William T Ranson

US Patent:

8245578, Aug 21, 2012

Filed:

Feb 25, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/528132

Inventors:

William Ranson - Columbia SC, US
Gregory Hovis - Martinez GA, US
Reginald Vachon - Atlanta GA, US

Assignee:

Direct Measurements, Inc. - Atlanta GA

International Classification:

G01B 5/30

US Classification:

73760, 73800

Abstract:

The bands and corners of rectangular or other geometric shapes for binary code symbols are used to measure non-linear and non-uniform strain in a material with an anomaly such as a crack in the area of strain measurement. In particular, they can be used to evaluate differential strains in the regions of the bands and corners; and the external and internal boundaries can be used to measure differentials in strain between the external boundaries and internal boundaries.

US Patent:

8307715, Nov 13, 2012

Filed:

Mar 23, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/738386

Inventors:

William Ranson - Columbia SC, US

Assignee:

Direct Measurments, Inc. - Atlanta GA

International Classification:

G01B 5/30
G01B 7/16

US Classification:

73760, 73777

Abstract:

A digital strain encoder includes a gage-emitter, a sensor-receiver, a transmitter, and an energy source. The gage-emitter is affixable to a surface to be measured and deformable on a one-to-one basis with the surface, and emits a reference strain signal in the absence of strain and an altered strain signal when the surface is subjected to strain and the gage-emitter is deformed. The gage-emitter also emits a unique reference identification signal. The sensor-receiver floats over the gage-emitter so as not to deform with the surface, and detects the reference and altered strain signals and the identification signal emitted by the gage-emitter. The transmitter is coupled to the sensor-receiver for transmitting the detected reference and altered strain signals to a remote receiver.

US Patent:

8459567, Jun 11, 2013

Filed:

Dec 3, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/692406

Inventors:

William Ranson - Columbia SC, US
Reginald Vachon - Atlanta GA, US

Assignee:

Direct Measurements, Inc. - Atlanta GA

International Classification:

G06K 19/06

US Classification:

235494, 23546201

Abstract:

A non-linear strain gage includes a target for association with an object for which at least one of strain and fatigue damage is to be measured, a sensor, and a computer. The target incorporates a nested binary code symbol for perimeter-based deformation and strain analysis and emits a detectable physical quantity. The binary code symbol includes a boundary binary code symbol having a perimeter constructed of line segments and at least a core code symbol that provides encoded data. The core code symbol is nested within and concentric with the boundary binary code symbol. A method of measuring strain on an object directly using the non-linear strain gage is also provided.

US Patent:

20180238755, Aug 23, 2018

Filed:

Feb 21, 2017

Appl. No.:

15/437515

Inventors:

- Schenectady NY, US
William F. Ranson - Columbia SC, US

International Classification:

G01L 5/00
G01L 1/24
G01M 15/14
B33Y 10/00
B33Y 50/02
B33Y 80/00
B28B 1/00
B28B 17/00

Abstract:

A method of making a component includes forming the component, the component including an internal volume including a first material and an outer surface. The method further includes directly depositing a plurality of fiducial markers on the outer surface, the fiducial markers including a second material that is compatible with the first material. The plurality of fiducial markers form a passive strain indicator, the passive strain indicator including an analysis region, a locator region, and a serial region. At least one of the plurality of fiducial markers is deposited in each of the analysis region, the locator region, and the serial region.

US Patent:

20180231428, Aug 16, 2018

Filed:

Feb 14, 2017

Appl. No.:

15/432148

Inventors:

- Schenectady NY, US
William F. Ranson - Columbia SC, US

International Classification:

G01L 19/08
G01B 5/30

Abstract:

A method of making a component with a passive strain indicator includes forming the component including an outer surface thereof. The passive strain indicator includes a shim with a plurality of fiducial markers. The method also includes forming the plurality of fiducial markers on the shim by deforming selected locations on the shim. The method further includes attaching a portion of the shim to the outer surface of the component. Forming the component and forming the passive strain indicator are performed separately prior to attaching the shim to the outer surface of the component. A system for monitoring strain includes a component and a passive strain indicator. A portion of the passive strain indicator is integrally joined with the outer surface of the component. The passive strain indicator includes a shim and a plurality of fiducial markers. Each fiducial marker is a discrete three-dimensional feature on the shim.

US Patent:

20180209781, Jul 26, 2018

Filed:

Jan 23, 2017

Appl. No.:

15/412110

Inventors:

- Schenectady NY, US
William F. Ranson - Columbia SC, US
Brian Lee Tollison - Honea Path SC, US
Yan Cui - Greer SC, US
Christine K. Applegren - Greenville SC, US

International Classification:

G01B 11/16
G01M 15/14

Abstract:

A method of making a component with an integral passive strain indicator includes forming the component of a single uniform material, the component comprising an outer surface and an internal volume. The method also includes forming a plurality of fiducial markers of the single uniform material on a portion of the outer surface during formation of the component, the portion of the outer surface comprising an analysis region on the outer surface of the component.

US Patent:

20180038779, Feb 8, 2018

Filed:

Aug 5, 2016

Appl. No.:

15/229199

Inventors:

- Schenectady NY, US
William F. Ranson - Columbia SC, US
Eric Eicher McConnell - Easley SC, US
Jeffrey Michael Breznak - Waterford NY, US

International Classification:

G01N 3/08

Abstract:

A component, a method of making a component and a method of monitoring strain. The component has an array of internal nodes with a radiopacity distinct from the predominant radiopacity of the component. Displacement of the nodes can be measured and used to calculate strain on the component.

US Patent:

20170146334, May 25, 2017

Filed:

Nov 20, 2015

Appl. No.:

14/947009

Inventors:

- Schenectady NY, US
William F. Ranson - Columbia SC, US

International Classification:

G01B 7/16
G01R 29/08

Abstract:

A system for monitoring a component is provided. The system includes an electrical field scanner for analyzing an electrical field across a reference zone, and a processor in operable communication with the electrical field scanner. The reference zone may include a plurality of fiducials configured on the component to influence the electrical field. The processor may be operable for measuring an electrical field value along a mutually-orthogonal X-axis and Y-axis, assembling a zone profile including a data point set according to the measured electrical field value. Methods of using the system are also provided.