John Y Kuo

6339333, Jan 15, 2002

Mar 10, 2000

09/523317

John T. Kuo - Blauvelt NY

Profile Technologies, Inc. - Roslyn NY

G01L 312

324337

This patent application is to use dynamic electromagnetic wave reflection and refraction methods for prospecting for oil directly. The available geophysical methods including the most used seismic reflection method are all prospecting for oil indirectly, viz. , aiming at finding the geological structures and stratigraphic traps, etc. The high contrasts of electric permittivity between oil cord the surrounding geological formations of rocks including gas, water (fresh and salt), on the other hand, make it possible to use the dynamic electromagnetic wave reflection and refraction methods for prospecting for deep seated oil directly.

20010009372, Jul 26, 2001

Feb 28, 2001

09/796402

John Kuo - Blauvelt NY, US

G01R027/04
G01R027/32

324/644000

A system and method for detecting anomalies such as corrosion or other defects in or on conductive containers such as pipes, pipelines, separator containers, and storage tanks. An electromagnetic pulse is introduced onto the surface of the container itself, if not insulated or shielded, or the surface of the very outer layer of the shield or insulation, if the container is insulated and shielded, of the conductive container at a first test location such that a plurality of electromagnetic signals propagate from the first test location to a second test location. The electromagnetic signals are detected at the second location and analyzed for differences in electromagnetic characteristics that indicate the presence or absence of electromagnetic anomalies related to corrosion and/or defects. Each electromagnetic signal propagates along a unique path, and the corrosion is likely to lie on some but not all of these paths. The process as described is a forward detection process, and a reverse detection process may be employed to improve anomaly detection.

20010037675, Nov 8, 2001

Jan 23, 2001

09/877342

John Kuo - Blauvelt NY, US

G01N017/00

073/086000

A system and method for detecting corrosion in elongate conductive members. The importance of the present invention is that it utilizes the full electromagnetic wave field equations that oppose the traditional approach to electromagnetics, they are quasi-static dealing with a diffusion field. The inclusion of this propagation term in the development of the present invention completely separates the present techniques from those of Spies and Lara, as well as others. Surface corrosion on pipe changes the electromagnetic physical properties of pipe where the corrosion exists. Electromagnetic waves propagating through a pipe will be affected by these localized changes in the electromagnetic physical properties of the pipe. Electromagnetic pulses are created that cause electromagnetic waves to propagate from a first location to a second location on the pipe. The waveforms of the electromagnetic waves at the second location are analyzed for characteristics indicative of localized changes in electromagnetic physical properties of the pipe that correspond to such changes associated with corrosion. The pipe may be insulated and shielded, in which case the insulation and shielding may be removed to facilitate creation of the electromagnetic waves, or specialized antennas may be used to direct the electromagnetic pulses into the pipe through the insulation and shielding.

20020005812, Jan 17, 2002

Jan 12, 2001

09/760228

John Kuo - Blauvelt NY, US
Gale Burnett - Lynden WA, US

H01Q019/12
H01Q001/52

343/840000, 343/841000

An antenna assembly for transmitting electromagnetic signals to and receiving electromagnetic signals from a conductive member. The antenna assembly comprises a reflector member, a focus rod, a focus element, and an insulating member. The reflector member defines a reflecting surface having a substantially parabolic cross-section. The focus element has a first surface and is mounted on the focus rod. The insulating member mounts the focus rod on the reflector member such that the focus element is arranged substantially at the focal point of the reflecting surface with the first surface facing the reflecting surface. When the reflector member is arranged with the reflecting surface facing the conductive member, the antenna assembly operates in a transmit mode or a receive mode. In the transmit mode, electromagnetic signals travel along the focus rod, radiate from the focus element, and reflect off of the reflecting surface and are transmitted to the conductive member. In the receive mode, electromagnetic signals travelling along the conductive member radiate from the conductive member, reflect off of the reflecting surface, excite the focus element, and travel through the focus rod.

61949027, Feb 27, 2001

Feb 27, 1997

8/807645

John T. Kuo - Blauvelt NY
Gale D. Burnett - Lynden WA

G01R 3108
G01R 3111
G01R 3112

324637

A method and system for detecting corrosion on a pipe or a pipeline. An electrical or electromagnetic pulse is transmitted into a pipe or pipeline to travel as a propagating electromagnetic wave along the pipeline to a receiving location. Both the distance traveled from the transmitting and receiving location, and also the time interval for such travel are measured. Velocity of the wave is detected as a means of ascertaining whether corrosion is present. Various embodiments, using both multi-channel and single cables, are used to transmit the detected waves, and the waves are received at a plurality of spaced locations along the length of the pipe or pipeline. For an insulated pipeline, the signals can be received by a directional antenna, and the pulses can be transmitted into the pipeline by means of either an antenna placed directly adjacent to the pipeline or a magnet electrical contact member in direct contact with the pipeline.