Patents Assigned to Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.
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Publication number: 20250109564Abstract: An apparatus for building expanded shaft augured foundation elements, comprising: a dual-section drilling augur having a lower section and an upper section, wherein the lower section and the upper section are configured to rotate relative to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2023Publication date: April 3, 2025Applicant: GEOPIER FOUNDATION COMPANY, INC.Inventors: August Beck, Kord J. Wissmann
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Publication number: 20240401295Abstract: Apparatuses for constructing displacement aggregate piers are disclosed. In one example, a mandrel is provided comprising a tamper head that has cutting teeth on the leading edge thereof. In another example, hydrojet nozzles are provided within one or more of the cutting teeth of the tamper head. In yet another example, the mandrel comprises grout tubes (or grout injection lines) and/or grout inspection lines. In yet another example, the mandrel and/or tamper head can comprise cutting teeth, hydrojet nozzles, grout tubes (or grout injection lines), grout inspection lines, and any combinations thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2024Publication date: December 5, 2024Applicant: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.Inventors: John Verdin, Kord J. Wissmann
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Publication number: 20240337082Abstract: Extensible shells and related methods for constructing a support pier are disclosed. An extensible shell can define an interior for holding granular construction material and define a first opening at a first end for receiving the granular construction material into the interior and a second opening at a second end. The extensible shell can be flexible such that the shell expands when granular construction material is compacted in the interior of the shell. A method may include positioning the extensible shell in the ground and filling at least a portion of the interior of the shell with the granular construction material. The granular construction material may be compacted in the interior of the extensible shell to form a support pier.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2024Publication date: October 10, 2024Applicant: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.Inventors: David J. White, Kord J. Wissmann, Lake Carter
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Publication number: 20240254713Abstract: A system and method for installing an aggregate pier in a soil matrix includes a pipe configured to interface with a torque driver for rotating the pipe. A helix is disposed on the pipe and configured to advance/withdraw the pipe based on direction of rotation. A compacting device is disposed between the distal end of the pipe and the helix. It extends radially outward and upward. In some embodiments, the compacting device is configured as a frustum. A lift in an aggregate pier is formed by rotating the pipe in a second direction to withdraw a portion of the pipe from the soil matrix thereby creating a void; (b) filling the void with aggregate; (c) rotating the pipe in the first direction to advance the pipe. The compacting device contacts the aggregate disposed in the void and imparts an axial and radial force.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2024Publication date: August 1, 2024Applicant: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.Inventor: Matthew Alan Conte
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Patent number: 12012715Abstract: Extensible shells and related methods for constructing a support pier are disclosed. An extensible shell can define an interior for holding granular construction material and define a first opening at a first end for receiving the granular construction material into the interior and a second opening at a second end. The extensible shell can be flexible such that the shell expands when granular construction material is compacted in the interior of the shell. A method may include positioning the extensible shell in the ground and filling at least a portion of the interior of the shell with the granular construction material. The granular construction material may be compacted in the interior of the extensible shell to form a support pier.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2022Date of Patent: June 18, 2024Assignee: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.Inventors: David J. White, Kord J. Wissmann, Lake Carter
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Patent number: 12000106Abstract: Apparatuses for constructing displacement aggregate piers are disclosed. In one example, a mandrel is provided comprising a tamper head that has cutting teeth on the leading edge thereof. In another example, hydrojet nozzles are provided within one or more of the cutting teeth of the tamper head. In yet another example, the mandrel comprises grout tubes (or grout injection lines) and/or grout inspection lines. In yet another example, the mandrel and/or tamper head can comprise cutting teeth, hydrojet nozzles, grout tubes (or gout injection lines), grout inspection lines, and any combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2020Date of Patent: June 4, 2024Assignee: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.Inventors: John Verdin, Kord J. Wissmann
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Patent number: 11952736Abstract: A system and method for installing an aggregate pier in a soil matrix includes a pipe configured to interface with a torque driver for rotating the pipe. A helix is disposed on the pipe and configured to advance/withdraw the pipe based on direction of rotation. A compacting device is disposed between the distal end of the pipe and the helix. It extends radially outward and upward. In some embodiments, the compacting device is configured as a frustum. A lift in an aggregate pier is formed by rotating the pipe in a second direction to withdraw a portion of the pipe from the soil matrix thereby creating a void; (b) filling the void with aggregate; (c) rotating the pipe in the first direction to advance the pipe. The compacting device contacts the aggregate disposed in the void and imparts an axial and radial force.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2022Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.Inventor: Matthew Alan Conte
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Publication number: 20240026625Abstract: An apparatus for densifying and compacting granular materials comprising a drive shaft having a first diameter and a compaction end, and a set of one or more diametric expansion elements attached to an exterior of the compaction end of the drive shaft, wherein the one or more diametric expansion elements, in their expanded state, form compaction surfaces having a second diameter greater than the first diameter of the drive shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2023Publication date: January 25, 2024Applicant: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.Inventors: David J. White, Kord J. Wissmann
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Patent number: 11859349Abstract: A system for and method of stabilizing rail track structures using a load transfer apparatus is disclosed. The load transfer apparatus includes a vertical load transfer element with at least one cross-sectional rib and a top load transfer element with at least one longitudinal vertical fin, wherein the top load transfer element is used to transfer applied locomotive and rail car loads to the vertical load transfer element. In one embodiment, the vertical load transfer element comprises a plurality of cross-sectional ribs spaced along a length of the vertical load transfer element. In another embodiment, the top load transfer element comprises a plurality of longitudinal vertical fins spaced along a perimeter of the top load transfer element to enhance stability of the top load transfer element.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2022Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.Inventors: David J. White, Kord J. Wissmann
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Patent number: 11773555Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for compacting soil and granular materials are disclosed. In some embodiments, the soil compaction apparatuses include an arrangement of diametric expansion elements that, in their expanded state, form a larger compaction surface. In another embodiment, a compaction chamber can be provided with diametric restriction elements and a flow-through passage in the upper portion of the chamber exterior of a drive shaft. The diametric expansion or restriction elements can be fabricated from, for example, individual chains, cables, or wire rope, or a lattice of vertically and horizontally connected chains, cables, or wire rope. Embodiments of the soil compaction apparatus include, but are not limited to, closed-ended driving shafts, open-ended driving shafts, flow-through passages, no flow-through passages, removable rings for holding the diametric expansion/restriction elements, and any combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2021Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.Inventors: David J. White, Kord J. Wissmann
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Publication number: 20230101456Abstract: A system for and method of stabilizing rail track structures using a load transfer apparatus is disclosed. The load transfer apparatus includes a vertical load transfer element with at least one cross-sectional rib and a top load transfer element with at least one longitudinal vertical fin, wherein the top load transfer element is used to transfer applied locomotive and rail car loads to the vertical load transfer element. In one embodiment, the vertical load transfer element comprises a plurality of cross-sectional ribs spaced along a length of the vertical load transfer element. In another embodiment, the top load transfer element comprises a plurality of longitudinal vertical fins spaced along a perimeter of the top load transfer element to enhance stability of the top load transfer element.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2022Publication date: March 30, 2023Applicant: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.Inventor: David J. White
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Publication number: 20230041358Abstract: Extensible shells and related methods for constructing a support pier are disclosed. An extensible shell can define an interior for holding granular construction material and define a first opening at a first end for receiving the granular construction material into the interior and a second opening at a second end. The extensible shell can be flexible such that the shell expands when granular construction material is compacted in the interior of the shell. A method may include positioning the extensible shell in the ground and filling at least a portion of the interior of the shell with the granular construction material. The granular construction material may be compacted in the interior of the extensible shell to form a support pier.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2022Publication date: February 9, 2023Applicant: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.Inventors: David J. White, Kord J. Wissmann, Lake Carter
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Patent number: 11512435Abstract: A system for and method of stabilizing rail track structures using a load transfer apparatus is disclosed. The load transfer apparatus includes a vertical load transfer element and a top load transfer element, wherein the top load transfer element is used to transfer applied locomotive and rail car loads to the vertical load transfer element. In one embodiment, the top load transfer element includes helical flights. In another embodiment, the top load transfer element includes a flared top. In yet another embodiment, the top load transfer element includes a load transfer cap. In a further embodiment, the top load transfer element includes two or more support legs each with a top support attached thereto. The railroad stabilization system can comprise any one type or any combinations of types of the aforementioned load transfer apparatuses.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2019Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.Inventor: David J. White
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Patent number: 11479935Abstract: Extensible shells and related methods for constructing a support pier are disclosed. An extensible shell can define an interior for holding granular construction material and define a first opening at a first end for receiving the granular construction material into the interior and a second opening at a second end. The extensible shell can be flexible such that the shell expands when granular construction material is compacted in the interior of the shell. A method may include positioning the extensible shell in the ground and filling at least a portion of the interior of the shell with the granular construction material. The granular construction material may be compacted in the interior of the extensible shell to form a support pier.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.Inventors: David J. White, Kord J. Wissmann, Lake Carter
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Publication number: 20210164185Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for compacting soil and granular materials are disclosed. In some embodiments, the soil compaction apparatuses include an arrangement of diametric expansion elements that, in their expanded state, form a larger compaction surface. In another embodiment, a compaction chamber can be provided with diametric restriction elements and a flow-through passage in the upper portion of the chamber exterior of a drive shaft. The diametric expansion or restriction elements can be fabricated from, for example, individual chains, cables, or wire rope, or a lattice of vertically and horizontally connected chains, cables, or wire rope. Embodiments of the soil compaction apparatus include, but are not limited to, closed-ended driving shafts, open-ended driving shafts, flow-through passages, no flow-through passages, removable rings for holding the diametric expansion/restriction elements, and any combinations thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2021Publication date: June 3, 2021Applicant: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.Inventors: David J. White, Kord J. Wissmann
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Publication number: 20210087769Abstract: Extensible shells and related methods for constructing a support pier are disclosed. An extensible shell can define an interior for holding granular construction material and define a first opening at a first end for receiving the granular construction material into the interior and a second opening at a second end. The extensible shell can be flexible such that the shell expands when granular construction material is compacted in the interior of the shell. A method may include positioning the extensible shell in the ground and filling at least a portion of the interior of the shell with the granular construction material. The granular construction material may be compacted in the interior of the extensible shell to form a support pier.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2020Publication date: March 25, 2021Applicant: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.Inventors: David J. White, Kord J. Wissmann, Lake Carter
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Patent number: 10941534Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for compacting soil and granular materials. The soil compaction apparatuses include an arrangement of diametric expansion elements that, in their expanded state, form a larger compaction surface. In another embodiment, a compaction chamber can be provided with diametric restriction elements and a flow-through passage in the upper portion of the chamber exterior of a drive shaft. The diametric expansion or restriction elements can be fabricated from, for example, individual chains, cables, or wire rope, or a lattice of vertically and horizontally connected chains, cables, or wire rope. Embodiments of the soil compaction apparatus include, but are not limited to, closed-ended driving shafts, open-ended driving shafts, flow-through passages, no flow-through passages, removable rings for holding the diametric expansion/restriction elements, and any combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2019Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.Inventors: David J. White, Kord J. Wissmann
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Patent number: 10858796Abstract: Extensible shells and related methods for constructing a support pier are disclosed. An extensible shell can define an interior for holding granular construction material and define a first opening at a first end for receiving the granular construction material into the interior and a second opening at a second end. The extensible shell can be flexible such that the shell expands when granular construction material is compacted in the interior of the shell. A method may include positioning the extensible shell in the ground and filling at least a portion of the interior of the shell with the granular construction material. The granular construction material may be compacted in the interior of the extensible shell to form a support pier.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2019Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.Inventors: David J. White, Kord J. Wissmann, Lake Carter
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Patent number: 10844567Abstract: A soil densification system and method is disclosed. The presently disclosed soil densification system includes an air delivery probe or pipe that can be driven or otherwise installed into a soil mass. An inlet of the air delivery probe is supplied by an air compressor and an air storage tank, which are used for the rapid delivery of air impulses or bursts into the air delivery probe, whereas the air impulses or bursts are expelled out of an outlet of the air delivery probe and into the soil mass. The method of using the presently disclosed soil densification system includes the steps of inserting the end of the air delivery probe into the soil mass to any desired depth and then releasing an impulse or burst of air into the soil mass, thereby forming a densified region in the soil mass via the forces of the air impulse.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2016Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: GEOPIER FOUNDATION COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Russell A. Green, Kord J. Wissmann, John Verdin
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Publication number: 20200277748Abstract: Apparatuses for constructing displacement aggregate piers are disclosed. In one example, a mandrel is provided comprising a tamper head that has cutting teeth on the leading edge thereof. In another example, hydrojet nozzles are provided within one or more of the cutting teeth of the tamper head. In yet another example, the mandrel comprises grout tubes (or grout injection lines) and/or grout inspection lines. In yet another example, the mandrel and/or tamper head can comprise cutting teeth, hydrojet nozzles, grout tubes (or gout injection lines), grout inspection lines, and any combinations thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2020Publication date: September 3, 2020Applicant: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.Inventors: John Verdin, Kord J. Wissmann