Patents Examined by Benjamin Fiorello
  • Patent number: 9476537
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (10) for the rehabilitation of pipelines using a fluid line system (28) with at least one fluid line (54, 56) for supplying and/or removing a fluid medium, wherein the fluid line system (28) is provided with at least one pivot joint (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: TRELLEBORG PIPE SEALS DUISBURGH GMBH
    Inventor: Andreas Bichler
  • Patent number: 9476283
    Abstract: A geothermic heater system for heating a geological formation includes a fuel cell stack assembly disposed at the surface of the geological formation and includes a plurality of fuel cells which convert chemical energy from a fuel into electricity through a chemical reaction with an oxidizing agent, thereby producing an anode exhaust and a cathode exhaust. The geothermic fuel cell system also includes a combustor disposed within a bore hole of the geological formation. The combustor combusts a mixture at least one of the anode exhaust and the cathode exhaust to produce a heated combustor exhaust. The combustor discharges the heated combustor exhaust to heat the geological formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernhard A. Fischer, Charles Joseph Badura, Giulio Angel Ricci-Ottati, James D. Richards
  • Patent number: 9476185
    Abstract: An apparatus for water level management in bodies of water is provided herein. Further, a method of controlling beaver infestation in bodies of water is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: James Edward Clark
  • Patent number: 9476521
    Abstract: A method of laying an undersea line at the bottom of the sea from the surface to connect the bottom end thereof to a coupling element at the sea bottom by positioning the undersea line suspended from the surface in a substantially vertical position and including a curving device extending between two points and having at least one cable and tensioning means for tensioning the cable suitable for reducing the length of the cable extending between the two fastening or guide points from a maximum length L0 to a given shorter limit value L1; moving the bottom end of the undersea line in such a manner as to move the bottom end of the undersea line away from its initial position through a distance D, if necessary, moving the undersea line closer to the sea bottom while simultaneously lowering the line additionally from the surface, and then finalizing the positioning and connecting of the bottom end of the line to the sea bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: SAIPEM S.A.
    Inventors: François-Régis Pionetti, Damien Szyszka, Hubert Cheverry
  • Patent number: 9476411
    Abstract: A cold water pipe assembly, and mechanisms for generating a cold water pipe assembly, are provided. A plurality of mooring lines are secured to a pipe end member. A pipe segment of a plurality of pipe segments is slidably coupled with respect to the mooring lines at a plurality of locations on a pipe wall of the pipe segment. The plurality of pipe segments is iteratively extended to form a pipe assembly of a desired length by joining a next pipe segment to a previous pipe segment to extend the pipe assembly, and lowering the pipe end member and the pipe assembly by extending the mooring lines. At least some of the next pipe segments are slidably coupled with respect to the mooring lines at a plurality of locations on a respective pipe wall of the at least some of the next pipe segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Randy L. Gaigler, Matthew B. Ascari, Corey A. Fleischer, James A. Waicukauski
  • Patent number: 9476176
    Abstract: A pile driver system for installing or removing foundation elements, such as piles, anchors, and conductors, in a subsea ground formation, includes a closed housing defining a cavity, an impact weight accommodated inside the housing, a hydraulic circuit for reciprocating the impact weight, which circuit comprises one or more valves, a cylinder, and a piston accommodated in the cylinder and connected to the impact weight, a pump for withdrawing water from the surroundings of the pile driver and providing pressurized water to the hydraulic circuit, and at least one outlet for returning water to the surroundings. The exhaust of the hydraulic circuit communicates with the cavity and the outlet is located in the wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: IHC HOLLAND IE B.V.
    Inventors: Dirk Arentsen, Michael Schaap
  • Patent number: 9476535
    Abstract: A system for evaluating the interior surface and exterior wall conditions of a pipeline while also dynamically installing a repair coating in a pipeline, such as an underground water pipeline. The system is towed into the pipeline and drawn back therethrough. As the system is drawn back, one module in the system evaluates the surface condition of the interior of the pipe and another module evaluates the structural condition of the wall of the pipe. Based on the evaluation data obtained from the two modules an epoxy material is applied to the interior surface of the pipe using a spin cast machine that is drawn behind the two modules. Preferably, a layer of epoxy is applied to the interior surface of the host pipe to the appropriate thickness based on the pipe condition as determined by the two modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Warren Environmental, Inc.
    Inventor: Danny Warren
  • Patent number: 9476536
    Abstract: A pipe splitting assembly includes an articulating hammer nose assembly having a pipe splitting cutter and a rotatable joint coupled with the pipe splitting cutter. A pneumatic hammer is distal to the articulating hammer nose assembly. The pneumatic hammer is configured to drive the articulating hammer nose assembly proximally away from the pneumatic hammer. The rotatable joint is coupled between the pipe splitting cutter and the pneumatic hammer, and the articulating hammer nose assembly is rotatable into one or more angles relative to the pneumatic hammer through the rotatable joint. A cable coupling is interposed between the pneumatic hammer and the articulated hammer nose assembly. The cable coupling is configured to attach a cable to the pipe splitting assembly. The cable coupling and the rotatable joint are configured to transmit to the pipe splitting cutter a compression force from the cable coupling and dynamic percussive forces from the pneumatic hammer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Patent number: 9469960
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for deploying one or more plate anchors on the seafloor prior to later installation (embedment) of the plate anchors using an installation tool such as a suction follower. The methods and apparatus may be used for batch-setting multiple plate anchors on the seafloor for a drilling vessel mooring in which the plate anchors and an installation tool are subsequently engaged for subsequent suction embedment of the plate anchors to design penetration depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Intermoor Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Naquin, Jr., Michael H. Aleksines, Jonathon D. Miller
  • Patent number: 9469956
    Abstract: Systems and methods for drainage management, including a pipe that is cut along a longitudinal section thereof; and a pipe block having a curved section corresponding to a diameter of the cut pipe and including supporting legs. The curved section of the pipe block is configured to support the cut pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Robert H. Koerner
  • Patent number: 9469382
    Abstract: A recovery underwater base for handling an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) equipped with seismic sensors for recording seismic signals during a marine seismic survey. The recovery underwater base includes a storing part configured to store the AUV; an inlet part configured to control access to the storing part; a control part configured to control the inlet part; and a support part configured to support the control part, the storing part and the inlet part and to prevent a burial of the recovery underwater base if deployed on the ocean bottom. The control part is further configured to guide the AUV from the ocean bottom to the inlet part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: CGG SERVICES SA
    Inventors: Antoine Lelaurin, Thierry Brizard
  • Patent number: 9470046
    Abstract: A casing pipe assembly can include a first casing pipe having a top coupling member and a pipe curvature, where the top coupling member has first threads in a first direction, and where the pipe curvature substantially corresponds to a wellbore curvature. The casing pipe assembly can also include a second casing pipe having a bottom coupling member and substantially the same pipe curvature, where the bottom coupling member has second threads in a second direction. The casing pipe assembly can further include a coupling device having a bottom coupling member and a top coupling member, where the bottom coupling member has third threads in the first direction that threadably couple to the first threads of the first casing pipe, and where the top coupling member has fourth threads in the second direction that threadably couple to the second threads of the second casing pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventor: George Taylor Armistead
  • Patent number: 9462761
    Abstract: A distribution system and method for simultaneously distributing and reclaiming a liquid with a single, multi-directional system pathway. The system pathway follows a circuitous path for both receiving liquid from and returning reclaimed liquid to a reservoir positioned beneath a ground surface. A distribution pathway, such as a pipe, may carry the liquid with pressure from the reservoir to a distribution outlet. A reclamation pathway, such as a perforated pipe, may encapsulate the distribution pathway, and capture runoff and excessive liquid through at least one aperture for returning the liquid back to the reservoir. In some embodiments, the system pathway may include one perforated pipe that forms a barrier between the distribution pathway and the reclamation pathway. A film may cover the perforations to allow for pressurizing the water. A system of pumps, valves, and a control apparatus help regulate the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventor: Charles Tyler Livvix
  • Patent number: 9464524
    Abstract: An anchor rod is disclosed. The anchor rod includes an attachment region and an anchoring region which is insertable into a borehole and which has a profiled section. The profiled section interacts with a curable organic and/or inorganic mortar compound filled into the borehole. The profiled section includes a plurality of expansion sections disposed axially in a row which are conically shaped. For each of the plurality of expansion sections, a diameter of the expansion section increases in a direction toward a free front end of the anchor rod, a ratio of a distance of the expansion section to a mean borehole diameter is 0.40 to 0.60, a ratio of an outer diameter to a core diameter of the expansion section is 1.35 to 1.55, and a cone angle of the expansion section is 22.5° to 27.5°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Josef Glogger, Bernhard Winkler
  • Patent number: 9459366
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for storing and handling a plurality of autonomous seismic nodes are presented. The node handling and storage system may be coupled to a node deployment system that deploys and/or retrieves nodes from water from the back deck of a marine vessel. One embodiment of the node handling and storage system includes a plurality of portable containers that may be assembled in a variety of configurations based on the vessel and survey requirements. The containers are coupled to an autonomous or semi-autonomous node conveyor and/or transport system that moves the nodes between and within the containers for node cleaning, downloading, charging, servicing, and storage. The conveyor system may include a plurality of different transport devices and/or systems, such as rotatable conveyors, lateral conveyors, lift mechanisms, and elevators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SEABED GEOSOLUTIONS B.V.
    Inventors: Richard Edward Henman, Arne Henning Rokkan, Johan Fredrik Naes, Mariann Ervik, Leif Johan Larsen, Arve Jaatun, Ole-Fredrik Semb
  • Patent number: 9458586
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for securing a fairing around a marine element. The apparatus can include first and second opposing sides, and a third side extending between the first and second sides. An attachment mechanism can extend from the third side, and is configured to interlock with a corresponding attachment mechanism of an opposing connector to secure the fairing around a marine element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ASSET INTEGRITY MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Rodney H. Masters, Billy L. Griffith
  • Patent number: 9457873
    Abstract: A spar platform comprises one or more continuous-fiber composite tubes fabricated at or near the intended site use of the platform. In some embodiments, the spar platform includes a relatively longer central tube and relatively shorter peripheral tubes. In some other embodiments, the spar platform is a single long tube. In some embodiments, the spar platform supports a wind turbine assembly. The continuous-fiber composite tubes are formed, in either a vertical or horizontal orientation, using a modified vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Nagurny, Alan K. Miller
  • Patent number: 9459365
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for loading and unloading of sensor capsules (9) into or out of seismic node casings (5) forming part of a seismic cable (19) to be deployed or retrieved by a vessel (18), the apparatus comprises: a trolley (3) with room for at least one sensor capsule (9), the trolley (3) is moveable back and forth in a direction essentially corresponding to the longitudinal direction (24, 25) of the seismic cable (19); a support structure (12) for the trolley (3); a latching mechanism (7) for latching the trolley (3) to a node casing (5), and at least one inserting/withdrawing mechanism (8, 11) for inserting and withdrawing the sensor capsules (9) into or out of the node casing (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: MAGSEIS AS
    Inventors: Jan Gateman, Eiven Undheim
  • Patent number: 9458950
    Abstract: A system (2) for relining an undersea pipeline (5), said pipeline (5) having and inlet (13) and outlet (11) beneath sea level (8), comprising a coiling drum (3) positioned above sea level and having a length of liner (1) reeled thereon; said coiling drum (3) arranged to deliver said liner (1) to the inlet (13); an actuator engaged with a leading end of said liner and arranged to apply a tensile force (6) to said liner (1) so as to draw said liner through the pipeline; wherein the liner is of a composite construction having a fiber core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS)
    Inventors: Robert Walters, Muhammad Ashri Mustapha
  • Patent number: 9458589
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a scour remediation and mitigation apparatus (100) comprising a plurality of channelled members (108) whereby the channelled members (108) are bound together to form the scour remediation and mitigation apparatus (100). The plurality of channelled members (108) each comprising at least one through hole (105) which forms a channel (105) through the channeled member (108). The plurality of channelled members (108) are bound together such that a plurality of conduits are formed by the channels (105) of the channeled members (108) and by voids (107) intermediate adjacent channelled members (108) within the scour remediation and mitigation apparatus (100). These plurality of conduits allow passage of a moving fluid through the scour remediation and mitigation apparatus (100) whilst simultaneously causing dispersion of kinetic energy of the moving fluid as it passes through the scour remediation and mitigation apparatus (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SWAN NET-GUNDRY LIMITED
    Inventors: Jonathan Francis Gallagher, William Austin Wilcox