Patents Examined by Benjamin Fiorello
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Patent number: 9476537Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: TRELLEBORG PIPE SEALS DUISBURGH GMBHInventor: Andreas Bichler
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Patent number: 9476283Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 10, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bernhard A. Fischer, Charles Joseph Badura, Giulio Angel Ricci-Ottati, James D. Richards
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Patent number: 9476185Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 21, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Inventor: James Edward Clark
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Patent number: 9476521Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 28, 2011Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: SAIPEM S.A.Inventors: François-Régis Pionetti, Damien Szyszka, Hubert Cheverry
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Patent number: 9476411Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Randy L. Gaigler, Matthew B. Ascari, Corey A. Fleischer, James A. Waicukauski
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Patent number: 9476176Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 16, 2012Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: IHC HOLLAND IE B.V.Inventors: Dirk Arentsen, Michael Schaap
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Patent number: 9476535Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 30, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Warren Environmental, Inc.Inventor: Danny Warren
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Patent number: 9476536Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 8, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Tjader
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Patent number: 9469960Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: Intermoor Inc.Inventors: Andrew Naquin, Jr., Michael H. Aleksines, Jonathon D. Miller
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Patent number: 9469956Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 10, 2014Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Inventor: Robert H. Koerner
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Patent number: 9469382Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 12, 2013Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: CGG SERVICES SAInventors: Antoine Lelaurin, Thierry Brizard
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Patent number: 9470046Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 27, 2013Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventor: George Taylor Armistead
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Patent number: 9462761Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 11, 2013Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Inventor: Charles Tyler Livvix
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Patent number: 9464524Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 10, 2012Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventors: Josef Glogger, Bernhard Winkler
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Patent number: 9459366Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 13, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: SEABED GEOSOLUTIONS B.V.Inventors: Richard Edward Henman, Arne Henning Rokkan, Johan Fredrik Naes, Mariann Ervik, Leif Johan Larsen, Arve Jaatun, Ole-Fredrik Semb
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Patent number: 9458586Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 15, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: ASSET INTEGRITY MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS, L.L.C.Inventors: Rodney H. Masters, Billy L. Griffith
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Patent number: 9457873Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 19, 2011Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Nicholas J. Nagurny, Alan K. Miller
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Patent number: 9459365Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 28, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: MAGSEIS ASInventors: Jan Gateman, Eiven Undheim
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Patent number: 9458950Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 25, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS)Inventors: Robert Walters, Muhammad Ashri Mustapha
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Patent number: 9458589Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 18, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: SWAN NET-GUNDRY LIMITEDInventors: Jonathan Francis Gallagher, William Austin Wilcox