a strike portion in a state where the wedges are pressed by a pressure portion which presses the wedges, and a strike sound at a high frequency is reduced, whereby an amount of a variation of magnitude of the strike sound is enlarged with respect to a valuation of the amount of the looseness of the wedges, and the amount of the looseness of the wedges is judged in accordance with the strike sound which is obtained by a strike sound measuring portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2017Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshihiro Morimoto, Daisuke Mizuno, Kazuhiko Fukushima, Kohei Nakamura, Wataru Nagaya
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Patent number: 11305908Abstract: A tablet counter and packaging module including a rotary disc with tablet apertures spaced thereabout, the tablet apertures configured to receive a tablet; a negative pressure system configured to retain the tablets in the tablet apertures; ejection devices to selectively eject one or more of the tablets from the corresponding tablet apertures; a plurality of ejection receptacles configured to collect the tablets ejected by the ejection devices; an inspection system operably engaged with the rotary disc and at least one of the ejection devices, the inspection system being configured to analyze tablets retained within the tablet apertures to determine if one or more tablet characteristics associated with the tablet; and the ejection devices configured to eject the tablet from a tablet aperture based on the determined at least one tablet characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2020Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: Aylward Enterprises, LLCInventors: Jeffrey L. Burkett, Jr., William F. Clukey, Jr., Vincent E. Holley, John A. Winters
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Patent number: 11309080Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for treating a tissue site are described. In some embodiments, the system may include a dressing, a negative-pressure source, and a communication device. The communication device may be coupled to the negative-pressure source and configured to transmit operational data of the negative pressure source to a remote location for monitoring usage of the system.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2015Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.Inventors: Gregory Phillips, Brian Robey
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Patent number: 11202676Abstract: A surgical system includes a robotic device, and a surgical tool coupled to the robotic device and comprising a distal end. The system further includes a neural monitor configured to generate an electrical signal and apply the electrical signal to the distal end of the surgical tool, wherein the electrical signal causes innervation of a first portion of a patient's anatomy which generates an electromyographic signal, and a sensor configured to measure the electromyographic signal. The neural monitor is configured to determine a distance between the distal end of the surgical tool and a portion of nervous tissue based on the electrical signal and the electromyographic signal, and cause feedback to be provided to a user based on the distance.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2018Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.Inventors: Chris Alan Lightcap, Hyosig Kang, Arthur E. Quaid, III, Rony Abovitz
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Patent number: 11187527Abstract: Disclosed herein is a non-destructive inspection system. The non-destructive inspection system comprises a motion platform and a tool assembly. The tool assembly is coupled to the motion platform such that the tool assembly is movable relative to the motion platform. The tool assembly comprises an inspection tool assembly that comprises a base structure coupled to the tool assembly and a plurality of probe assemblies coupled to the base structure. Each probe assembly comprises a first linear actuator and a probe, different from the probe of any other one of the plurality of probe assemblies, for inspecting a different structural feature of a structure. Each probe is moveable, along a first axis relative to another one of the probes and substantially perpendicular to the base structure, using the first linear actuator of the corresponding one of the plurality of probe assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2019Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: John M. Shinozaki, Barry A. Fetzer
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Patent number: 11189153Abstract: A material container monitoring and management system comprising sensors operatively connected to a central local processor in wireless communication with a central server. The sensor set at least includes a material level sensor and a motor current sensor which respectively monitor a material level within the container and a motor current draw. Sensor data is relayed to the local processor to provide where it is initially analyzed and subsequently relayed to the central server for improved bin monitoring, alerting and control based on material level, current draw and detected environmental conditions. Given the environmental conditions available, the system operation parameters can be automatically or manually adjusted while dynamic performance benchmarks update relative to the measured variables and predicted dispensing patterns based on historical data. User monitoring comprises various selectable geographical views of containers and drill down view include specific information related to that container.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2020Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: CapaciTrac LLCInventors: Eric Allan Faszold, Zachary Ray Hollis
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Patent number: 11170328Abstract: A system for managing sanitation of a container for perishable goods including: a storage device to store perishable good requirements, sanitation schedule parameters, sanitation requirements, sanitation test results, and perishable good parameters associated with the perishable goods; and a sanitation management system coupled to the storage device. The sanitation management system including: a sanitation assessment module to determine sanitation risk levels in response to at least one of the perishable good parameters, the perishable good requirements, the sanitation schedule parameters, sanitation test results, and the sanitation requirements; a sanitation schedule module to determine sanitation schedule adjustments in response to at least one of the sanitation risk level, the sanitation schedule parameters, and the sanitation requirements; and a meshing module to determine output parameters in response to at least one of the sanitation risk levels and the sanitation schedule adjustments.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2017Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventors: Marc Beasley, Ciara Poolman, Robert A. Chopko, John Cronin, Joseph George Bodkin
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Patent number: 11167317Abstract: A method for handling harvested root crops such as potatoes. The method includes the steps of optically imaging (i.e., by the hyper-spectral imaging system) a bulk flow of a harvested root crop to produce image data and analysing the image data to identify discrete objects within the bulk flow. Each identified object is categorised as either acceptable or unacceptable based on a comparison with at least one discriminator and objects classified as unacceptable are removed (by the ejector actuator) from the bulk flow to provide a sorted flow of the harvested root crop.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2013Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: TOMRA SORTING LIMITEDInventors: John McGloughlin, James Frost, Maurice Moynihan
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Patent number: 11152236Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include systems and methods of manufacturing a product. The system may include a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer readable program code for performing the method. The method may include manufacturing batches of the product according to steps of a process flow, determining output data for each batch, sequencing the batches by output data, determining a plurality of modes of output data based on grouping the batches, identifying a detrimental factor to output data in a process flow step based on a correlation between the process flow step and a mode of the plurality of modes, and correcting the detrimental factor.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2019Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLCInventor: Lieyi Sheng
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Patent number: 11143599Abstract: Systems and methods for robotic inspection of above-ground pipelines are disclosed. Embodiments may include a robotic crawler having a plurality of motors that are individually controllable for improved positioning on the pipeline to facilitate image acquisition. Embodiments may also include mounting systems to house and carry imaging equipment configured to capture image data simultaneously from a plurality of angles. Such mounting systems may be adjustable to account for different sizes of pipes (e.g., 2-40+ inches), and may be configured to account for traversing various pipe support structures. Still further, mounting systems may include quick-release members to allow for removal and re-mounting of imaging equipment when traversing support structures. In other aspects, embodiments may be directed toward control systems for the robotic crawler which assist in the navigation and image capture capabilities of the crawler.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2018Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: Mistras Group, Inc.Inventors: Kelly Morris, Elliott Morris, John Musgrave
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Patent number: 11059211Abstract: The present invention discloses an injection molding control method. The injection molding control method comprises the following steps: establishing a work command according to a plurality of production process parameters; receiving a position information directly from an injection molding machine; and controlling a servo pump to drive the injection molding machine according to the position information and the work command.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.Inventors: Te-Wei Yuan, Tun-Jung Li, Yuan-Hung Cho
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Patent number: 11003171Abstract: A parameter setting device is configured to set a parameter relating to a speed of a table of a machine tool in accordance with the weight of an object placed on the table. The parameter setting device includes: an operation control unit configured to provide control such that the table is operated according to a predetermined operation; a positional change obtaining unit configured to obtain a positional change of the table; a storage unit that stores the parameter corresponding to the positional change caused when the table is operated according to the predetermined operation; and a parameter setting unit configured to set, by using the storage unit, the parameter based on the positional change obtained by the positional change obtaining unit when the operation control unit operates the table according to the predetermined operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: FANUC CORPORATIONInventors: Naoya Takeuchi, Rikizou Watanabe
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Patent number: 11002707Abstract: Diagnostic device including a hammering sound signal acquisition unit, a frequency characteristic conversion unit, and an abnormality determination unit. The hammering sound signal acquisition unit acquires an i-th hammering sound signal and a j-th hammering sound signal representing hammering sounds with respect to striking applied to an i-th and a j-th struck position of an inspection target. The frequency characteristic conversion unit respectively converts the i-th hammering sound signal and the j-th hammering sound signal into an i-th frequency characteristic and a j-th frequency characteristic. The abnormality determination unit determines presence or absence of an abnormality in the inspection target on the basis of a matching degree of waveforms around peaks in the i-th frequency characteristic and waveforms around peaks in the j-th frequency characteristic. The diagnostic device can be used with an inspection robot to automatically analyze for loose stator wedges.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2018Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions CorporationInventors: Akihiko Enamito, Osamu Nishimura
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Patent number: 10969366Abstract: Circumferential and axial magnetizers for a magnetic flux leakage pig. A magnet bar may comprise at least one magnet and may be configured to collapse radially inward to the shaft. Magnetizers may include a cushion disposed about the shaft and biasing the magnet bar against a pipe wall. A sensor head disposed between circuit poles at each polar end of the magnet monitors magnetic flux. The central shaft of a circumferential magnetizer or axial magnetizer may comprise a joint linking an additional smart pig module. A novel magnetizer cushion is described, as are smart pigs containing one or more circumferential or axial magnetizers.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2020Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Novitech Inc.Inventors: Ron Thompson, Min Xu
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Patent number: 10962521Abstract: A condition monitoring system that determines a presence of change of water content in grease. The system provides a sensor electrode that is placed in the space where the grease is located. The electrode is suitably a plate with a surface area creating a capacitance C. This in combination with a resistor R, creates an RC circuit. The system senses the RC circuit. The dielectric constant of the monitored grease varies in dependence of the water content of the grease. A change of the dielectric constant will change RC, that is then sensed by the system. An analysis of a change of RC will determine if there is a presence of a change of the level of water content in the monitored grease.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKFInventors: Fredrik Sundquist, Paer Marklund
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Patent number: 10954661Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning waste collection systems of solid materials. The apparatus is capable of cleaning waste systems in two known ways. First, a pumping method uses normal and injected water flow to suspend the solids in a slurry. A submersible pump moves the slurry from a collection point up to a pressurized container where the water content of the slurry is decanted and reused as injection water while the particulate material settles to the bottom of the pressurized container. Second, a vacuum system may be used to move the slurry from the waste system to the waste container. The vacuum system creates a negative pressure differential, causing material to be pulled through a vacuum tube and into the waste container. When the container becomes substantially full of solid particles, it may be emptied at a dumpsite.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: U.S. Submergent Technologies, LLCInventor: Henry B. Polston
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Patent number: 10954102Abstract: A diagnostic step for a passenger conveyor comprises at least one camera for shooting at least one lateral side of the interior space of the passenger conveyor, at least one directional microphone pointed to said at least one lateral side of the interior space of the passenger conveyor and an analyzer unit which receives image data from the camera and sound data from the directional microphone and transmits the data to an outside network.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2017Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANYInventors: Atsushi Yamada, Hiromitsu Miyajima
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Patent number: 10927818Abstract: A system and method for inspecting, repairing and upgrading wind turbine rotor blades of a wind turbine. The system including deploying one or more cables via an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a balloon, a ballistic mechanism or a catapult to position the one or more cables in draping engagement with a portion of the wind turbine. A climbing robot is positioned to ascend the one or more cables and perform a task related to inspecting for indications, repair of indications or upgrading the rotor blade. A slave robot system, disposed at the base location and anchored to the one or more cables, provides modulation of the cables for positioning of the climbing robot relative to the wind turbine as it ascends and descends the one or more cables. After completion of the task, the climbing robot descends the one or more cables and the cables are removed from the wind turbine.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2018Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Shiraj Sen, Todd William Danko, John Robert Hoare, Charles Burton Theurer, Douglas Forman, Judith Ann Guzzo
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Patent number: 10924149Abstract: The present disclosure provides an underground base station configured to locate below a ground surface of the earth. It includes an outer shell assembly, configured to have a cavity therein; a sealing assembly, arranged to be housed within the cavity and provided with at least one communication component therein; a fiber assembly, disposed to fix onto the outer shell assembly and a fiber from which is connected with the at least one communication component; and a cover assembly, fixed on top of the outer shell assembly and having an antenna module therein. The sealing assembly is configured to have at least one opening facing away from the ground surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (Publ)Inventors: Jie Zhao, Jianmin Kou
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Patent number: 10920919Abstract: A method of inspecting a length of pipe having a pipe wall and a nominal inner diameter, comprising providing an inspection pig configured for passing along the length of pipe, wherein the inspection pig is provided with a substantially circumferential inside-out capacitance tomography sensor arrangement having a diameter smaller than the nominal inner diameter; passing the inspection pig along the length of pipe thereby defining an annular space between the sensor arrangement and the pipe wall; conducting measurements using the sensor arrangement at a plurality of locations along the length of pipe, and deriving, for each of the plurality of locations, information about an interface surrounding the inspection pig from the measurements. Further provided is an inspection pig for inspecting a length of pipe, wherein the inspection pig is provided with an inside-out capacitance tomography sensor arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANYInventors: Aloysius Johannes Nicolaas Vreenegoor, Rajneesh Varma, Vipul Khosla
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Patent number: 10871455Abstract: A method of inspecting the inside of a vessel. The method includes the step of obtaining a visual image of the inside of the vessel using a camera. The method includes using a first three-dimensional scanner to obtain a low-resolution image of one or more surfaces of the inside of the vessel; and using a second three-dimensional scanner to obtain a high-resolution image of one or more objects inside of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2017Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: E M & I (Maritime) LimitedInventor: Daniel Constantinis
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Patent number: 10827237Abstract: A method for providing information about a mechanical wristwatch, including the following steps, performed by the wristwatch: harvesting an intermittently available external energy, storing the harvested energy, at the end of a predefined period of time, generating an analysis report on an activity of the owner of the wristwatch, based at least on the times and durations of availability of the external energy, when or after the harvested energy quantity reaches a threshold, the threshold being on or above an energy level required to power a transmission unit of the wristwatch, wirelessly transmitting the analysis report to a distant reader with the transmission unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2019Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development LtdInventors: Thierry Scordilis, Arnaud Casagrande, Luca De Rosa, Jean-Luc Arend, Jean Gorisse, Zoran Randjelovic
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Patent number: 10823632Abstract: In a method for identifying an unbalance correction for flexible rotors (1), the rotor (1) is rotatably mounted in two bearing devices. An RPM sensor (4) records the speed of the rotor (1) and a radial movement of the rotor (1) is recorded, by means of position sensors (3) at measuring points (6), during an unbalance measurement run or a plurality of unbalance measurement runs for different rotor speeds. The measured values recorded are fed to an evaluation device (5), which determines the eccentricity measured values assigned to the measuring points (6) by means of expanding the influence coefficient method, and therefore unbalances are determined per plane and eccentricities are determined per measuring point for each measurement run.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2019Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Schenck RoTec GmbHInventor: Kai Trukenmueller
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Patent number: 10816481Abstract: A non-destructive measurement unit of gas concentration in sealed containers and an automatic filling and/or packaging line using such a unit are provided. The flexible containers are at least partially optically transparent, and the measurement unit comprises a light source for emitting a light beam at a wavelength tunable with an absorption wavelength of a gas contained in the sealed flexible container. The light source directs the light beam toward at least one inspection area, and a detector detects at least a portion of the beam after the beam passes through the inspection area and outputs data representative of an absorption spectrum of the gas. Means for generating a head space of predefined width into the sealed flexible container is adapted to advance the sealed flexible container by an advancement path which crosses the inspection zone and to maintain the predefined width of the head space during the advancement.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2017Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: FT SYSTEM S.R.L.Inventors: Fabio Forestelli, Gian Carlo Frazzi
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Patent number: 10785548Abstract: A method for providing information about a mechanical wristwatch, including the following steps, performed by the wristwatch: harvesting an intermittently available external energy, storing the harvested energy, at the end of a predefined period of time, generating an analysis report on an activity of the owner of the wristwatch, based at least on the times and durations of availability of the external energy, when or after the harvested energy quantity reaches a threshold, the threshold being on or above an energy level required to power a transmission unit of the wristwatch, wirelessly transmitting the analysis report to a distant reader with the transmission unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2019Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development LtdInventors: Thierry Scordilis, Arnaud Casagrande, Luca De Rosa, Jean-Luc Arend, Jean Gorisse, Zoran Randjelovic
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Patent number: 10724993Abstract: A workpiece handling system for inspection of workpieces having an elongated cylindrical segment with an enlarged feature such as a threaded fastener. A pair of rollers is inclined with respect to horizontal, and having cylindrical surfaces separated by a gap and rotated about parallel axes, with upwardly presented end surfaces. A drive arrangement rotates the rollers. A slide mechanism enables the rollers to be set at a first and second separation gaps. A workpiece transfer mechanism loads the workpiece onto the rollers, rotation of the rollers set at the first separation gap causes the workpieces to rotate. A sensor probe is positioned in close proximity to the workpiece head as the workpiece is rotated. A workpiece receiving system is provided for handling the workpieces when the rollers are set to the separation second gap, allowing the workpiece to fall under gravity between the rollers.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2017Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: MECTRON ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Mark L. Hanna, Lamoyne Durham
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Patent number: 10698383Abstract: A method of load characteristic identification and acceleration adjustment for a machine tool is provided. A first acceleration of a transmission system is set according to the weight of a workpiece, and the working platform and the workpiece are driven at the first acceleration. A first elastic deformation of the transmission system and an amount of first position error of the transmission system are calculated when transmission system is moved at the first acceleration. A dynamic error is calculated according to the first elastic deformation and the first position error. When the dynamic error is less than or greater than a target error, a second acceleration is set to the transmission system, and a second elastic deformation and a second position error are calculated when the transmission system moves at the second acceleration unit the dynamic error is converged to the target error.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2019Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Jheng-Jie Lin, Kuo-Hua Chou, Chien-Chih Liao, Jen-Ji Wang
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Patent number: 10648895Abstract: A device and a method for testing tablets are disclosed. The device for testing tablets includes a test chamber, which has a crusher jaw and, lying opposite the latter, a counter-jaw. The device has a movable sheet metal strip, which is designed to position a tablet for testing. The longitudinal axis of the movable sheet metal strip is at an angle of less than 90° to the longitudinal axis of the direction of movement of the crusher jaw, and the direction of movement of the sheet metal strip corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the sheet metal strip.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2016Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: ERWEKA GMBHInventors: Werner Georg Müller, Levent Bozkurt
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Patent number: 10630117Abstract: An energy management method and system are provided for a receiving terminal of a simultaneous information and energy transfer system. The method comprises the steps of: activating a battery to provide a working power supply, receiving a simultaneous information and energy transfer signal, processing the signal and harvesting energy in the signal, storing the harvested energy into a temporary energy storage unit, and stopping the battery from supplying power, and charging the battery from the energy stored in the temporary energy storage unit. The system comprises a receiver and an energy management module.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: South University of Science & Technology of ChinaInventors: Yi Gong, Zidong Han
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Patent number: 10589432Abstract: A system for underwater inspection including an inspection crawler are provided. The inspection crawler includes a housing having first and second sides, a power source, a controller, an inspection tool, at least two driving wheels, and a moveable center of gravity. A method for traversing a weld joint with the inspection crawler having a moving mass is also provided. In the method, the crawler is parked proximate to the joint, and the mass is slid along a slide rail to the second end of the crawler distal to the joint. The first end of the crawler is then propelled over the joint and the mass is slid to the center of the crawler. A center portion of the crawler is then propelled over the joint and the mass is slid to the first end of the crawler. The second end of the crawler is then propelled over the joint.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2017Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Ammar Al Nahwi, Fadl Abdellatif, Ali Outa, Ihsan Al-Taie
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Patent number: 10506149Abstract: An endoscope device for the automated inspection of the interior of a transmission. The endoscope has a control unit and an evaluation unit, a feed unit having a swivel element, a changer magazine having a plurality of guide channels and an endoscope. The control unit is connected to the endoscope and is largely provided for controlling the endoscope and for transmitting images to the evaluation unit. The swivel element is provided for aligning a distal end of the endoscope with respect to a relevant guide channel, and the feed unit is provided for axially passing the endoscope through the relevant guide channel. Furthermore, a transmission, in particular for a wind turbine, has a transmission housing having at least one access opening for receiving an endoscope device. Automated inspection of the interior of the transmission can be conducted by the endoscope device.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2017Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Daniel Wolf, Johannes Schäfer, Marton Kurucz
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Patent number: 10494915Abstract: A wellbore leakage detection tool and method for assembling such tool includes a longitudinal tool element, including a through bore perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal tool element, an acoustic insulator or damper arranged in the through bore, and an acoustic sensor assembly arranged suspended in the acoustic insulator or damper inside the through bore. The acoustic insulator or damper has an acoustic impedance different from an acoustic impedance of the tool element.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2017Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: BERGEN TECHNOLOGY CENTER ASInventor: Morten Ivar Andersen
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Patent number: 10495564Abstract: A method and apparatuses to make an in-service measurement of the thickness and corrosion rate of the floor an aboveground or bulk underground storage tank. The preferred method is to use an off-the-shelf ultrasonic sensor that is placed on the end of a staff and inserted into an opening at the top of the tank to make one or more local measurements of the thickness and corrosion rate of the tank floor. When combined with the results of a previous out-of service internal inspection of the floor or an acoustic emission (AE) corrosion activity test performed with a vertical and horizontal array of three or more AE sensors placed on a staff and inserted into the liquid or on the external wall of the tank and show almost no corrosion activity, these local measurements can be used to determine the thickness and corrosion rate for the entire tank floor.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2017Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: VISTA PRECISION SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Joseph W. Maresca, Jr., Brian E. Humann, Wendell G. Faultersack, Wilhelmina C. Leuschen
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Patent number: 10463298Abstract: A physical area network described herein enables significantly improved health monitoring and treatment by utilizing internal (in-body) mechanisms and information and external mechanisms and information.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2019Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Inventor: Lucas J. Myslinski
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Patent number: 10451209Abstract: The invention relates to a segment of pipe-in-pipe pipeline comprising an annulus under reduced pressure sealed and delimited by a metallic internal pipe inserted into a metallic external pipe and provided with a measurement system to determine in a non-intrusive manner the state of the annulus, the measurement system being composed of a first internal emitter/receiver assembly placed inside the annulus and cooperating with means to measure a first physical quantity such as pressure, hygrometry or temperature inside the reduced pressure annulus and a second external emitter/receiver assembly arranged to the exterior of the segment and facing said first assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2018Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: ITP SAInventors: Jean-Aurélien Damour, Christian Geertsen, Pierre Ollier
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Patent number: 10451521Abstract: A scanner for inspecting a component is disclosed. The scanner may include a main body having a clamp attachable to the component, a first arm moveably attached to the main body, a first probe attached to the first arm, a first axial actuator in mechanical communication with the first arm, a second arm moveably attached to the main body, a second probe attached to the second arm, a second axial actuator in mechanical communication with the second arm, and a radial actuator in mechanical communication with the first arm and the second arm.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2017Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Elena Otero, Thomas Morris, Christoph Hurzeler
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Patent number: 10437641Abstract: Aspects of the technology provide systems and methods for interleaving a processing task in a network monitoring appliance. A process of the technology could include steps for identifying operators in the network monitoring appliance, wherein the operators are sequentially arranged to form a processing pipeline, determining an epoch for the processing pipeline, wherein the epoch corresponds with a time duration required for a processing task to traverse the pipeline, and determining a time window in which a supplemental processing task can be interleaved into the processing pipeline, wherein the time window is based on the epoch. Machine-readable media are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2017Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Chetan Narsude, Gaurav Gupta, Azeem Suleman, Shadab Nazar, Pavan Mamillapalli, Sundar Iyer
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Patent number: 10377509Abstract: A fully automated method for testing functionality of a spacecraft or aircraft unit under testing (UUT) includes selecting a test station at which to conduct a first functionality test on the UUT. The method also includes coupling a program specific module (PSM) to the UUT. Each PSM is configured to couple to a specific type of UUT to provide power and telemetry to the specific type of UUT. The method further includes a robot arm moving the UUT to the selected test station. The method still further includes conducting the first functionality test on the UUT at the selected test station.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2014Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Rigel Quinn Woida-O'Brien
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Patent number: 10378992Abstract: A system and method for pipeline inspection may include a transport module having a sensor arrangement configured to carry one or more sensors, and it may be movable longitudinally through the pipeline and circumferentially around an interior of the pipeline. The sensor arrangement may include a sensor and a sensor cover selectively disposable over the sensor for isolating the sensor from contact with the inside surface of a wall of the pipeline. The sensor cover may include a cleaning arrangement disposed proximate the sensor for removing debris from the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2017Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Robert E. Kodadek, Michael Passaretti, Eric S. Feldman, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair
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Patent number: 10370830Abstract: A method of in-line inspection of integrity of a pipeline includes identifying a first prospective cluster related to at least a first feature of the pipeline and a second prospective cluster related to at least a second feature of the pipeline. The method includes calculating an effective area using Length Adaptive Pressure Assessment (LAPA) techniques. The effective area corresponds to a lower calculated burst pressure than surrounding areas of the pipeline. LAPA techniques are used to determine if the first prospective cluster interacts with the second prospective cluster. The method includes combining the first and the second prospective cluster when the effective area includes the first and the second prospective cluster to form a resultant cluster. The method further includes generating an indication of an attribute of the resultant cluster.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2017Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Steven Farnie