Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Mark Zovko
  • Patent number: 5749196
    Abstract: The invention relates to a building structure of a number of construction elements each comprising two plate-like side parts (2) which are mutually connected at a distance parallel to each other by at least one connecting part (3) which protrudes partially outside the periphery of these side parts (2) and fitting between side parts of an adjoining construction element (1). The connecting part (3) extends between the side parts over a distance in the order of magnitude of half the width of the side parts and over a substantially equal distance outside the side parts. The connecting parts (3) of adjoining construction elements (1) preferably leave spaces between each other so that the building structure substantially has one continuous interspace. The interspace can be filled with curing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Buro Eco-Home
    Inventor: Pier Bangma
  • Patent number: 5588780
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for laying a pipe-line, wherein pipes are welded to each other along a ring weld and wherein the ring weld is covered with a mastic ring.In the known method of this type the mastic of asphalt bitumen is melted and cast into a mould arranged round the ring weld.Working with a hot substance (180.degree. C.) is dangerous. The vapours from melted asphalt bitumen create an unpleasant and unhealthy work climate. The quality of asphalt bitumen deteriorates the more melted it becomes.The invention has for its object to provide a method wherein the above stated and/or other drawbacks occur either at least to a lesser extent or not at all. To this end the method according to the invention has the feature that the mastic is arranged substantially in plastic condition around the ring weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: All Seas Group S.A.
    Inventors: Dick R. Wolbers, Ronkers Koerse
  • Patent number: 5575590
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for laying a pipeline on a floor located under water, wherein a pipe string is lowered from the pipe-bedding installation to the floor, characterized in that the part of the pipe string situated between the water surface and the floor is at least partially supported by a bearing surface or trunk tubes which engage on the pipe string, wherein an axial displacement is realized between the bearing surface on the one hand and the pipe string on the other.A heavy pipeline can hereby be laid on a deep sea-bed, for instance at a depth in the order of magnitude of 1-3 km, and/or the capacity of the draw benches on board the pipe-bedding installation can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Allseas Group S.A.
    Inventors: Johannes J. C. I. Drost, Erik J. Rooduijn, Albert Ploeg
  • Patent number: 5573366
    Abstract: A hydraulic device comprising at least two cylinder-piston assemblies. Each of the assemblies are of the double-action type with a front and rear chamber on either side of a piston. The chambers are connected in series in a hydraulic control circuit such that the front chamber of a first assembly has a direct connection to a rear chamber of a second assembly. At least one of the cylinder-piston assemblies is provided with a valve assembly which opens a bypass thereby bypassing the piston of the assembly when the piston is situated close to the direct connection at the end of its stroke and the effective piston surfaces are the same in the chambers mutually connected by the direct connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: Sjoerd Meijer
  • Patent number: 5478186
    Abstract: A device for collecting waste, in particular waste packing glass. At least one intake container and one collecting container is provided. The intake container has a lifting device for raising the intake container above the collecting container. The intake container has a bottom part and bottomless housing which is movable relative to the bottom part so that an open and closed position can be defined. In the closed position, a lower edge of the housing part lies against the bottom forming a seal and in the open position the lower edge of the housing is situated at a distance from the bottom part allowing discharge of the contents. The intake and collecting container can be aligned prior to discharge, thereby assuring error-free emptying of the intake container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Zuidema Milieu B.V.
    Inventor: Roelof Zuidema
  • Patent number: 5458444
    Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a smooth concentric hole in a metal workpiece. The apparatus fits in a standard industrial drill chuck and has a pilot drill and tap at one end which drills and taps a pilot hole seating a mandrel on the metal workpiece. When the mandrel is seated, a cam plate and spring arrangement automatically advances the cutting teeth and provides the proper pressure on the cuttering teeth to cut the hole. The cutting teeth have a special anti-breakthrough portion which provides controlled drilling of a smooth hole. A clutch is provided which controls the torque delivered to the apparatus and allows the cam plate to function properly. The device may be adapted easily to accommodate various hole sizes by changing its faceplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Ronnie J. Duncan
  • Patent number: 5433560
    Abstract: A hole cutting apparatus for use with a conventional drill and chuck. The apparatus features a self feed pilot bit and quick change drill bits which store on the apparatus. Hollow drill bits are provided which fit over a pilot bit and are fastened to the apparatus with a quick release pin. The pilot bit centers on the hole to be cut and the drill bit is used to cut a circular perimeter slot until through the workpiece. The apparatus fits in the chuck of a standard drill. The apparatus requires a relatively low torque from the drill motor to drill a large size hole when compared to conventional drilling systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventor: Ronnie J. Duncan
  • Patent number: 5413434
    Abstract: During laying of a pipeline on a surface located under water, on a vessel a pipe is fitted to a pipe string of the pipeline, in each case during a fitting step. Herein during the fitting step the vessel is moved substantially continuously in lengthwise direction of the pipe string while a pipe is fitted to the pipe string by means of positioning means moved relative to the vessel and by means of welding means moved relative to the vessel. According to the invention, a train of positioning means, welding means and clamping means is moved during an operational phase relative to the vessel in lengthwise direction of the pipe string in principle together with the pipe string and during a resetting phase set between two successive operational phases this train is displaced in the direction of the prow of the vessel relative to the pipe string and relative to the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Allseas Engineering B.V.
    Inventors: Gerhardus A. P. Stenfert, Robert P. Hovinga, Eugene A. Bajema
  • Patent number: 5407449
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating micro-circuit wafers, comprising a feed station for cassettes with wafers, at least one treatment station in which wafer carriers and treatment means co-acting therewith are disposed and a transfer station provided with transferring means for removing wafers from the cassettes and placing them in the wafer carriers and, after treatment, removing the wafers from the wafer carriers and re-placing them in the cassettes. At least the feed station and the treatment station are embodied as separate connectable units having in cross section an at least partially regular polygonal periphery, wherein these units connect onto other units at the position of the sides of the regular polygonal periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: ASM International N.V.
    Inventor: Yan Zinger
  • Patent number: 5397057
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lance device comprising a frame, a drum mounted rotatably on the frame, at least one hose arranged on the drum, containing means provided with a passage for containing the hose while lying on the drum, connecting means for connecting a source of liquid under high pressure to an end of the hose joined to the drum and drive means for driving the drum in rotation. The containing means comprise an endless flexible member and guide means therefor which guide the flexible member in a path from one side of the passage round the drum and lying thereagainst to the other side of the passage and therefrom at a distance from the drum in opposite direction back to the one side of the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Peinemann Equipment B.V.
    Inventor: Paul Verstraeten
  • Patent number: 5377913
    Abstract: A jet lance device comprising a hydraulic crane with an articulated jib movable by hydraulic motors, a hydraulic rotator mounted on the free end of the jib such that a rotatable support element thereof is turnable about an axis in the vertical plane through the jib, and a jet member mounted on the support element. This jet member comprises a jet lance which is pivotable on a pivot axis transverely of the rotation axis of the rotator and connectable to a source of jet liquid under high pressure, and the device further comprises controllers and drivers for operating the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Meino J. Van Der Woude
  • Patent number: 5348234
    Abstract: A device for cleaning heat exchanger pipe bundles. The device includes a guide column supported by a support construction for displacement parallel to itself, wherein the guide column defines a guide path for a slide piece guided slidably along the column, a number of lances connected to the slide piece parallel to the guide column, a hose connected to the slide piece for supplying liquid under high pressure to the lances, and an endless flexible member engaging on the slide piece for reciprocally moving the slide piece along the guide column. The column and the flexible member are assembled from a number of parts so that they can have a length adapted to the conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Stork Nedserv B.V.
    Inventor: Meino J. v.d. Woude
  • Patent number: 5328649
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for repairing breaks in glass bodies such as car windshields. A position indicator is used in conjunction with a repair bridge for precisely locating the break to be repaired. A conventional resin injector can be used in the slot taken by the position indicator once the position indicator has been used and removed from the bridge. Realignment or further adjustment of the bridge can thereby be avoided making the repair process more efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Joyce D. Newsome
  • Patent number: 5312218
    Abstract: Apparatus for lifting objects into preformed openings in buildings. These openings can be recessed. The apparatus has a frame which has a head section and a tail section. The head section and tail section are rotably mounted to each other. A backstand is provided which is attached to the head section for preventing the objects to be lifted from moving as the objects are transported. Supports or forks are also provided which protrude from the head section and are used to support the objects to the transported. The apparatus has a leveling system which includes movable counterweights attached to chains. The movable counterweights balance the effect of the objects that the apparatus supports, keeping it level in the horizontal direction. The backstand can be folded down into the head section and the tail section folded onto the head section. Prior to or after use, as the apparatus is a lightweight, compact system, it can be transported in a pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventors: Rodger D. Pratt, Michael J. Sparling
  • Patent number: 5217106
    Abstract: Apparatus for separating logs singularly or in a single layer to down- stream processing equipment such as a debarker. The apparatus includes an oscillating drum segment which has a log pocket thereon. The log pocket is initially located adjacent the log bundle and as oscillation of the apparatus begins, the notch collects a log and transports it to a second position wherein the gravity discharge of the log to a point downstream occurs. The drum segment is then rotated in the opposite direction to its initial position and the procedure repeated. Bars are provided which fit within guide pockets in the drum. Bars fit within guide pockets in the drum. The upper surface of the bars act as a receiving ramp for the log as it is discharged from the drum. In the preferred embodiment, the drum segment can be adjusted radially thereby varying the capacity of the log pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventor: Leroy R. Bunney
  • Patent number: 5205022
    Abstract: A clamp assembly for securing a piping system or the like to a support surface. The clamp assembly includes a U-bolt having a flattened interior surface which allows even distribution of the load from clamping on the piping system as the U-bolt is secured to the piping system. The clamp assembly also has a saddle which snaps into place over each threaded leg of the U-bolt and receives the pipe within its web. The saddle has two open cylindrical portions facing in opposite directions which interlock with the threaded legs. Preferably, the entire assembly is non-metallic allowing its use in harsh and corrosive environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: John F. Norton
  • Patent number: 5184636
    Abstract: Cleaning lance device for cleaning pipe bundles of heat exchangers comprising a frame, an elongate guiding carried by the frame, a hose drum rotatably mounted on the frame close to a rear end of the guiding, a high pressure hose which is connected at one end to the hose drum and which carries at its other end a coupling element co-acting with the guiding and movable therealong, a bundle of spray lances which are connected to the coupling element in the line of the hose and which carry spray heads at their free end, and drive means for driving the hose drum in the unwinding and winding sense, for unwinding the hose from the hose drum and winding it thereon respectively and for driving the coupling element synchronously therewith along the guiding at least during unwinding, such that therein the portion of the hose extending between the coupling element and the hose drum is substatially free of tensile and pressure loads in lengthwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Inventor: Meino Jan van der Woude
  • Patent number: 5159933
    Abstract: Device for taking a sample of subcutaneous tissue cells from a body, comprising a disposable injection syringe with a cylinder, a plunger slidably arranged in the cylinder and connected to an actuating shaft protruding outside the cylinder at one end, and a coupling element situated at the opposite end of the cylinder for the coupling thereto of an injection needle. The device further comprises pulling means for the exerting of a force on the plunger in the direction away from the coupling element. The pulling means comprise on one side energy transmitting biasing means coupled to the cylinder which exerts a tensile force on the plunger which after a movement of the plunger in the order of magnitude of 1 cm from an outer most position in contact with the end of the cylinder bearing the coupling element lies in the order of magnitude of 10 Newton times the diameter of the cylinder in cm.sup.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Metrias, B.V.
    Inventor: Pieter K. H. Hut
  • Patent number: 5044825
    Abstract: The laying of a pipeline on a surface located under water is to a great extent continuously performed because the pipes are arranged in line with a pipe string by means of at least two alternately used pipe carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Allseas Engineering B.V.
    Inventor: Willem P. Kaldenbach
  • Patent number: 5033316
    Abstract: A device for measuring the tensile force in a winch wire. The apparatus includes a frame and three wheels connected to the frame. The first and third wheels are mounted on a common shaft, and the second wheel is mounted adjacent to the other wheels. A winch wire is trained over the first wheel, along a common tangent with the second wheel, over the second wheel and along a common tangent with the third wheel and thereover the third wheel. Conventional force measuring means can be used to measure the force pulling the first and second wheels together, which is caused by the tensile force in the winch wire. A tachometer is coupled to the common shaft of the first and third wheels, which can be used to measure the length of wire payed out from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Inventor: Andre M. Van Der Ende