Patents Examined by Benjamin Fiorello
  • Patent number: 9739024
    Abstract: A system for joining two separate spun piles by interlocking together a top end plate located at a bottom end of a first spun pile to a bottom end plate located at a top end of a second spun pile, wherein the end plates each have a plurality of segments comprising an equal number of segmental protrusions and segmental recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Chin Chai Ong
  • Patent number: 9739044
    Abstract: In one representative embodiment, a trench drain comprises first and second end portions, a channel portion extending longitudinally from the first end portion to the second end portion, a continuous, unobstructed slot portion extending from and in fluidic communication with the channel portion, wherein the slot portion and the channel portion form an internal flow passage, and at least one gusset coupled to the slot portion and the channel portion and disposed external to the internal flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Rapid Trench, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick T. Files, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9725863
    Abstract: A vertical pneumatic fender comprises a fender body having bowl-shaped hemispherical portions joined to both ends in the axial direction of a cylindrical body portion, and a weight that is connected to the bottom of the fender body. The vertical pneumatic fender accommodates ballast water in an interior space of the fender body, and is provided with a backup chain. One end of the backup chain is connected to the fender body in a position that is offset with respect to the axial line of the fender body, and the other end is connected to the weight. The fender body and the weight are connected with the backup chain in a sack state. The slope of an axial orthogonal reference line and an axial parallel reference line are detected by way of a reference line detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Minami Izumi, Shigehiko Amano
  • Patent number: 9725866
    Abstract: In one aspect, a tieback assembly is provided herein for supporting a SOE, the tieback assembly including: at least one anchor; an anchor threaded element extending from an end of the anchor; a tendon for transmitting force between the anchor and the SOE, the tendon including at least one tendon threaded element; and, a coupler having a body with a threaded bore, the tendon threaded element and the anchor threaded element threadedly engaging the threaded bore. Furthermore, the tendon is provided with sufficient length to extend at least from the coupler to externally of the SOE so that a portion of the tendon may be engaged externally of the SOE to allow for disengagement of the tendon threaded element from the coupler. Advantageously, the subject invention allows for at least partial removal of the tendon from a tieback assembly, including removal of the tendon threaded element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Moretrench American Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne Fjotland
  • Patent number: 9725871
    Abstract: Described is a kit for constructing retaining walls including multiple interconnecting units. Various units are provided including primary retaining wall units, end units, and corner units. Each unit is square or rectangular in shape and includes an interior volume, a lip on an upper end thereof, and a protrusion on a lower end thereof. The units can be stacked on top of one another and can be secured by engagement of the lip of a first unit with the protrusion of a second unit. The units can also be arranged side-by-side and secured to one another using securement posts and fasteners. The units include one or more exterior surfaces having a finished appearance that resembles wood, brick, or stone, among others. Further, each unit includes one or more drainage apertures thereon. In this way, the present invention provides a versatile system for constructing a retaining wall of a desired configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Inventor: Marcus Parsons
  • Patent number: 9725145
    Abstract: Diving equipment includes a compressed air bottle connected to a breathing apparatus and an inflatable jacket via which buoyancy is balanced by the jacket being connected to the compressed air bottle to be inflated or to an outlet to be deflated. A monitoring device is activated via a control valve as a function of surrounding water pressure and has a time monitoring unit which, after the expiry of a defined time and in the absence of breathing activity in the breathing apparatus, changes to emergency operation and activates an emergency valve via a control line connecting the jacket to the compressed air bottle to force inflation of the jacket. Actuation of at least one regulating valve is influenced during a dive by the monitoring device and/or the control valve. In manual activation, the jacket is inflated via the inflation valve, and the compressed air is bled via the outlet valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Aventics GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Moeller, Johan Forsslund, Janett Schulz, Heinz-Hermann Meyer, Isabell Hubein, Riccardo Luessenhop
  • Patent number: 9725865
    Abstract: A drive point for a substantially tubular, in particular hollow cylindrical, driven pile having a pile core through which concrete can be introduced into the driven pile, wherein the drive point can be fitted onto a pile end of the driven pile, wherein at least one first supporting web with a first contact surface for an end face of the pile end is arranged on an inner wall of the drive point, wherein starting from a plane of a first bearing surface the drive point has a cavity which extends at least partially in a driving direction and into which concrete can be introduced through the pile core when the driven pile is fitted, wherein at least one concrete outlet channel is provided which connects the cavity to an upper edge of the drive point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: TIROLER ROHRE GMBH
    Inventors: Jerome Coulon, Hermann Mutschlechner
  • Patent number: 9725877
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a trench along the bed of a body of water for burying a line lying along such bed including a support structure designed to straddle such line, means for propelling such structure straddling such line and means disposed on such structure including a pair of transversely spaced excavator devices cooperable in forming a trench along the bed of such body of water for receiving such line, each provided with a set of circumferentially spaced, pressurized fluid ejecting nozzles, rotatable about an axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Inventor: Bryan A. Norman
  • Patent number: 9719249
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flood vent includes a frame configured to form a fluid passageway through an opening in a structure. The flood vent further includes a panel configured to be coupled to the frame in the fluid passageway so as to at least partially block the fluid passageway through the opening in the structure. The flood vent also includes one or more connectors configured to couple the panel to the frame. The one or more connectors are further configured to uncouple the panel from the frame when 0.5-5.0 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure is applied to a portion of the panel by one or more of a fluid or an object carried by the fluid, so as to reduce an amount of blockage of the fluid passageway provided by the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Smart Vent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, Jr., Tom Little, Michael J. Graham
  • Patent number: 9719613
    Abstract: A method of clamping elongate elements in a parallel piggybacked arrangement during subsea laying of the elements is disclosed. The method includes opposed reciprocating jaws which force together clamp segments around the elongate elements to assemble a piggybacking clamp. The piggybacking clamp applies clamping forces to the elongate elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Subsea 7 Limited
    Inventors: Lee Karl Rolf, Henry William Himsworth, Lukasz Sobczak
  • Patent number: 9718105
    Abstract: An indirect thermal desorption device with two-section screw conveyors, includes: an upper skid and a lower skid below the upper skid. An upper layer thermal desorption chamber, a feeding hopper, an feed airlock, an air pre-heater, a blower; a first quench spray tower, a second quench spray tower, a demister and an induced draft fan are provided in the upper skid. A lower layer thermal desorption chamber, an activated carbon filter tank, a combustion chamber, a discharge hopper and an discharge airlock are provided inside the lower skid. A first screw conveyor is provided in the upper layer thermal desorption chamber, and an upper layer fume jacket is covered on the upper layer thermal desorption chamber. A second screw conveyor is provided in the lower layer thermal desorption chamber, and a lower layer fume jacket is covered on the lower layer thermal desorption chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Xiaojiang Shen
  • Patent number: 9714691
    Abstract: Provided are articulating, rotating pipe bursting head devices for bursting a buried pipe and simultaneously pulling a replacement pipe through the same location. The bursting heads can comprise an integrated, substantially hollow cone body having one or more cutting knives arranged radially about its outer surface, and an end cap at its posterior end. Protruding from the posterior end of the end cap is a swiveling quick release coupling means for linking the bursting head to a replacement pipe carrier such as a universal duct puller. The swiveling quick release coupling means allows for rotation and articulation of the replacement pipe relative to the bursting head during operation, enhancing entry of the replacement pipe into an existing pipe underground. The bursting head body further can comprise an axial opening at its anterior end for receiving a cable, an internal magnetized cable gripping mechanism and a quick-release tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: RODDIE, INC.
    Inventor: Rod Herrick
  • Patent number: 9709689
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to marine geophysical surveying. More particularly, embodiments relate to a streamer-preparation apparatus that cleans a geophysical cable to prepare it for application of an antifouling paint. An embodiment discloses a method comprising: moving a streamer into position for cleaning; directing a cleaning fluid onto the streamer as the streamer is being moved; and directing a gaseous fluid onto the streamer as the streamer is being moved. An embodiment discloses: applying an antifouling paint to the streamer with the streamer-preparation apparatus; and applying a curing agent to the streamer with the streamer-preparation apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventor: Bruce William Harrick
  • Patent number: 9709052
    Abstract: Systems and methods quickly regulate hydraulic fluid pressure to meet hydraulic fluid demands in subsea equipment over long umbilicals. A hydraulic power unit includes a reservoir and a pump for pumping hydraulic fluid from the reservoir into a fluid supply line to subsea equipment. A supply-side module located downstream of the hydraulic power unit includes a circulation pump in communication with the supply line for circulating hydraulic fluid in a circuit including the fluid supply line and a fluid return line. A demand-side module is located upstream of the subsea equipment and includes a diverter valve for opening or closing the circuit. Adjustments can be made to the circulation pump and the diverter valve such that hydraulic fluid is circulated through the circuit. The pressure of the supply-side module is greater and does not exceed twice than the pressure of the demand-side module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Baha T. Tanju, Lee Mitchell, Scott Weatherwax
  • Patent number: 9707568
    Abstract: Devices are provided comprising one or more insulated hollow vertical pipes inserted into a bed of soil, each pipe having a descending and an ascending conductive element forming a loop within the interior of the pipe. A plurality of such vertical pipes can be attached to a straight pipe, forming a two dimensional array of vertical pipes, in which the loops are connected in series. Further, a series of such one-dimensional straight pipes can be attached together to provide a two-dimensional array. When vertical pipes are inserted into the bed of soil and an electrical current applied to the array, one or more magnetic fields is produced within the bed and parallel to the surface of the bed. The magnetic fields so produced impede downward flow of ionic fertilizers into the ground water, and retaining the fertilizer near growing plants when the bed is irrigated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Timothy James Rossi
  • Patent number: 9708789
    Abstract: A soil gas extracting apparatus is used to vent hazardous soil gases out of the ground and into the atmosphere. The soil gas extracting apparatus makes use of a compressed air nozzle, a compressed air source, a vacuum-inducing tubular chamber, and a gas-receiving line to safely remove soil gases from the ground. The compressed air source forces air through the compressed air nozzle in order to generate a vacuum within the vacuum-inducing tubular chamber as the air flows into the gas-receiving line. The vacuum draws soil gases into the vacuum-inducing tubular chamber in order for the soil gases to be mixed with the air within the gas-receiving line and vented into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Brian Powell
  • Patent number: 9701523
    Abstract: A damaged portion of a pipeline buried in a trench is gradually lifted from the trench to expose the damaged portion above water and provide easy access to the damaged portion. Inflatable roller bags are placed under the pipeline adjacent the damaged portion; the roller bags are then inflated in a controlled manner using a computer-based control unit. A control manifold is connected to the control unit and each of the roller bags by a separate air conduit allowing controlled bag-inflation and bag-deflation process for each roller bag. Once the pipeline is repaired, the roller bags are deflated, lowering the pipeline back to its original position in the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventor: James Pirtle
  • Patent number: 9695690
    Abstract: A support comprising an outer casing having a main axis, the outer casing comprising a first casing part and a second casing part, the first casing part being at least partially receivable within the second casing part to enable relative movement therebetween in the axial direction, the casing parts having a cavity therein at least one of which has a core that includes a compressible medium, the support further including a pressure responsive system configured so that under the influence of pressure it can cause the relative displacement or movement between the first and second casing parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Burrell Mining Products, Inc
    Inventor: Ian Edward Healy
  • Patent number: 9695689
    Abstract: A system for folding and deploying liners within tunnels includes a mobile conveyor device having a base frame including a plurality of wheels supporting a support frame. The mobile conveyor device also includes a folding assembly mounted upon the support frame at a position adjacent a first end of the base frame and a conveyor assembly mounted upon the support frame at a position adjacent a second end of the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: RELINE AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: David Samuel Pleasants, William Donald Pleasants, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9689129
    Abstract: A self-activating flood barrier includes a chamber (1) having first and second side walls (3, 5), a dam member (9) adapted to self-deploy in the event of a flood to inhibit the passage of water to a region to be protected, and a low-friction device (77, 79) positioned between the dam member and at least one of the first and second side walls of the chamber when the dam member is deployed. The low-friction device prevents jamming between the dam member and the at least one side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Bluewater Design Associates Limited
    Inventor: Frank Kelly