Michael Bridges Geiger

US Patent:

53530543, Oct 4, 1994

Filed:

Jul 15, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/914841

Inventors:

Michael B. Geiger - Pasadena TX

International Classification:

H04N 718

US Classification:

348 81

Abstract:

The present invention utilizes laser imaging, detection and ranging (LIDAR) as an optical source for an imaging system for helmeted divers who work in highly light backscattering fluid mediums. A laser emitter and detector in waterproof enclosures(s) are mounted on the divers helmet, and send signals to a topside LIDAR processing system, which processes them and sends them back down to the diver in the form of an image of the fluid environment on a viewing screen which is attached to the diver's helmet by a hinged bracket, leaving the diver's hands free for any required tasks. The LIDAR processing equipment is operated by support personnel above the surface of the water, while the imaging equipment on the diver sends and receives signals from the remote processing equipment by wires which run along the diver's hose. The system has the effect of reducing the perceived suspended particles in the fluid medium, thereby increasing identification and detection capabilities for the diver. The viewing screen can be moved from the divers field of view by a simple hand movement in emergencies or when entering or exiting the water.

US Patent:

59470518, Sep 7, 1999

Filed:

Jun 4, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/868819

Inventors:

Michael B. Geiger - Houston TX

International Classification:

B63G 800

US Classification:

114313

Abstract:

An underwater self-propelled surface-adhering robotically operated vehicle capable of being navigated through a volume of water and of adhering itself to an underwater surface and traversing along the surface. The vehicle has a main body with an interior suction chamber and a motor driven impeller disposed in the chamber to draw water through the bottom end of the chamber and expel it at the top end and thereby create a negative pressure force at the bottom end to maintain the vehicle in contact with the underwater surface. Thrusters on the main body allow the vehicle to be driven through a volume of water before and after attachment to the underwater surface as well as to hold station in mid water for tasks and inspections. The vehicle may be provided with an evacuable enclosure to provide an environment for task accomplishment and with measurement and inspection devices and tools for underwater hull cleaning, welding, and other underwater tasks.

US Patent:

59164646, Jun 29, 1999

Filed:

Aug 26, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/922839

Inventors:

Michael B. Geiger - Houston TX

International Classification:

B23K 9133

US Classification:

21913771

Abstract:

A MIG and Flux Core wire feed and containment system for filler wire distribution for both manual and robotic underwater and terrestrial welding applications has a sensor feedback pressure sensor system that detects deflective and deformative pressures acting on the filler wire by surrounding environmental objects which the operator may not be aware of while setting up the task and which prevents the filler wire from being bent if the welding torch is inadvertently pressed against solid objects in robotic applications, thereby eliminating the need to manually straighten the wire, and enabling the capability of providing a filler wire distribution assembly at great water depths or at locations distant from the welding controls and in close proximity to the torch head.

US Patent:

58110550, Sep 22, 1998

Filed:

Feb 6, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/601214

Inventors:

Michael B. Geiger - Houston TX

International Classification:

B23K 708

US Classification:

266 49

Abstract:

Disclosed is an improved welding system incorporating a novel torch mounted gas scavenging system which removes and filters contaminant gases from the workplace and incorporates an enclosure which creates high turnover rates of shielding gases at the weld pool thereby preventing contaminant gas induced defects, and which insulates the heat affected area thereby prolonging the cooling process of the weld pool, effectively reducing porosity and other related defects, and which provides the capability of accurately monitoring and displaying specific measurements of an ongoing welding operation such as humidity, ambient frequencies, internal temperature and pressure in the enclosure, and on line acoustic emissions sensors which indicate the presence or absence of defects as the weld is being made. The system also has an auxiliary gas source which is independently controlled from the primary shielding gas flow, which allows the introduction of auxiliary gas flows into the enclosure without disturbing the primary gas flow pattern.

US Patent:

54208289, May 30, 1995

Filed:

Aug 27, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/093532

Inventors:

Michael B. Geiger - Houston TX

International Classification:

H04B 1100

US Classification:

367131

Abstract:

A viewing screen apparatus for helmets or face masks of the type having a viewing area covered by a face plate is disclosed. The apparatus includes an enclosure adapted to be mounted on a helmet or face mask adjacent the face plate, a solid-state flat panel display screen and associated circuitry contained within the sealed enclosure for displaying visual images on the screen responsive to electronic signals, and a signal receiver connected with the screen for enabling the screen to receive electronic signals from an electronic signal transmission source. In one embodiment the enclosure is selectively movable between a viewing position adjacent the face plate and a position out of the wearer's field of vision to allow an unobstructed field of vision through the face plate. In another embodiment the apparatus includes an imaging device adapted to be connected to the helmet or face mask for transmitting electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals to a remote location. The apparatus may be incorporated into various types of helmets and face masks such as underwater diver's helmets and masks, space suit helmets, fire fighters helmets and masks, etc.