Patents Assigned to Dry Dock Company
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Patent number: 7878042Abstract: This is directed to systems, methods, computer programs and other means for shock testing a piece of equipment, i.e., the target. The target can be mounted to a shock generation machine, which is then slammed into a sturdy foundation. The impact can result in multi-axis loads, depending on how the machine is configured, while also simulating the modal frequency response of an object, such as a naval ship's deck.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock CompanyInventors: Michael A. Talley, Charles L. Pizzano, Carla J. Davis, Jonathan R. Harn
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Patent number: 7837175Abstract: The invention provides an actuator for moving a threaded valve stem along a longitudinal axis to selectively open or close a valve. The actuator comprises a carrier rotatably mounted within a housing. A portion of the carrier has a bore threaded to receive the threaded valve stem. The actuator further comprises a gear arrangement configured for transmitting a rotational force to the carrier. A cylindrical operator rotatably mounted to the housing has a plurality of splines on its circumference and is configured for receiving a rotational input force from a drive mechanism. An annular collar slidably disposed around the operator rotates with the operator but can slide longitudinally along the operator between a first position in which it engages the gear arrangement and a second position in which it engages the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock CompanyInventors: Kenneth A. Stone, Robert Kaminsky, Todd R. MacLay
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Patent number: 7746084Abstract: An unbalanced line-to-line current is injected at an injected frequency in a three-phase ac circuit. A first set of voltages and currents are obtained. A first set of transformed voltages and transformed currents are produced. The circuit is injected with a second unbalanced line-to-line current at a frequency linearly independent of the injected frequency. A second set of voltages and current are obtained. A second set of transformed voltages and transformed currents are produced The impedance of a source portion and a load portion of the circuit are calculated using the first and second set of transformed voltages, and the first and second set of transformed currents.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2007Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignees: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, The Curators of the University of MissouriInventors: Mohamed Belkhayat, Jing Huang, Keith Corzine
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Patent number: 7726634Abstract: A system for tensioning and locking a safety strand to a number of sequentially arranged stanchions is provided. The system includes tensioning means for applying a tensile force to one end of the safety strand when the safety strand is passed through a passage bore of each of the sequentially arranged stanchions and the other end of the safety strand is secured to an immovable object. Locking mechanisms are provided that each include a cable cradle having a receiving channel for receiving a portion of the safety strand, a clamping arrangement for engaging and trapping the portion of the safety strand within the receiving channel, and a device for securing the cable cradle and clamping arrangement to a stanchion. The cable cradle and securing device are configured so that when the cable cradle is secured to the selected stanchion, the receiving channel is in registry with the passage bore.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock CompanyInventors: Roy E. Neal, Lowell W. Cramer, Clifton Lathan, Jr., Herman Carter, Myron Evans
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Publication number: 20090090166Abstract: This is directed to systems, methods, computer programs and other means for shock testing a piece of equipment, i.e., the target. The target can be mounted to a shock generation machine, which is then slammed into a sturdy foundation. The impact can result in multi-axis loads, depending on how the machine is configured, while also simulating the modal frequency response of an object, such as a naval ship's deck.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Applicant: Newport News shipbuilding and Dry Dock CompanyInventors: Michael A. Talley, Charles L. Pizzano, Carla J. Davis, Jonathan R. Harn
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Patent number: 6868794Abstract: The disclosure provides a material turn table for supporting objects to be worked on. The material turn table includes a placement plate upon which objects are placeable; a supporting plate; and a support assembly that connects the placement plate to the supporting plate in such a manner that the placement plate is rotateably supported above the supporting plate. The support assembly includes an annular first pipe connected to the placement plate and an annular second pipe connected to the supporting plate. A portion of a length of the first pipe is disposed telescopically relative to the second pipe. An annular bearing assembly connects the small pipe to the large pipe.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2002Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock CompanyInventors: William C. Bullock, Yves Triolet
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Patent number: 6511047Abstract: By the present invention, a plurality of blown optical fiber insertions are made into a duct by employing the following method: first installing at least one fiber through the duct to a terminal; trapping the first fiber in place; and subsequently blowing at least one second fiber alongside the first trapped fiber through the duct to a terminal. In a preferred embodiment, a trap fitting is mounted onto an entry end of the duct to permit multiple insertions of blown optical fiber into a duct. The trap fitting comprises a fitting fixed into the duct downstream from a blow head; a passageway through a wall of the fitting; a cylindrical sleeve fixed to the exterior of the fitting over the passageway; and a plunger mounted in the cylindrical sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1999Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock CompanyInventors: Kurt J. Clemente, Jr., Gary W Derby
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Patent number: 6476532Abstract: The present invention eliminates vibration of an electromagnetic device, apparatus or machine caused by magnetostrictive and Joule effects. Specifically, the present invention discloses making an electromagnetic device, apparatus or machine with magnetostrictive contracting and magnetostrictive expanding materials. Once exposed to a magnetic field, the amount of contraction and expansion of the materials should be virtually the same to minimize generation of vibratory energy that can be transmitted from a core to a housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1998Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignees: Newport News Shipbuilding, Dry Dock CompanyInventor: Donald E. Kennamer
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Patent number: 6437279Abstract: Apparatus and process for safely welding a stud into an overhead workpiece that includes a ferrule having an interrupted perimeter surrounding the stud for contact with the overhead workpiece and a support assembly for connection to a stud gun including a shield surrounding the support assembly and having a continuous perimeter defining a free space by being spaced from the stud and wherein the free space is in communication with the interrupted perimeter of the ferrule. The free space has a width and depth sufficient to receive and contain all molten substances produced during the welding. A fire resistant material is positioned within the free space to hold all these molten substances to thereby safely protect the operator of the stud gun from the gravity induced falling molten substances.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock CompanyInventors: David R. Sawyer, Johnnie N. Burchett, John B. Williams, III
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Patent number: 6254070Abstract: The present invention is a novel shock-absorbing mount (20) to protect shock sensitive equipment mounted thereon. It has a configuration of a C shape but contains various angles therein to increase the utility and agility of the shock absorbing mount (20). These angles are specifically derived to allow the shock-absorbing mount (20) to fully absorb extreme shock energy without transferring it to the equipment.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2000Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock CompanyInventor: Samuel A. Runge
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Patent number: 6223676Abstract: A direction control assembly for a vehicle, particularly a submarine, travelling through and below the surface of a fluid medium such as the sea. The vehicle has a body formed with a main axis running fore and aft, a contoured outer surface forming flow lines with the fluid medium and a plurality of planes movably secured relative to and extending out from said surface for contact with the fluid medium to permit and produce rising, diving or turning procedures. A movement control assembly including inner and outer gimbal rings are mounted within the body for selective mutual as well as independent movement. A first operating rod is connected to the outer ring for controlling the mutual movement of both the rings and a second operating rod is connected to the inner ring for moving the inner ring independently of the outer ring.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock CompanyInventor: Kevin Louis Lafountain
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Patent number: 6174125Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method for racking or unracking pipe to or from a rack and a device to facilitate the process. The method provides a controllable procedure for inserting or withdrawing the pipe that is less dangerous than prior art methods and does not damage the pipe end. The method entails inserting a pipe gripper having an expansion sleeve into an accessible end of a pipe. The expansion sleeve is forced against an inner wall of the pipe, coupling the pipe gripper to the pipe. Depending upon the application, the pipe is then either pushed fully onto the rack or is pulled partially off the rack. For unracking operations, a crane sling is attached to the partially unracked pipe and the pipe is further manipulated off the rack.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1999Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock CompanyInventors: Marney L. Davis, George H. Wallace, Loren C. Cave, Donald R. Stevenson
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Patent number: 5875955Abstract: An internally mounted, portable clamping device for preventing distortion during welding of branch fittings on thin walled pipe. The clamping device comprises a pair of generally arc-shaped clamp halves which are inserted into a pipe and engaged by a screw inserted through a branch fitting which has been tack-welded to the outer surface of the pipe. Turning the screw in one direction moves the clamp halves radially apart until they engage and apply a radially tensive force on portions of the inner surface of the pipe immediately adjacent and opposite the fitting, thereby preventing the pipe from distorting during finish-welding of the fitting. The clamp is disengaged by turning the screw in the opposite direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1996Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock CompanyInventor: Michael A. Swain
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Patent number: 5841147Abstract: The Intermodal Modular Spent Nuclear Fuel Transportation System uses standardized truck, rail, barge or ship mounted equipment to transport nuclear materials including Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) in standardized overpacks maximizing interchangeability of transportation components. One or more standard truck transportable SNF canisters or standard overpacks are transported in shielded, truck-mounted overpacks. SNF canisters are transferred, using a winch or other movement device, to empty positions within large rail or barge transportable overpack bundles constructed using a plurality of overpacks. An overpack bundle is supported and raised by a cradle assembly and further may be rotated horizontally right or left to allow truck docking from a direction perpendicular to the normal orientation of the rail car. The overpack bundle is axially indexed for positioning empty overpacks for loading.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1997Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock CompanyInventors: James E. Steinke, Richard K. Feamster, Jr., Hugh E. Thompson
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Patent number: 5838861Abstract: The transition assembly of the present invention comprises a pneumatic tube which has a longitudinal axis, an entrance end, an exit end, an interior surface and an exterior surface. The entrance end of a furcation tube assembly is placed in an operable relationship to the exit end of the pneumatic tube. The furcation tube assembly comprises at least one furcation tube. The furcation tube has an inner tube, a fibrous sheath surrounding the inner tube, and an outer sheath surrounding the fibrous sheath. At least one furcation tube extends from the entrance end of the furcation tube assembly. The furcation tube has a length of the outer sheath removed to expose the inner tube and the fibrous sheath. The exposed inner tube is disposed within the exit end of the pneumatic tube; extends along the longitudinal axis of the pneumatic tube; and protrudes from the entrance end of the pneumatic tube. A fastener attaches the entrance end of the furcation tube assembly to the exit end of the pneumatic tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1997Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock CompanyInventor: Todd A. Bunde
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Patent number: 5832859Abstract: A method and apparatus for containment of a space adjacent the hull of a ship to protect the environment from polluting materials resulting from the abrasive blasting, spray painting and the like comprising, welding studs having integral connectors to the hull along a direction substantially fore and aft of the ship. Lines are supported and run relative to the studs. Sections of a shroud are connected to the lines and the lines are drawn to pull one end of the shroud sections proximal to the hull and the other end is fixed remote from the hull. Adjacent sections are secured along their sides. The entire space beneath the shroud and adjacent the hull containing the polluting materials is therefore separated from the environment.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1996Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock CompanyInventors: David R. Sawyer, Bennie C. Steele
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Patent number: 5783893Abstract: An electric machine, such as a motor or generator, is configured in a machine housing with a cup-shaped rotor attached to a shaft rotatively supported in the housing, an inner stator coaxial with and enclosed by the rotor, and an outer stator coaxial with and enclosing the rotor. The inner and outer portions of the machine are separated by a magnetic isolator that divides and supports inner and outer portions of the rotor. The magnetic isolator, which supports inner and outer sets of permanent magnets in one embodiment and inner and outer squirrel cage rotor assemblies in another embodiment is preferably made of non-magnetic stainless steel but may also be made of titanium, brass, aluminum, bronze or magnesium, or any material that provides magnetic isolation between the inner and outer portions of the machine.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1995Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock CompanyInventors: Thomas B. Dade, Chester A. Garis, Jr.
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Patent number: 5758861Abstract: An apparatus (10) for mounting equipment (12) to a foundation (14) and for isolating the equipment from shock loads and acoustic vibrations comprises an outer retaining member (16) secured to the equipment, an intermediate retaining member (18) secured to the foundation and an inner retaining member (20) secured to the equipment. A first resilient member (22) is secured in position for sliding contact with an inner surface (86) of the outer retaining member during static loading, axial loading causing movement of the foundation and/or equipment toward the other or transverse loading, whereby the first resilient member is loaded predominately in compression. A second resilient member (24) is secured in position for sliding contact with an inner surface (96) of the intermediate retaining member during axial loading causing movement of the foundation and/or equipment away from each other or transverse loading, whereby the second resilient member is loaded predominately in compression.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock CompanyInventor: Thomas Daniel Feldhaus
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Patent number: 5691589Abstract: A magnet carrier assembly for holding and carrying a high-energy-product permanent magnet is arranged for releasable attachment to a rotor of an axial disc or drum type rotor in an electric machine. The permanent magnet placed in a container which then receives a cover. The magnet carrier assembly includes a mounting flange at one end and a locating and mounting tab at an opposite end for attaching the assembly to the rotor. In certain applications, the rotor has recesses which have a size and shape complementary to the size and shape of the magnet carrier assembly. The recesses are circumaxially located around the radial periphery of the rotor at the poles of the rotor. In other embodiments, the magnet carrier assembly includes a key which is received in a mating groove in a rotor surface and is used to transfer to the rotor the electromagnetic shear force developed by the high-energy-product permanent magnet.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1995Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Assignees: Kaman Electromagnetics Corporation, Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock CompanyInventors: Thomas A. Keim, Peter P. Mongeau, Thomas Dade
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Patent number: 5661768Abstract: A dry transfer system for spent nuclear fuel (SNF) assemblies includes a transfer container with a sliding sleeve for vertical translation therein. The sliding sleeve includes a number of compartments for receiving a corresponding number of fuel assemblies. The container includes an integral and remotely controllable hoist with a number of individually actuated grapples for latching onto a corresponding number of fuel assemblies. The system further includes a loading stand with an elevator for raising and lowering a fuel basket that also includes a number of compartments for moving fuel assemblies up to and in alignment with the sleeve of the transfer container that is landed on the loading stand.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1996Date of Patent: August 26, 1997Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock CompanyInventors: Bernard Gilligan, III, Clinton W. Stallard, III, James E. Steinke, Richard K. Feamster, Jr.