Patents Assigned to Layne Christensen Company
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Publication number: 20200179954Abstract: A device for separating and extracting suspended solids and particles from a fluid is shown. The device can include a hydro-cyclonic process unit, a variable geometry vortex process unit, a reverse coalescence and flocculation process unit and a fixed geometry vortices separator process unit. The fluid to be treated can enter the device through a fluid inlet and travel and recirculate through the several process units. The process units can collectively induce vorticose separation of the fluid and separate suspended solids and particles within the fluid. The suspended solids and particles can then be extracted from the device via one or more extraction fluid outlets. After the desired amount of suspended solids and particles has been removed, the processed fluid can be discharged from the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2020Publication date: June 11, 2020Applicant: Layne Christensen CompanyInventor: George R. King
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Patent number: 10596580Abstract: A device for separating and extracting suspended solids and particles from a fluid is shown. The device can include a hydro-cyclonic process unit, a variable geometry vortex process unit, a reverse coalescence and flocculation process unit and a fixed geometry vortices separator process unit. The fluid to be treated can enter the device through a fluid inlet and travel and recirculate through the several process units. The process units can collectively induce vorticose separation of the fluid and separate suspended solids and particles within the fluid. The suspended solids and particles can then be extracted from the device via one or more extraction fluid outlets. After the desired amount of suspended solids and particles has been removed, the processed fluid can be discharged from the device.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: LAYNE CHRISTENSEN COMPANYInventor: George R. King
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Patent number: 10145188Abstract: An automated rod manipulator system for moving a drill rod section from a storage magazine to a drill rig and connecting the drill rod to a drill string of the drill rig without manual manipulation of any parts. The automated rod manipulator system may comprise a magazine to store and dispense a plurality of drill rod sections, a carriage to convey one of the plurality of drill rod sections from the magazine to a transfer position; and a gripping arm coupled to a drill rig mast of a drilling rig, the gripping arm operable to convey one of the plurality of drill rod sections from a transfer position to a position aligned with a spindle center line of the drilling rig. The automated rod manipulator may also include a control system and an alignment assembly for aligning the drill rod section on a spindle centerline of the drill rig.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2014Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Layne Christensen CompanyInventors: Brian Smith, Stefano Campanini, Gianmaria Vitali, James Maggert, Paul Mander
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Patent number: 8851203Abstract: A sonic drill head comprising an outer housing, an isolation system, a sine generator and a spindle. The sine generator generates a linear sinusoidal vibration force through the rotation of a plurality of eccentric masses. The sine generator is configured to translate the linear sinusoidal force to the spindle in a direction corresponding to the spindle's axis of rotation. The sine generator supports the spindle within the housing such that the spindle is free to rotate about the spindle axis. The spindle is generally a hollow tube section thereby allowing the passage of drilling fluid, mud, cuttings, and/or tooling. The isolation system generally reduces the transfer of the vibration force generated by the sine generator to the outer housing, yet is able to transfer an applied thrust force from the outer housing to the sine generator.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2011Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Layne Christensen CompanyInventors: Brian Smith, Krasimir Zahariev, Kyle Jones
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Publication number: 20140209382Abstract: An automated rod manipulator system for moving a drill rod section from a storage magazine to a drill rig and connecting the drill rod to a drill string of the drill rig without manual manipulation of any parts. The automated rod manipulator system may comprise a magazine to store and dispense a plurality of drill rod sections, a carriage to convey one of the plurality of drill rod sections from the magazine to a transfer position; and a gripping arm coupled to a drill rig mast of a drilling rig, the gripping arm operable to convey one of the plurality of drill rod sections from a transfer position to a position aligned with a spindle center line of the drilling rig. The automated rod manipulator may also include a control system and an alignment assembly for aligning the drill rod section on a spindle centerline of the drill rig.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Layne Christensen CompanyInventors: Brian Smith, Stefano Campanini, Gianmaria Vitali, James Maggert, Paul Mander
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Patent number: 8303825Abstract: A filtration process are provided that facilitate a high quality, fine grade filtration without being burdened by the filter size, flushing, or plugging impediments inherent in the prior art. The filtration device used in the method is comprised of a topologic disk with a vacant circular center and a textured surface, and a conveyance disk with a vacant circular center and a grooved surface containing multiple inlet grooves and multiple outlet grooves. The textured surface of the topological disk and the grooved surface of the conveyance disk may be brought into direct contact with one another for filtration and separated from one another for flushing. At least one of the textured surface of the topological disk and the grooved surface of the conveyance disk may be rotated relative to the other prior to filtration. In one embodiment, the inlet grooves and the outlet grooves are configured in a spiral array.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2012Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Layne Christensen CompanyInventor: James Jeffrey Harris
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Patent number: 8114287Abstract: A filtration appliance comprised of two types of convening disks, whereon opposing, contacting surfaces are textured or channeled, purveying passage and filtration of fluids traversing between the convening disks. A plurality of parallel, spiraling grooves on both sides of conveyance disks purvey channeling for fluid ingress and egress, inlet grooves spiral radially inward from the outside circumference, decreasing in width until terminating prior to the inside circumference, outlet grooves spiral radially outward from the inside circumference, decreasing in width until terminating prior to the outside circumference. Topologic disks conveying homogeneously textured surfaces for filtration sandwich conveyance disks. The textured topologic surface is pressed upon the conveyance surface between the grooves.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Layne Christensen CompanyInventor: James Jeffrey Harris
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Patent number: 7988437Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a flexible lining tube in an underground pipe by eversion. A pressure vessel is equipped with a gasket that has an arcuate slot for receiving the lining tube in a manner that provides an effective seal without creating undue friction. A guide has a cylindrical wall curved in conformity with the slot and a conical surface leading to the cylindrical wall.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2010Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Layne Christensen CompanyInventors: Ralph Bonanotte, Doug Beck
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Patent number: 7588744Abstract: A method for removing and recovering phosphorus from a spent adsorbent medium to result in a regenerated medium and a phosphorus-containing solution useful as a fertilizer.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Layne Christensen CompanyInventor: Paul Sylvester
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Patent number: 7455779Abstract: Contaminated drinking water and other liquids are decontaminated by contact with sorbents to remove toxic contaminants such as arsenic, as well as non-toxic contaminants. In regenerating the spent sorbents, the waste stream contains both toxic and non-toxic contaminants but only toxic components must be treated as hazardous waste and subjected to strict regulations for disposal. The inventive method regenerates spent sorbents in a process that minimizes the amount of hazardous waste for disposal. The bulk of contaminants are non-toxic and are first selectively removed from the spent sorbent, generating a non-hazardous waste stream. Toxic contaminants are then removed from the sorbent, generating a hazardous waste stream. Because the bulk of contaminants was removed in the first waste stream, the lower concentration of toxic contaminants in the second waste stream requires less material (e.g., ion exchange resin) for hazardous waste decontamination and disposition.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Layne Christensen CompanyInventors: Owen E. Boyd, Paul Sylvester
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Patent number: 7438501Abstract: A ground freezing system includes a metal feed pipe for delivering refrigerant to the lower end of a freeze pipe installed in a bore in the ground. The feed pipe is supported on a compression spring which accommodates thermal contraction of the feed pipe while maintaining support of its weight.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Layne Christensen CompanyInventor: Joseph A. Sopko
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Patent number: 7407587Abstract: Anion exchange materials loaded with oxygen-containing metal compounds within the exchange matrix as a sorbent, and a method for preparation. The materials remove arsenic and other ligands or contaminants from water and other fluid streams.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Layne Christensen CompanyInventor: Johanna Teresia Moller
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Patent number: 7378372Abstract: Metal oxide modified or impregnated activated carbon as a sorbent to reduce multiple contaminants, such as arsenic and pesticide residues from a fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Layne Christensen CompanyInventor: Paul Sylvester
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Patent number: 6796139Abstract: A ground freezing method and system which circulates refrigerated heat transfer fluid through freeze pipes in the ground at a low temperature of at least −52° C. (−62° F.) to minimize drilling for the freeze pipe installation. The heat transfer fluid is preferably aqua ammonia (ammonium hydroxide) because of its beneficial characteristics in this application. The circulating heat transfer fluid is preferably cooled by a refrigeration system that includes low and high stage cycles arranged in a cascade relationship and using ammonia or another refrigerant in the high stage refrigeration system and carbon dioxide as the refrigerant in the low stage refrigeration system.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2003Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Layne Christensen CompanyInventors: George Briley, Joe Sopko
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Publication number: 20040168460Abstract: A ground freezing method and system which circulates refrigerated heat transfer fluid through freeze pipes in the ground at a low temperature of at least −52° C. (−62° F.) to minimize drilling for the freeze pipe installation. The heat transfer fluid is preferably aqua ammonia (ammonium hydroxide) because of its beneficial characteristics in this application. The circulating heat transfer fluid is preferably cooled by a refrigeration system that includes low and high stage cycles arranged in a cascade relationship and using ammonia or another refrigerant in the high stage refrigeration system and carbon dioxide as the refrigerant in the low stage refrigeration system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Applicant: Layne Christensen CompanyInventors: George Briley, Joseph A. Sopko
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Patent number: 6533035Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the production of newly developed water wells and existing wells that have suffered a reduction in capacity due to plugging. A gas line directs gas under pressure to a relief valve carried in the production string at a location in the production zone of the well. When the applied pressure reaches the pressure setting of the relief valve, the valve opens to apply air sidewardly in bursts which create shock waves to dislodge built up material from the well screen and the surrounding filter pack and formation fractures. Following each burst, the pressure conditions create a flushing effect which draws water back into the well along with the bacteria and particles that were dislodged. A submersible pump or airlift assembly in the production string then delivers the dislodged materials to the surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Layne Christensen CompanyInventors: James Troutt, Millard Lewis, Robert A. Ereth
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Publication number: 20020153135Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the production of newly developed water wells and existing wells that have suffered a reduction in capacity due to plugging. A gas line directs gas under pressure to a relief valve carried in the production string at a location in the production zone of the well. When the applied pressure reaches the pressure setting of the relief valve, the valve opens to apply air sidewardly in bursts which create shock waves to dislodge built up material from the well screen and the surrounding filter pack and formation fractures. Following each burst, the pressure conditions create a flushing effect which draws water back into the well along with the bacteria and particles that were dislodged. A submersible pump or airlift assembly in the production string then delivers the dislodged materials to the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2001Publication date: October 24, 2002Applicant: LAYNE CHRISTENSEN COMPANYInventors: James Troutt, Millard Lewis, Robert A. Ereth
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Patent number: 6247484Abstract: A protective canopy constructed to discharge snow from the cover. A plurality of posts support cables on which a flexible cover is supported. A sleeve formed on the eave edge of the cover is provided with a pipe at each seam between adjacent panels of the cover. Elongated rods extend in the sleeve between the pipes. The rods normally provide a straight horizontal eave. If snow builds up unduly on the cover, the rods can bow downwardly so that chutes are formed to allow the snow to slide off. Clamp brackets are fitted around the pipes and pulled to pull the cover taut before being clamped to the cables to secure the cover in a taut condition.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2000Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Layne Christensen CompanyInventor: James H. Thomas
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Patent number: 6142232Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the producing areas of water wells including screens and the surrounding formations. Chemicals that may be used for cleaning the well are applied through a surge tube and forced from the tube by gas such as carbon dioxide. At the same time, gas is injected into the well through an injection line which terminates below the surge tube. The opposing forces from the chemical application and gas injection drive the chemicals through the screen, gravel pack, and into the formation to dislodge and dissolve materials that tend to plug the well. When the chemical application and gas injection are stopped, the pressure in the well is reduced to draw the dislodged materials into the well. They are removed by a submersible pump or gas lift.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1998Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Layne Christensen CompanyInventors: James Troutt, Neil Mansuy
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Patent number: RE37498Abstract: A drive under new automotive hail protection roof hip-and-valley cable-tension type canopy is formed by a rectangular grid pattern of rigid post assemblies joined at their upper ends by longitudinally, transversely and diagonally extending cables forming a coextensive fabric roof support.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1999Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: Layne Christensen CompanyInventor: James H. Thomas