Gas Research Institute

Invocon, Inc.

Other

Electric Power Research Institute Incorporated

Karl F Kiefer

Gerard T Pittard

Eric Krug

Terry P Clifton

Brian D Philpot

Donald L Chaffee

Kevin Champaigne

Doug Heermann

Gulnara Ajupova

William J McDonald

John H Cohen

Curtis E Leitko, Jr

Douglas A Heermann

Guinara Ajupova

C Grissom Steele

Doug Heerman

Charles G Steele

Christopher DePalm

Donald Chaffee

Gulnara Roberson

A time domain detection system to measure and report on hypervelocity impacts HVI between an interceptor vehicle and a target vehicle. Wherein, said time domain detection system comprises a target vehicle components installed on said target vehicle, a one or more panels arranged on a portion of said target vehicle at a potential HVI locations, and a hit detection system wired into said one or more panels. Said target vehicle components comprise at least said hit detection system, and a lines. Said one or more panels are wired into said hit detection system with said lines. Said hit detection system is configured to communicate with said one or more panels over said lines. Said one or more panels can each comprise a one or more detector panel layers, and a two or more insulator layers.

System and method for detecting hit locations using the time domain

A method and system for detecting hypervelocity impacts on a detection surface utilizes multiple sensors that directly measure electrical pulse radio frequency (RF) emissions generated by hypervelocity impacts on a detection surface and time of arrival (TOA) position measurements for determining the precise impact location on the detection surface. The detection surface material is compressed differentially in such a way that the inherent equalization of the compressed electron density in one area of the impact is directed to the uncompressed area of the material causing an electrical current that flows until the redistribution of the electrical charge has been completed and the rapid redistribution of charge and inherent current that results emits the radio frequency pulse that is induced into the detection surface.

Hypervelocity impact and time of arrival detection method and system

A hypervelocity impact detection method and system for determining the precise impact location in a detection surface, of impacts such as ballistic missile intercepts, micrometeoroids and orbital debris (MMOD) or other shock events, utilizes a gridless detection surface capable of propagating radio frequency (RF) impact detection signals responsive to receiving hypervelocity impacts from objects, and multiple sensors on the detection surface that directly measure radio frequency RF emissions generated by the hypervelocity impacts on the surface, and a time of arrival (TOA) position measurement technique for determining the precise impact location in the detection surface.

Hypervelocity impact detection method and system for determining impact location in a detection surface

A system and method for performing lethality assessment utilizes frequency domain reflectometry (FDR) to determine impact point and damage propagation faults in a detection surface. The detection surface has a conductive layer capable of propagating radio frequency (RF) signals. At least one signal transmit/receive port on the detection surface injects a radio frequency (RF) interrogation signal into the detection surface and at least two signal receive-only ports on the detection surface spaced a distance apart from each other and from the signal transmit/receive port receive reflected radio frequency (RF) signals of the interrogation signal. A frequency domain reflectometry measurement system coupled with the transmit/receive port and signal receive-only ports measures frequency responses of the ports compared to predetermined baseline measurements and determines the precise location of an impact point and damage propagation fault in the detection surface by triangulation.

Frequency domain reflectometry (FDR) lethality assessment method and system for determining impact point and damage propagation in detection surface

A non-lethal and non-destructive electromagnetic personnel interdiction control stun type weapon system and method utilizes beamed radio frequency energy in a frequency range and modulated to impose a Lorentz force on the vestibular system or sensory cells of a remote human subject sufficient to disrupt the mechanical transduction process and/or the chemical engine by which sound, position and other sensory input are converted to messages by nerve cells and processed by the brain to produce complete disorientation, confusion, and incapacitation sufficient to temporarily render the subject powerless to resist arrest or subjugation. Removal of the electromagnetic energy leaves the nerve cells and surrounding tissues with no damage and second order effects of severe motion sickness and psychological effects of helplessness remains until the subject's body chemistry returns to normal.

Electromagnetic personnel interdiction control method and system

A passive SAW strain sensor for remotely sensing strain within a surface has a receiving SAW correlator with a signal input interdigitated transducer and a plurality of adjacent successive spaced interdigitated output transducers on a piezoelectric substrate, and a transmitting SAW correlator having a plurality of adjacent successive spaced interdigitated output transducers and a signal output interdigitated transducer on a piezoelectric substrate. The transmitting SAW correlator is affixed to or embedded in the surface such that its substrate will be stressed when the surface is strained and the receiving SAW correlator is not affixed to or embedded in the surface. The output transducers of the receiving SAW correlator and the transmitting SAW correlator are spatially placed to define a unique frequency of sensitivity, and their outputs are coupled together. A complex RF waveform signal applied to the receiving SAW correlator is transformed into an acoustic wave having a distinct output pulse that supplies power to the output transducers of the transmitting SAW correlator which is transformed into a complex RF output waveform. The application of stress on the transmitting SAW correlator shifts its center frequency proportionally and changes the frequency of the complex RF output waveform, and measurement of the center frequency change yields an indication of the applied stress.

Encoded surface acoustic wave based strain sensor

A solid-state brake condition monitoring system for a vehicle brake system having a rotor rotatable about an axis and a pad mounted on an extendable metal shoe that frictionally engages the pad with the rotor for creating braking force. The monitoring system includes at least one thermoelectric power converter cell secured on a heat absorbing surface of the brake system for producing electrical power in response to thermal energy, an electronic distance sensing transducer powered by the power converter cell for sensing the distance of the metal shoe relative thereto when extended and outputting an electrical signal corresponding to the sensed distance, the signal being indicative of pad wear, and a signal processing and RF transmitting module coupled with the distance sensing transducer and powered by the power converter cell for receiving the electronic signal from the distance sensing transducer and transmitting a RF signal corresponding to the signal indicative of pad wear to a remote RF receiver.

Wireless brake condition monitor

A combination photovoltaic cell and RF antenna in a single unit performs the dual functions of transmitting and receiving RF signals to and from a transceiver and converting light waves to electric power to operate the transceiver. The photovaltaic cell is formed of semiconductor material laminated to a thin dielectric backing and electrically connected with the power circuit of the transceiver to supply electrical power thereto. The dielectric backing is bonded to a metallic substrate to provide a ground plane. A tuned shielded cable having a signal conductor is interconnected between the photovoltaic cell and the RF output stage of the transceiver, and the conductive shield of the cable is interconnected between the metallic substrate ground plane and the ground stage of the transceiver such that the photovoltaic cell transmits and receives RF signals to and from the transceiver and also converts light waves to electric power to operate the transceiver.

Combination photovoltaic cell and RF antenna and method

An ultrasonic scan assembly is adapted to efficiently and accurately scan a surface and cross-section of a wall of an underground gas pipe with ultrasonic energy transmitted and received by an ultrasonic transducer provided therein. The input pulse applied to the ultrasonic transducer is calibrated so that its width matches the natural mechanical resonant frequency of the ultrasonic transducer. As a result, the energy efficiency of the transducer is maximized and the accuracy of the scan is improved.

Scan assembly and method for calibrating the width of an input pulse to

The present invention is directed toward a method for preventing, suppressing or mitigating explosions in a confined subterranean chamber, access opening, or entryway of an underground structure such as the manhole of sewers, service boxes, and mining tunnels. The method utilizes a flexible bladder filled with an inert gas or explosion suppressing agent, wherein the bladder is maintained in the chamber in an inflated condition and the volume of the inflated bladder occupies greater than 70% of the volume of the chamber to significantly reduce the amount of space in which an explosive fuel/air mixture may otherwise accumulate. The bladder is heat critical to disintegrate at a predetermined temperature and release a volume of the explosion suppressing agent or inert gas relative to the volume of the chamber which is sufficient to alter the ratio of the fuel/air mixture in the chamber to prevent, suppress or mitigate the explosive reaction. The inflated bladder also serves as a compressible plenum or pressure accumulator to retard ultimate pressure buildup such that the pressures caused by a limited explosion are not transferred to the chamber cover and interconnecting ducts of the subterranean enclosure.

Method and apparatus for prevention, suppression or mitigation of

A method and apparatus for discriminating a valid return pulse from noise in a return signal received by an ultrasonic transducer in response to an interrogating pulse transmitted into a wall of a gas pipe by an ultrasonic transducer of a scan assembly. A discriminator is provided to compare the return signal with adjustable reference voltage thresholds which are continually adjusted by a discriminator computer in accordance with the noise characteristics of the return signal.

Scan assembly and method for signal discrimination

Apparatus is disclosed for providing one hundred percent inspection of natural gas mains under operating flow conditions. The apparatus includes a scan unit assembly which is inserted into the gas main to collect data for the production of graphic images of the wall of the gas main. The scan unit includes a plurality of scan rollers, each containing an ultrasonic transducer, which traverse the surface of the wall defining the inner diameter of the gas main. The ultrasonic transducers transmit interrogating pulses into the wall of the gas main at a pre-determined spaced apart interval resulting in a helical scan pattern of interrogating pulses. The return pulses from the surfaces defining the inner diameter and outer diameter of the gas main and any imperfections and/or flaws within the wall of the main are received by the transducer and transmitted to a display unit for a visual indication (a tomograph) of the wall of the gas main.

Scan assembly structure

An ultrasonic scan assembly for use in inspecting downhole gas pipes comprises a sensor section which rotates in relation to an end section that remains essentially level forming a rotating interface. The sensor section includes at least one ultrasonic transducer for transmitting interrogating pulses into a pipe wall and for receiving return pulses that are analyzed for determining the maintenance and repair needs of the gas pipe. Provided in the scan assembly is a rotary transformer for magnetically coupling signals, such as return pulse data or power, across the rotating interface of the scan assembly. The rotary transformer includes a primary winding on one section of the scan assembly and a secondary winding on another section of the scan assembly. The primary windings and secondary windings associated with respective sections of the scan assembly can be placed in parallel or concentric relationship.

Scan assembly and method for transferring power and data across a rotary

An ultrasonic scan assembly is adapted to efficiently scan a surface and cross-section of a wall of an elongated cylindrical object. The ultrasonic scan assembly has a rotatable sensor section capable of rotating as the scan assembly is advanced axially along the elongated cylindrical object. In operation, the scan assembly is advanced in an axial direction along elongated cylindrical object, and the sensor section of the scan assembly is rotated so as to create a helical scan pattern. For at least a portion of the cylindrical object, the angular velocity of the sensor section is modulated. As a result, that portion of the cylindrical object is scanned at more than one scan rate.

Scan assembly and method using scan rate modulation

A wireless downhole electromagnetic data transmission system and method utilizes microprocessor controlled frequency synthesis for two-way communication between the surface and a downhole guided boring or drilling apparatus in the range of from 100 Hz to 100 KHz. A non-magnetic downhole probe unit connected between a drill motor or drill bit and the drill string contains data gathering and transmission components including accelerometers which measure the earth's gravity vector and fluxgate magnetometers which read the earth's magnetic field and serve as power line proximity sensors. The drill pipe acts as an electrical lossy, single conductor with the earth forming the electrical return path. Sensory data gathered by the downhole probe is encoded in digital format and impressed upon the drill string using frequency shift keying of the electromagnetic energy waves and is picked off at the surface by a signal receiver-demodulator and message processor unit. The surface unit instructs the downhole probe to transmit multiple frequencies and selects one or more frequencies with the most favorable signal-to-noise ratio(s) in response to local conditions to maximize the transmission distance at a selective frequency band range and given transmitter power level and baud rate. The received signal is filtered, demodulated, processed and displayed at the surface and gravity and magnetic field vectors are combined with the created hole length to calculate x, y, and z hole coordinates and derive hole position vectors.

Growing community of inventors

Conroe, TX, United States of America

Karl F Kiefer