Patents by Inventor Floyd R. Gunsaulis
Floyd R. Gunsaulis has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11613947Abstract: A check valve assembly disposed within a pipe joint. The valve assembly is bounded by a pin end on one side and a liner tube on the other. In a first flow condition, a ball is forced away from the pin end and toward a stop member. The stop member has a geometry to allow fluid flow around the ball and through passageways within the stop when in the first flow condition. In a second flow condition, opposite the first flow condition, the ball is forced toward a tapered seat on the pin end, restricting fluid flow in the second flow condition.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2021Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventor: Floyd R. Gunsaulis
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Patent number: 11530605Abstract: A crossbore detection system. The system is located in a downhole tool proximate a drill bit. The system comprises circuitry sensitive to a subsurface environment and a sensor that detects changes in the circuitry. The sensor detects changes in the circuitry that indicates that the drill bit has struck an underground pipe. The sensor may detect a series of electromagnetic signals indicative of the strike or may detect changes to an impedance bridge at a capacitive sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2016Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventors: Floyd R. Gunsaulis, Richard F. Sharp, Arun Prakash Jaganathan, David Edward Hall, Neven Simicevic
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Patent number: 11401750Abstract: A telemetry pipe system used to transmit a beacon signal through a drill string. The system comprises a plurality of pipe sections joined end-to-end to form the drill string, each pipe section having an inner tube made from a conductive material. The system further comprises a plurality of connectors. Each connector is installed within a pipe joint formed between adjoining pipe sections. The connector comprises an elongate spine and a bristle assembly supported on each end of the spine. The spine and bristle assemblies are each made of a conductive material. The spine extends between adjacent pipe sections within the pipe joint such that each bristle assembly is conductively engaged with adjacent inner tubes. The inner tubes and connectors form a conductive path within the drill string for transmitting the beacon signal through the drill string.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2020Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventor: Floyd R. Gunsaulis
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Publication number: 20220136347Abstract: A check valve assembly disposed within a pipe joint. The valve assembly is bounded by a pin end on one side and a liner tube on the other. In a first flow condition, a ball is forced away from the pin end and toward a stop member. The stop member has a geometry to allow fluid flow around the ball and through passageways within the stop when in the first flow condition. In a second flow condition, opposite the first flow condition, the ball is forced toward a tapered seat on the pin end, restricting fluid flow in the second flow condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2021Publication date: May 5, 2022Inventor: Floyd R. Gunsaulis
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Publication number: 20220136338Abstract: A pipe assembly has a hollow inner member nested within a hollow outer member. A series of pipe assemblies are connected end-to-end to form a dual-member drill string useful in horizontal directional drilling operations. The drill string has mutually exclusive first and second fluid paths. Fluid seals, interposed between adjacent inner members of the string, isolate the first fluid path from the second fluid path. Compressed air is delivered into the first fluid path from above ground level, and routed to an underground boring tool. The expelled air and spoils are returned to above ground level by way of the second fluid path. One or more baffle elements are supported on the drill string adjacent the boring tool. The baffle elements are configured to prevent compressed air and spoils from flowing between the walls of the borehole and the drill string.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2022Publication date: May 5, 2022Inventor: Floyd R. Gunsaulis
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Publication number: 20220111343Abstract: A method for converting material within a vacuum tank that contains a mixture of liquid and solid material into a solidified batch of material. The method utilizes various devices to measure different features and properties of the tank and its contents to determine an amount of drying agent to be added to the tank. The method further utilizes various devices and methods for adding the drying agent to the tank and mixing the drying agent with the material within the tank. The method described herein may be completed automatically in response to human input on a handheld display device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2021Publication date: April 14, 2022Inventor: Floyd R. Gunsaulis
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Patent number: 11225840Abstract: A pipe assembly has a hollow inner member nested within a hollow outer member. A series of pipe assemblies are connected end-to-end to form a dual-member drill string useful in horizontal directional drilling operations. The drill string has mutually exclusive first and second fluid paths. Fluid seals, interposed between adjacent inner members of the string, isolate the first fluid path from the second fluid path. Compressed air is delivered into the first fluid path from above ground level, and routed to an underground boring tool. The expelled air and spoils are returned to above ground level by way of the second fluid path. One or more baffle elements are supported on the drill string adjacent the boring tool. The baffle elements are configured to prevent compressed air and spoils from flowing between the walls of the borehole and the drill string.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2019Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventor: Floyd R. Gunsaulis
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Publication number: 20210087889Abstract: A telemetry pipe system used to transmit a beacon signal through a drill string. The system comprises a plurality of pipe sections joined end-to-end to form the drill string, each pipe section having an inner tube made from a conductive material. The system further comprises a plurality of connectors. Each connector is installed within a pipe joint formed between adjoining pipe sections. The connector comprises an elongate spine and a bristle assembly supported on each end of the spine. The spine and bristle assemblies are each made of a conductive material. The spine extends between adjacent pipe sections within the pipe joint such that each bristle assembly is conductively engaged with adjacent inner tubes, The inner tubes and connectors form a conductive path within the drill string for transmitting the beacon signal through the drill string.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2020Publication date: March 25, 2021Inventor: Floyd R. Gunsaulis
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Patent number: 10851599Abstract: A spindle assembly for connecting a drill string to a rotational drive for use in a horizontal directional drilling operation. The assembly comprises a saver sub attached to the rotational drive, and a drive chuck for connection to the drill string. The drive chuck and saver sub form a torque-transmitting connection by engaging through a seat in the saver sub and an engagement point on the drive chuck. Dowel pins may be used to rotationally lock and provide the engagement between the saver sub and the drive chuck. A collar may thread to the saver sub and cause an interference fit by engaging the drive chuck at a shoulder.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2017Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventors: Greg L. Slaughter, Jr., Floyd R. Gunsaulis, Max A. Metcalf
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Patent number: 10619420Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 24, 2017Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventor: Floyd R. Gunsaulis
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Publication number: 20190352975Abstract: A pipe assembly has a hollow inner member nested within a hollow outer member. A series of pipe assemblies are connected end-to-end to form a dual-member drill string useful in horizontal directional drilling operations. The drill string has mutually exclusive first and second fluid paths. Fluid seals, interposed between adjacent inner members of the string, isolate the first fluid path from the second fluid path. Compressed air is delivered into the first fluid path from above ground level, and routed to an underground boring tool. The expelled air and spoils are returned to above ground level by way of the second fluid path. One or more baffle elements are supported on the drill string adjacent the boring tool. The baffle elements are configured to prevent compressed air and spoils from flowing between the walls of the borehole and the drill string.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Inventor: Floyd R. Gunsaulis
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Publication number: 20180148985Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spindle assembly for connecting a drill string to a rotational drive for use in a horizontal directional drilling operation. The assembly comprises a saver sub attached to the rotational drive, and a drive chuck for connection to the drill string. The drive chuck and saver sub form a torque-transmitting connection by engaging through a seat in the saver sub and an engagement point on the drive chuck. Dowel pins may be used to rotationally lock and provide the engagement between the saver sub and the drive chuck. A collar may thread to the saver sub and cause an interference fit by engaging the drive chuck at a shoulder.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2017Publication date: May 31, 2018Inventors: Greg L. Slaughter, JR., Floyd R. Gunsaulis, Max A. Metcalf
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Patent number: 9834995Abstract: A spindle assembly for connecting a drill string to a rotational drive for use in a horizontal directional drilling operation. The assembly comprises a saver sub attached to the rotational drive, and a drive chuck for connection to the drill string. The drive chuck and saver sub form a torque-transmitting connection by engaging through a seat in the saver sub and an engagement point on the drive chuck. Dowel pins may be used to rotationally lock and provide the engagement between the saver sub and the drive chuck. A collar may thread to the saver sub and cause an interference fit by engaging the drive chuck at a shoulder.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2015Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventors: Greg L. Slaughter, Jr., Floyd R. Gunsaulis, Max A. Metcalf
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Patent number: 9828805Abstract: A reamer for use in horizontal directional drilling back-reaming operations. The reamer comprises an elongate body having an intermediate section, a first end, and a second end. The circumference of the intermediate section is larger than the circumference of the first end and the second end. A pocket or a plurality of pockets are formed on the intermediate section. The pockets are configured such that a cutter or a plurality of cutters may be secured within the pockets via the use of fasteners. The cutters are replaceable with cutters of like size or cutters of different sizes and shapes.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2014Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventor: Floyd R. Gunsaulis
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Publication number: 20170321487Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventor: Floyd R. Gunsaulis
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Patent number: 9714544Abstract: 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 are 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 comprise 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: GrantFiled: May 19, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventor: Floyd R. Gunsaulis
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Publication number: 20160265347Abstract: A crossbore detection system. The system is located in a downhole tool proximate a drill bit. The system comprises circuitry sensitive to a subsurface environment and a sensor that detects changes in the circuitry. The sensor detects changes in the circuitry that indicates that the drill bit has struck an underground pipe. The sensor may detect a series of electromagnetic signals indicative of the strike or may detect changes to an impedance bridge at a capacitive sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2016Publication date: September 15, 2016Inventors: Floyd R. Gunsaulis, Richard F. Sharp, Arun Prakash Jaganathan, David Edward Hall, Neven Simicevic
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Publication number: 20160108605Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a trench in the ground. The apparatus has a pair of side watts that cooperate to form a chute having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. Each side wall has a leading edge formed at the inlet opening. A base wall is disposed between the pair of side walls to interconnect the side walls along a curved path between the inlet opening and the outlet opening. A vibrator is connected to the pair of side walls to transmit vibratory motion to the chute. The apparatus is connected to a powered and movable vehicle using an attachment system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2015Publication date: April 21, 2016Inventor: Floyd R. Gunsaulis
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Publication number: 20160084016Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spindle assembly for connecting a drill string to a rotational drive for use in a horizontal directional drilling operation. The assembly comprises a saver sub attached to the rotational drive, and a drive chuck for connection to the drill string. The drive chuck and saver sub form a torque-transmitting connection by engaging through a seat in the saver sub and an engagement point on the drive chuck. Dowel pins may be used to rotationally lock and provide the engagement between the saver sub and the drive chuck. A collar may thread to the saver sub and cause an interference fit by engaging the drive chuck at a shoulder.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2015Publication date: March 24, 2016Inventors: Greg L. Slaughter, JR., Floyd R. Gunsaulis, Max A. Metcalf
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Patent number: 9206851Abstract: A spindle assembly for connecting a drill string to a rotational drive for use in a horizontal directional drilling operation. The assembly comprises a saver sub attached to the rotational drive, and a drive chuck for connection to the drill string. The drive chuck and saver sub form a torque-transmitting connection by engaging through a seat in the saver sub and an engagement point on the drive chuck. Dowel pins may be used to rotationally lock and provide the engagement between the saver sub and the drive chuck. A collar may thread to the saver sub and cause an interference fit by engaging the drive chuck at a shoulder.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2013Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventors: Greg Lowell Slaughter, Jr., Floyd R. Gunsaulis, Max Allen Metcalf