Patents Assigned to The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
  • Valve assembly for work attachment
    Patent number: 10655302
    Abstract: A hydraulic control for an attachment on a work vehicle. The attachment is mounted on the chassis of the work vehicle and movable between a first position and a second position. A hydraulic cylinder is operable to power movement of the attachment. A fluid circuit communicates with the hydraulic cylinder and is configured to carry hydraulic fluid. A fluid reservoir is in communication with the fluid circuit. Accumulators that are in communication with the fluid circuit automatically store and release hydraulic fluid in response to movement of the attachment. A valve assembly controls fluid communication between the fluid reservoir and the fluid circuit in response to movement of the attachment to its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Cody L. Sewell
  • Reamer with replaceable rolling cutters
    Patent number: 10619420
    Abstract: A reamer for use in underground drilling back-reaming operations. The reamer comprises a body comprising a plurality of pockets. The pockets are configured such that an arm, a rolling cutter, and a retainer may fit within each of the pockets. Each of the rolling cutters is connected to each of the arms via a spindle. The rolling cutters are held on the spindle and connected to each of the pockets via a retainer. Each of the arms is secured to each of the pockets via a plurality of fasteners. A mechanical lock is used to secure at least one of the fasteners in place. Each of the arms comprises a grease passage and a pressure compensation system. The rolling cutters are replaceable with rolling cutters of like size or rolling cutters of different sizes and shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Floyd R. Gunsaulis
  • Extraction of ductile pipe
    Patent number: 10584807
    Abstract: A pipe extraction machine can be used to remove a buried pipe from the ground. The machine has a carriage with jaws that grip the buried pipe. While gripped, the carriage moves relative to a support structure to pull the pipe out of the ground. Jaws are actuated by rotating clamp plates and maintained in opposition by static horizontal grooves. The jaws remain opposed and aligned during rotation of the clamp plates. A pipe shear may remove the pipe one piece at a time. A pipe puller can be used at the back end of the pipe being removed to simultaneously install a new pipe along the same path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Wentworth, Robert F. Crane, Mark D. Randa
  • Hydraulic control system
    Patent number: 10582652
    Abstract: A hydraulic control for an attachment on a work vehicle. Power is provided to the attachment by manually actuating a control that is biased toward a first position. This first position corresponds to a deactuated mode of the attachment. By unlocking a lock mechanism, the control may be maintained in a second position under hand pressure. This second position corresponds to an actuated mode of the attachment. The lock mechanism may be actuated by an operator platform-actuated release mechanism. While an operator is on a platform on the vehicle, the lock mechanism remains unlocked, and the attachment maintains its operation without hand pressure on the control. The release mechanism actuates the lock mechanism when an operator is not on the platform. As a result, the attachment is deactuated. A filter may be utilized to prevent premature actuation of the release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: The Charles Machines Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Brant Douglas Kukuk, Cody L. Sewell
  • Spindle brake logic
    Patent number: 10557332
    Abstract: A system for assuring that a rotation brake has engaged on a directional drilling machine. A pump-powered motor drives rotation of a spindle on the machine. The spindle is in turn attached to the above-ground end of a drill string. After the rotation brake is actuated, a controller causes the motor to transmit oppositely-directed rotational pulses to the spindle. If the brake is properly engaged, the pulses will produce spikes in pressure within the hydraulic circuit that powers the pump. When a pressure sensor detects such spikes, it signals the controller and confirms that the brake is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksander S. Wolfe, Max A. Metcalf, Pete Ramos
  • Vacuum system
    Patent number: 10538949
    Abstract: A vacuum system for use in excavation operations. The system uses a tank having an open end that is closed by a door. The door is opened and closed by a door lifting assembly made up of an upper linkage arm, a lower linkage arm and a hydraulic cylinder. A socket is formed in the upper linkage arm, and a shaft housing is formed in the lower linkage arm. The shaft housing engages with the socket to latch the door closed. The upper linkage arm is attached to the door at a first pivot axis and is attached to the lower linkage arm at a second pivot axis. The lower linkage arm is attached to a side of the tank at a third pivot axis. When the door is open, the second pivot axis extends below a reference plane that contains the first and third pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Cody L. Sewell
  • Stacked-plate reamer
    Patent number: 10538969
    Abstract: A stacked-plate system for a backreamer. The backreamer has a set of plates disposed about a central shaft for providing fluid for use in reaming operations. A distributor plate forms a cavity within a plate assembly for receiving fluid from the central shaft through radial fluid ports. Fluid from the cavity is then expelled through nozzles that overlay the cavity in a separate plate. The direction of fluid flow at the nozzles is axial, rather than toward the sidewall of the enlarged bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg L. Slaughter, Jr., Travis W. Woodson, Chapman P. Hancock
  • Collar with stepped retaining ring groove
    Patent number: 10487595
    Abstract: An assembly for a torque-transmitting connection in an inner pipe string of a dual-member drill string is formed from a collar, a retaining ring, and an inner pipe member. An endless internal groove having adjacent shallow and deep sections is formed in the collar. Formed in the inner pipe member, an endless external groove is situated in concentric relationship with the internal groove. The retaining ring, situated within the grooves, resists disconnection of the collar from the inner pipe member. When the assembly is subjected to an axial force that might otherwise tend to pull it apart, the retaining ring resists the tendency by wedging between the bottom of the shallow section of the internal groove and the crest of the external groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Dirk A. Wilson, Greg L. Slaughter, Jr.
  • Airborne locator of an underground object
    Patent number: 10459105
    Abstract: A system for locating an underground line. The system uses a self-propelled autonomous antenna, processor and propulsion system. The antenna detects a magnetic field from an underground line and generates an antenna signal. The processor is programmed to receive the antenna signal and generate a command signal. The propulsion system receives the command signal and moves the antenna along a length of the underground line, allowing the processor to map the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott B. Cole, Brian K. Bailey, Larry G. Morse
  • Trench filling machine
    Patent number: 10450708
    Abstract: A machine for filling a trench. The machine comprises a tub, release assembly, and a hopper. The tub mixes a material to be filled into the trench. The release assembly releases the material into the hopper and the material flows from the hopper and into the trench. The machine moves parallel to the trench as the trench is being filled. A compactor assembly may follow behind the hopper and pack material into the trench. An operator controls the movement of the machine from an operator station on the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Cornelius Vanderford, Cody L. Sewell
  • Track tensioner
    Patent number: 10435092
    Abstract: A track assembly is formed from a frame, first and second idler wheels, an endless track, and a tensioning assembly. The track is stretched around the wheels. By using the tensioning assembly to increase or decrease the distance between the first and second idler wheels, the tension within the track is adjusted. The tensioning assembly is formed from an outer tube, an inner member having an indicator, and a cage assembly having an opening. The outer tube is supported by the frame and is coupled to the second idler wheel. The inner member is telescopically received within the outer tube and is coupled to the first idler wheel. The opening is alignable with the indicator in response to relative longitudinal movement of the cage assembly and the inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Vernon T. Stellman
  • Trenching system with hydraulically adjustable hub
    Patent number: 10422107
    Abstract: A system for uncovering a trench. The system comprises several subsystems, including a work machine and a frame for providing a seal with the surface to be trenched with a saw blade contained therein. The blade is supported on a hub which is slidably movable relative to the frame by operation of a linear actuator, which may be a hydraulic cylinder or the like. The vertical location of the blade within the frame is continuously adjustable to create a deeper or shallower trench. A monitoring system is provided to monitor the vertical location from an operator station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Cody L. Sewell, Michael C. Ruhl, David R. Bazzell, Vernon T. Stellman, Steven P. Seabolt, Andrew A. Schuermann
  • Drill string rotation brake
    Patent number: 10407991
    Abstract: A rotation brake for stopping rotation of a spindle assembly on a horizontal directional drill. The rotation brake comprises a brake lock that is actuated by a cylinder and spring to interact with a non-rotating brake cap and a rotating pinion, thereby stopping rotation of the pinion. The brake lock is removed from the pinion by applying pressurized fluid to a cylinder such that a cylinder rod moves the brake lock out of a cavity between the brake cap and the pinion. Upon removing fluid pressure from the cylinder, a compressed spring moves the brake lock back to into the cavity, preventing rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Max A. Metcalf, Philip J. Wosmek, Harry Bendure, Rick E. Barrett
  • Drilling fluid reclaimer
    Patent number: 10399017
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drilling fluid reclaimer. The reclaimer has at least one adjustable screen assembly for providing a leveling filter for reclaimed drill fluid. Used drill fluid is placed at the screen assembly at the front the of the screen assembly. The at least one screen is vibrated to separate large particulate matter from liquid drilling fluid. A second screen is provided for additional filtering. Large particulate matter is expelled by a chute at the back of the screen assembly. Drilling fluid passing through the screen is “reclaimed” for use with a drilling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Cody L. Sewell, Brant Douglas Kukuk
  • Trenching system
    Patent number: 10378179
    Abstract: A system for uncovering and sealing a narrow trench. The system comprises several subsystems, including a work machine, a frame for providing a seal with the surface to be trenched, a saw blade, a vacuum system, a system for placing product, and a resealer. The blade includes rotatable tooth bits, which may be rotated and secured to create a blade for narrower or a wider trench. A removable cover and the blade are easily changeable. A surface engaging member on the frame is manipulated to maintain a seal with changing ground surfaces. Additionally, the vertical location of the blade within the frame is adjustable to create a deeper or shallower trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Ruhl, David R. Bazzell, Vernon T. Stellman, Steven P. Seabolt, Andrew A. Schuermann
  • Pipe storage box
    Patent number: 10358880
    Abstract: A pipe handling device and method for use with a horizontal directional drilling system. The pipe handling device stores sections of drill pipe in individual columns within a magazine. The magazine is constructed so that it can be mounted to a boring machine in a pin-up or pin-down orientation. A plurality of signal elements are attached to the magazine and each extend at least partially within a footprint of each column. The signal elements may move from a first position, indicating the column is full of pipe sections, to a second position, indicating the column is not full of pipe sections. A proximity sensor assembly detects movement of the individual signal elements and signals a processor accordingly. These signals indicate whether or not a given column is full of pipe sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Max Allen Metcalf, Rick G. Porter
  • Object detection system and method
    Patent number: 10344450
    Abstract: A detection system used to alert an operator of a work machine of humans or objects dangerously close to the machine or a work tool attached to the machine. The detection system uses one or more cameras to capture images of an area surrounding the machine. The captured images are displayed on an interface electronically connected to a processor. Prior to operation, one or more zones surrounding the work tool or work machine are defined and projected on the images displayed on the interface. The processor analyzes the images captured by the cameras and determines if a characteristic of a predetermined object is within one or more of the identified zones. If the processor determines the characteristic of the predetermined object is within one of the zones, the processor will identify the object on the display and trigger a warning system to alert to the operator to take necessary precautions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard F. Sharp, Michael Avitabile, Ryan Chilton, Benjamin Hastings, David C. Conner
  • Trenching assembly
    Patent number: 10337168
    Abstract: A trenching assembly used to cut a narrow trench in the ground surface. The trenching assembly comprises an attachment frame connected to a hood assembly via a linkage assembly. The attachment frame may be attached to the rear end of a work machine. A rotatable blade is disposed within a cavity defined by the hood assembly. The hood assembly may rotate about two different axes relative to the linkage assembly, and the linkage assembly may rotate about two different axes relative to the attachment frame. The trenching assembly uses a pair of accumulators to hydraulically rotate the linkage assembly about a horizontal axis relative to the frame in response changes in depth of the ground surface being cut by the blade. The linkage assembly may be hydraulically rotated using the accumulators without input from the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Cody L. Sewell
  • Sod cutter blade
    Patent number: D852011
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew L. Lemmons
  • Sprocket with double mud relief
    Patent number: RE47572
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Cody L. Sewell, Brant D. Kukuk