William C Curtis

US Patent:

20130009875, Jan 10, 2013

Filed:

Jul 6, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/177472

Inventors:

Walter G. Fry - Houston TX, US
William A. Curtis - Austin TX, US

International Classification:

G06F 3/042
G06F 3/02

US Classification:

345168, 345175

Abstract:

Techniques are disclosed relating to a three-dimensional computer interface. In one embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed that includes a camera and a proximity sensor. The camera is configured to capture an image that includes an object. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor is configured to perform a measurement operation that includes determining only a single distance value for the object. The apparatus is configured to calculate a location of the object based on the captured image and the single distance value. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to determine a motion of the object by calculating a plurality of locations of the object. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to identify the object as a user's hand, and to control a depiction of content on a display based on the determined path of motion for the user's hand.

US Patent:

45372330, Aug 27, 1985

Filed:

Jun 21, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/506276

Inventors:

William M. Curtis - Richardson TX

Assignee:

Continental Emsco Company - Garland TX

International Classification:

B65B 304

US Classification:

141387

Abstract:

This invention provides for a loading arm for use with material handling systems and includes a support structure and an arm pivotally attached to the support structure for swivel movement in both the horizontal and vertical plane relative to the support structure. There is also provided a balancing system for balancing the swivel arm relative to the support structure which includes a coil spring having a pre-determined length, a housing enclosing the coil spring, a first end of the housing having a structure for engaging a first coil end of the coil spring and an adjustment device for positioning that first coil end in infinitely small increments along a generally circular path which is radially disposed from the center line of the spring, a second end of the housing having another groove for engaging a second coil end of the spring, a linkage arm attached at one end to the swivel arm and at its other end to the second end such that movement of the swivel arm in the vertical plane will cause the second coil end to move along a generally circular path radially disposed from the centerline of the spring. The system also includes a mounting structure for attaching the balancing system to the loading arm and the horizontal swivel.

US Patent:

56567863, Aug 12, 1997

Filed:

May 3, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/642481

Inventors:

William W. Curtis - Houston TX
Kevin D. Logan - Humble TX
Michael K. Schoonover - Houston TX

Assignee:

ICO, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

G01M 1900

US Classification:

738658

Abstract:

A system 10 for elongate metal goods comprises automated tubular inspection equipment 12 within an inspection area 13 for initially inspecting goods, and particularly oilfield tubulars, and a monitor 32 within a prove-up area 30 for viewing inspection data. An inspection computer 16 electronically records the inspection data and cooperates with a prove-up computer 38 to verify that all flagged suspect tubulars have been tested. Prove-up data may be input to the prove-up computer either directly from test equipment 40 or through a keypad 36. The prove-up report generated by the computer 38 may be electronically transmitted in real time to a monitor 24 outside the prove-up area for viewing the prove-up report data. According to the method of the invention, the prove-up operator may display inspection data on the monitor 32 to facilitate the inspection of suspect tubulars within the prove-up area. The prove-up operator electronically inputs prove-up data to the computer 38, which generates both interim and final prove-up reports which are then electronically transmitted to an inspection office and, if desired, to the customer of the tubular inspection service.

US Patent:

58672753, Feb 2, 1999

Filed:

May 5, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/851584

Inventors:

William W. Curtis - Houston TX
Roy C. Grubbs - Houston TX
Kevin D. Logan - Humble TX
John A. Miller - Houston TX

Assignee:

ICO, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

G01B 1108
G01B 1110

US Classification:

356384

Abstract:

A test apparatus 10 for testing the diameter of oilfield tubulars having various nominal diameters includes a machine frame 12 for successively receiving the axially movable tubulars, and upper and lower radially opposing carriages 16 and 18 each movable relative to the machine frame. First and second light generating sources 24 and 26 are each mounted on a respective carriage and transmit a wide light beam directed to intersect radially opposing sides in the oilfield tubular, such that the width of each light beams is reduced by engagement with the tubular. First and second light detectors 28 and 30 are each mounted on the carriages and are positioned for detecting the position of the reduced width light beams relative to the carriages and generating test signals in response thereto. Computer 32 is provided for receiving test signals from the sensors and generating a tubular diameter test measurement in response thereto. The test apparatus includes upper and lower optical shutters 52 and 54 each mounted on the carriages and movable from an active standardization check position to an inactive position.

US Patent:

62491199, Jun 19, 2001

Filed:

Oct 6, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/413416

Inventors:

William W. Curtis - Houston TX
Roy C. Grubbs - Houston TX

Assignee:

ICO, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

G01N 2782
G01R 3312

US Classification:

324242

Abstract:

The defect detection system of the present invention includes an encircling coil for providing a saturating DC magnetic fields to tubular goods. Also included is an encircling drive coil for applying a low level AC field using three-phase AC. Encircling pick up coils within the AC drive coils detect uniform, time varying magnetic fields to reveal defects within the tubular goods passing through the system.

US Patent:

41132831, Sep 12, 1978

Filed:

Apr 26, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/790963

Inventors:

William M. Curtis - Garland TX
Dean E. Hermanson - Garland TX

Assignee:

Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company - Youngstown OH

International Classification:

F16L 2300

US Classification:

285 12

Abstract:

The coupling disclosed is for attachment to a loading arm and permits attachment of the loading arm to flanges of different diameters by providing adapters which are releasably secured to the coupler. A different size adapter is utilized for each different size flange that the coupler is to be fastened to. The clamp arms move radially outward from the flowway through the coupler to accommodate larger size adapters which fit with larger size flanges to which the coupling is to be attached.

US Patent:

55347754, Jul 9, 1996

Filed:

Mar 16, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/033091

Inventors:

Clive C. Lam - Tomball TX
William W. Curtis - Houston TX
Roy C. Grubbs - Houston TX

Assignee:

ICO, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

G01N 2784
G01N 2772
G01R 3312

US Classification:

324216

Abstract:

A plurality of magnetic field members are provided, each for selectively generating a time-varying magnetic field for combination into a o time-varying composite longitudinal magnetic field with magnetic flux lines which are substantially aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical ferromagnetic member. Additionally, a traverse magnetic field member is provided which selectively generates a time-varying traverse magnetic field with magnetic flux lines which are substantially traversed to the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical ferromagnetic member. The plurality of magnetic field members and the traverse magnetic field member are maintained out of contact with the cylindrical ferromagnetic member. Magnetic particles are placed on selected portions of the cylindrical ferromagnetic member. A time-varying composite longitudinal magnetic field and a time-varying traverse magnetic field are applied to the cylindrical magnetic member, while it is being rotated.