Goods & Services

Images created via robotics technology, ultrasonics, or data processing software and artificial intelligence in accordance with qualification standards for surface evaluation and asset integrity

Goods & Services

Software as a service featuring a software portal for use in connection with aggregating, visualizing, and analyzing data for use in the field of asset risk assessment; providing temporary use of online non-downloadable computer software for collecting, analyzing, and organizing data in the field of asset integrity management and risk assessment; providing temporary use of online non-downloadable computer software for aggregating and analyzing data generated from storage tank safety inspections and robotics technology

Goods & Services

Repair and maintenance of storage tanks; storage tank cleaning. Storage tank inspection services.

Goods & Services

(1) Repair and maintenance of storage tanks; storage tank cleaning (2) Storage tank inspection services;

Abstract

A method for retrieving a mobile platform from inside a tank having an energetic substance includes configuring a retrieval carrier to have an intermediate span for which a majority of a cross-sectional area includes a braided synthetic fiber rope having a porosity of at least ten percent and an elastic compressibility sufficient to reduce the porosity of the braided synthetic fiber rope by at least fifty percent. The intermediate span does not have a fluid tight passage enabling fluid communication between a location outside of the tank and the mobile platform. The method further includes configuring a retrieval assembly to have an energetic substance extractor that has opposing surfaces defining a passage, passing the intermediate span through the passage, and compressing the intermediate span between the opposing surfaces to extract a majority of the residue of the liquid energetic substance retained by the intermediate span upon entering the passage.

IPC Classes  ?

• B08B 1/10 - Cleaning by methods involving the use of tools characterised by the type of cleaning tool
• B08B 1/20 - Cleaning of moving articles, e.g. of moving webs or of objects on a conveyor
• B66B 7/12 - Checking, lubricating, or cleaning means for ropes, cables, or guides

Goods & Services

Repair and maintenance of storage tanks; storage tank cleaning Storage tank quality control inspection services Storage tank safety inspection services

Abstract

A method of performing a selected task in a tank at least partially filled with an energetic substance includes, in part, configuring a mobile platform to be inherently safe by positioning spark-generating components in either or both of: (i) an inherently safe enclosure that prevents a spark occurring inside the inherently safe enclosure from passing to an exterior of the inherently safe enclosure, and (ii) a spark-neutralizing body formed of at least one non-flammable substance and positioned inside an enclosure, the spark-neutralizing body blocking direct contact between a spark from the enclosed spark-generating component and an energetic substance from occurring inside the at least one enclosure. The method also includes positioning at least one spark-generating component not inside any inherently safe enclosure that prevents a spark occurring inside the inherently safe enclosure from passing to an exterior of the inherently safe enclosure. The sparks are capable of igniting the energetic substances.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 29/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object
• G01N 29/265 - Arrangements for orientation or scanning by moving the sensor relative to a stationary material
• G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object Details
• G01N 21/954 - Inspecting the inner surface of hollow bodies, e.g. bores
• A62C 3/06 - Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places of highly inflammable material, e.g. light metals, petroleum products
• G01N 21/95 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination characterised by the material or shape of the object to be examined

Abstract

A method for retrieving a mobile platform from inside a tank having an energetic substance includes configuring a retrieval carrier to have an intermediate span for which a majority of a cross-sectional area includes a braided synthetic fiber rope having a porosity of at least ten percent and an elastic compressibility sufficient to reduce the porosity of the braided synthetic fiber rope by at least fifty percent. The intermediate span does not have a fluid tight passage enabling fluid communication between a location outside of the tank and the mobile platform. The method further includes configuring a retrieval assembly to have an energetic substance extractor that has opposing surfaces defining a passage, passing the intermediate span through the passage, and compressing the intermediate span between the opposing surfaces to extract a majority of the residue of the liquid energetic substance retained by the intermediate span upon entering the passage.

IPC Classes  ?

• B66B 7/12 - Checking, lubricating, or cleaning means for ropes, cables, or guides

Abstract

A method for retrieving a mobile platfom from inside a tank having an energetic substance includes configuring a retrieval carrier to have an intermediate span for which a majority of a cross-sectional area includes a braided synthetic fiber rope having a porosity of at least ten percent and an elastic compressibility sufficient to reduce the porosity of the braided synthetic fiber rope by at least fifty percent. The intermediate span does not have a fluid tight passage enabling fluid communication between a location outside of the tank and the mobile platfom. The method further includes configuring a retrieval assembly to have an energetic substance extractor that has opposing surfaces defining a passage, passing the intermediate span through the passage, and compressing the intemediate span between the opposing surfaces to extract a majority of the residue of the liquid energetic substance retained by the intermediate span upon entering the passage.

IPC Classes  ?

• B66B 7/12 - Checking, lubricating, or cleaning means for ropes, cables, or guides

Abstract

A method of retrieving a mobile platform from a tank at least partially filled with a non-conductive, energetic substance includes configuring the mobile platform to include at least a retrieval system including a buoyant body, an electrically conductive member, and a tether. The tether electrically isolates the buoyant body from the enclosure. The method further includes the steps of releasing the buoyant body to convey the tether toward a surface of the non-conductive, liquid energetic substance; conveying an electrically conductive cable to the electrically conductive member using the tether; electrically connecting a voltage neutralizing end of the electrically conductive cable to a voltage differential neutralizing body in a spark inhibiting ambient condition; electrically connecting a mobile platform end of the electrically conductive cable to the electrically conductive member of the mobile platform while the electrically conductive member is below the surface of the non-conductive, liquid energetic substance.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/18 - Water
• G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object Details
• G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
• G01M 5/00 - Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or aircraft wings
• G01N 35/00 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups Handling materials therefor
• G01N 21/95 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination characterised by the material or shape of the object to be examined
• G01N 21/954 - Inspecting the inner surface of hollow bodies, e.g. bores
• G01N 29/265 - Arrangements for orientation or scanning by moving the sensor relative to a stationary material
• G01S 13/89 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
• G01S 17/89 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging

Abstract

A method for controlling charge accumulation on a mobile platform in a tank containing a non-conductive, energetic substance includes configuring the mobile platform to include at least an electrical power supply and a charge accumulation control system. The power supplied from the electrical power supply to one or more electrical power consumers associated with the mobile platform adds an electrical charge to the mobile platform. The charge accumulation control system controls an accumulation of the electrical charge on the mobile platform by one of: (i) reducing the supplied power and preventing an increase in the supplied power later while the mobile platform is inside the tank, and (ii) disengaging the electrical power consumer(s) from the supplied power and preventing a reengagement of the supplied power with the electrical power consumer(s) later while the mobile platform is inside the tank.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/18 - Water
• G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object Details
• G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
• G01M 5/00 - Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or aircraft wings
• G01N 35/00 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups Handling materials therefor
• G01N 21/95 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination characterised by the material or shape of the object to be examined
• G01N 21/954 - Inspecting the inner surface of hollow bodies, e.g. bores
• G01N 29/265 - Arrangements for orientation or scanning by moving the sensor relative to a stationary material
• G01S 13/89 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
• G01S 17/89 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging

Abstract

A method of performing a selected task in a tank containing an energetic substance uses an inherently safe mobile platform that includes a marker detector, a control unit, a power supply, a propulsion system, and an inherently safe enclosure. The inherently safe enclosure prevents a spark occurring inside the inherently safe enclosure from passing to an exterior of the inherently safe enclosure. All spark-generating components of the mobile platform are positioned inside the inherently safe enclosure. The method includes lowering the mobile platform into the tank, at least partially submerging the mobile platform in the energetic substance, and detecting a marker using the marker detector. No active physical carrier connects the mobile platform to an object exterior of the tank while the mobile platform is in the tank.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01M 5/00 - Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or aircraft wings
• G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object Details
• G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
• G01N 21/95 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination characterised by the material or shape of the object to be examined
• G01N 21/954 - Inspecting the inner surface of hollow bodies, e.g. bores
• G01N 29/265 - Arrangements for orientation or scanning by moving the sensor relative to a stationary material
• G01S 13/89 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
• G01S 17/89 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging

Abstract

A method of retrieving a mobile platform from a tank having a hatch and at least partially filled with a non-conductive, energetic substance includes configuring the mobile platform to include at least a retrieval system disposed at least partially on an enclosure. The retrieval system includes at least: a primary tether connected to a buoyant body and to the enclosure, and a secondary tether connected to the buoyant body and to the enclosure. The method further includes: predetermining a buoyant body retrieval zone within the tank, and positioning a released buoyant body within the buoyant body retrieval zone by using the primary tether. The method also includes retrieving the primary tether by using the buoyant body; using the primary tether to release the secondary tether; and inserting a retrieval member through the hatch to retrieve the buoyant body, the primary tether, and/or the secondary tether.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/18 - Water
• G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object Details
• G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
• G01M 5/00 - Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or aircraft wings
• G01N 35/00 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups Handling materials therefor
• G01N 21/95 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination characterised by the material or shape of the object to be examined
• G01N 21/954 - Inspecting the inner surface of hollow bodies, e.g. bores
• G01N 29/265 - Arrangements for orientation or scanning by moving the sensor relative to a stationary material
• G01S 13/89 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
• G01S 17/89 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging

Abstract

A method of performing a selected task in a tank at least partially filled with an energetic substance includes, in part, configuring a mobile platform to be inherently safe by positioning spark-generating components in either or both of: (i) an inherently safe enclosure that prevents a spark occurring inside the inherently safe enclosure from passing to an exterior of the inherently safe enclosure, and (ii) a spark-neutralizing body formed of at least one non-flammable substance and positioned inside an enclosure, the spark-neutralizing body blocking direct contact between a spark from the enclosed spark-generating component and an energetic substance from occurring inside the at least one enclosure. The method also includes positioning at least one spark-generating component not inside any inherently safe enclosure that prevents a spark occurring inside the inherently safe enclosure from passing to an exterior of the inherently safe enclosure. The sparks are capable of igniting the energetic substances.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object Details
• G01N 29/265 - Arrangements for orientation or scanning by moving the sensor relative to a stationary material
• G02B 23/24 - Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies, e.g. fibrescopes
• G12B 9/02 - CasingsHousingsCabinets
• H01H 9/04 - Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof casings
• H02B 1/28 - CasingsParts thereof or accessories therefor dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof or flameproof

Abstract

A method of performing a selected task in a tank at least partially filled with an energetic substance includes, in part, configuring a mobile platform to be inherently safe by positioning spark-generating components in either or both of: (i) an inherently safe enclosure that prevents a spark occurring inside the inherently safe enclosure from passing to an exterior of the inherently safe enclosure, and (ii) a spark-neutralizing body formed of at least one non-flammable substance and positioned inside an enclosure, the spark-neutralizing body blocking direct contact between a spark from the enclosed spark-generating component and an energetic substance from occurring inside the at least one enclosure. The method also includes positioning at least one spark-generating component not inside any inherently safe enclosure that prevents a spark occurring inside the inherently safe enclosure from passing to an exterior of the inherently safe enclosure. The sparks are capable of igniting the energetic substances.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object Details
• G01N 29/265 - Arrangements for orientation or scanning by moving the sensor relative to a stationary material
• G02B 23/24 - Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies, e.g. fibrescopes
• G12B 9/02 - CasingsHousingsCabinets
• H01H 9/04 - Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof casings
• H02B 1/28 - CasingsParts thereof or accessories therefor dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof or flameproof

Abstract

A mobile platform uses a charge accumulation control system to control a charge accumulation while the mobile platform is in the tank. Alternatively or additionally, the mobile platform includes a retrieval system having a buoyant body, a primary tether, and a secondary tether. Alternatively or additionally, an electrical cable is used to reduce a voltage difference between the mobile platform and the tank or other structure by electrically connecting to an electrically conductive member on the mobile platform.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object Details
• B63G 8/00 - Underwater vessels, e.g. submarines
• G01N 21/88 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination
• G01N 29/26 - Arrangements for orientation or scanning
• G01N 29/265 - Arrangements for orientation or scanning by moving the sensor relative to a stationary material
• G01S 17/89 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
• G02B 23/24 - Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies, e.g. fibrescopes
• G21C 17/013 - Inspection vehicles

Abstract

AB S TRACT A mobile platform uses a charge accumulation control system to control a charge accumulation while the mobile platform is in the tank. Alternatively or additionally, the mobile platform includes a retrieval system having a buoyant body, a primary tether, and a secondary tether. Alternatively or additionally, an electrical cable is used to reduce a voltage difference between the mobile platform and the tank or other structure by electrically connecting to an electrically conductive member on the mobile platform. Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-26

IPC Classes  ?

• H05F 1/00 - Preventing the formation of electrostatic charges
• G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions

Abstract

AB S TRACT A mobile platform uses a charge accumulation control system to control a charge accumulation while the mobile platform is in the tank. Alternatively or additionally, the mobile platform includes a retrieval system having a buoyant body, a primary tether, and a secondary tether. Alternatively or additionally, an electrical cable is used to reduce a voltage difference between the mobile platform and the tank or other structure by electrically connecting to an electrically conductive member on the mobile platform. Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-26

IPC Classes  ?

• H05F 1/00 - Preventing the formation of electrostatic charges
• G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions

Abstract

A mobile platform uses a charge accumulation control system to control a charge accumulation while the mobile platform is in the tank. Alternatively or additionally, the mobile platform includes a retrieval system having a buoyant body, a primary tether, and a secondary tether. Alternatively or additionally, an electrical cable is used to reduce a voltage difference between the mobile platform and the tank or other structure by electrically connecting to an electrically conductive member on the mobile platform.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object Details
• G01S 17/89 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
• G01N 29/26 - Arrangements for orientation or scanning
• G01N 29/265 - Arrangements for orientation or scanning by moving the sensor relative to a stationary material
• G01N 21/88 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination
• G02B 23/24 - Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies, e.g. fibrescopes
• H04N 5/225 - Television cameras
• B63G 8/00 - Underwater vessels, e.g. submarines
• G21C 17/013 - Inspection vehicles

Abstract

A method of performing a selected task in a tank containing an energetic substance uses an inherently safe mobile platform that includes a marker detector, a control unit, a power supply, a propulsion system, and an inherently safe enclosure. The inherently safe enclosure prevents a spark occurring inside the inherently safe enclosure from passing to an exterior of the inherently safe enclosure. All spark-generating components of the mobile platform are positioned inside the inherently safe enclosure. The method includes lowering the mobile platform into the tank, at least partially submerging the mobile platform in the energetic substance, and detecting a marker using the marker detector. No active physical carrier connects the mobile platform to an object exterior of the tank while the mobile platform is in the tank.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object Details
• G01S 17/89 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
• G01N 29/26 - Arrangements for orientation or scanning
• G01N 29/265 - Arrangements for orientation or scanning by moving the sensor relative to a stationary material
• G01N 21/88 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination
• G02B 23/24 - Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies, e.g. fibrescopes
• H04N 5/225 - Television cameras

Abstract

A method of performing a selected task in a tank containing an energetic substance uses an inherently safe mobile platform that includes a marker detector, a control unit, a power supply, a propulsion system, and an inherently safe enclosure. The inherently safe enclosure prevents a spark occurring inside the inherently safe enclosure from passing to an exterior of the inherently safe enclosure. All spark-generating components of the mobile platform are positioned inside the inherently safe enclosure. The method includes lowering the mobile platform into the tank, at least partially submerging the mobile platform in the energetic substance, and detecting a marker using the marker detector. No active physical carrier connects the mobile platform to an object exterior of the tank while the mobile platform is in the tank.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object Details
• G01N 21/88 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination
• G01N 29/26 - Arrangements for orientation or scanning
• G01N 29/265 - Arrangements for orientation or scanning by moving the sensor relative to a stationary material
• G01S 17/89 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
• G02B 23/24 - Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies, e.g. fibrescopes