Robert Keith Lowery

US Patent:

6449326, Sep 10, 2002

Filed:

Aug 29, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/650114

Inventors:

Stanley Maurice Walker - Charlotte NC
Steven Allen Kenefick - Charlotte NC
Robert Jeffery Lowery - Charlotte NC
Adam Roy Caban - Columbia SC

Assignee:

Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

G21C 17017

US Classification:

376260, 376245, 376249, 73584, 73623, 73633, 73634, 73640, 324220

Abstract:

An apparatus for ultrasonically examining a weld in a nuclear steam supply system includes an elongated guide rod for positioning within a pipe of the nuclear steam supply system. An ultrasonic transducer is positioned at an end of the elongated guide rod. A collapsible shoe encloses the ultrasonic transducer. The collapsible shoe includes a biasing mechanism to allow the collapsible shoe to pass through the pipe while the pipe is at a first circumference and while the pipe is at a second circumference. The collapsible shoe continuously contacts the pipe to establish ultrasonic coupling for the ultrasonic transducer.

US Patent:

62158368, Apr 10, 2001

Filed:

May 7, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/074335

Inventors:

Stanley Maurice Walker - Charlotte NC
Steven Allen Kenefick - Charlotte NC
Robert Jeffery Lowery - Charlotte NC
Adam Roy Caban - Columbia SC

Assignee:

Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

G21C 17017

US Classification:

376260

Abstract:

An apparatus for ultrasonically examining a weld in a nuclear steam supply system includes an elongated guide rod for positioning within a pipe of the nuclear steam supply system. An ultrasonic transducer is positioned at an end of the elongated guide rod. A collapsible shoe encloses the ultrasonic transducer. The collapsible shoe includes a biasing mechanism to allow the collapsible shoe to pass through the pipe while the pipe is at a first circumference and while the pipe is at a second circumference. The collapsible shoe continuously contacts the pipe to establish ultrasonic coupling for the ultrasonic transducer.

US Patent:

54354781, Jul 25, 1995

Filed:

Aug 5, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/740315

Inventors:

J. W. Wood - Charlotte NC
Robert J. Lowery - Charlotte NC
Robert L. Knipschield - Charlotte NC

International Classification:

B23K 500

US Classification:

228 42

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for use in welding pipe. The apparatus includes means for viewing the interior of the pipe, means for establishing a predetermined atmosphere in the weld zone and means for clearing liquid from the interior of the pipe.

US Patent:

56012250, Feb 11, 1997

Filed:

Jul 25, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/506806

Inventors:

J. W. Wood - Charlotte NC
Robert J. Lowery - Charlotte NC
Robert L. Knipschield - Charlotte NC

Assignee:

J. A. Jones Applied Research Company - Charlotte NC

International Classification:

B23K 37053
B23K 902

US Classification:

228 9

Abstract:

An apparatus for aiding in welding a pipe structure is provided. The apparatus includes first and second expandable spaced apart seals adapted to be positioned in the pipe structure and on opposed sides of a region subjected to a welding process. Each of the spaced apart seals has a circular exterior surface selectively expandable to contact and form a seal with an interior surface of the piping structure, and a circular inner surface. A light-transmitting tubular shield support extends between the first and second seals and mates with the circular inner surfaces to position the first and second seals in spaced relationship with each other. An optical device has a selectable field of view supported within the interior of the tubular support, and is rotatable about the major axis of the tubular support for producing an image of the portion of the inner surface of the piping structure that is within the field of view of the optical device. A pump supplies a liquid to the region between the exterior surface of the tubular support and the interior of the pipe structure.