Patents Examined by Benjamin Fiorello
  • Patent number: 9457290
    Abstract: Examples of a wave simulator for board sports and other uses are disclosed. An example wave simulator includes means for forming a wave, the means having at least one inclined side wall and a bottom corresponding to a desired wave shape. The wave simulator includes means for flowing water along at least partially along the inclined side wall and bottom of the flume to form a simulated wave. The wave simulator includes means for restraining a board rider in the means for forming a wave. Streamlines of the simulated wave are substantially parallel to a crest line of the simulated wave, and an inclined water flow ends in a downward arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Kenneth Douglas Hill
  • Patent number: 9447554
    Abstract: The method of dissipating water wave energy includes using an array of vertically-extending breakwater walls for dissipating the energy of water waves in an area of interest. Each vertically-extending wall has a plurality of horizontally-extending slots formed therethrough. The areas and/or configurations of the horizontally-extending slots can be varied such that each vertically-extending wall can have a unique degree of porosity. Each vertically extending wall can be positioned in succession in front of a water-impregnable rear barrier. The slots of one vertically-extending wall can be staggered or nonaligned relative to the next vertically-extending wall in succession.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: KUWAIT INSTITUTE OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
    Inventors: Subramaniam Neelamani, Altaf Taqi, Khaled Al-Salem
  • Patent number: 9447555
    Abstract: A method of soil stabilization includes mixing a geopolymer material with an alkaline activator and adding 5 to 30 percent by weight of the mixture to a soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)
    Inventors: Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri Abdullah, Muhammad Faheem Mohd Tahir, Kamarudin Hussin, Sharifah Zaliha Syed Zuber, Alida Abdullah, Muhd Izzat Ahmad, Che Mohd Ruzaidi Ghazali, Fauziah Ahmad, Mohammed Binhussain
  • Patent number: 9447556
    Abstract: An anchor system for an erosion control mat is provided. The system includes a bullet anchor comprising a bullet anchor body and a bullet anchor strap integrally molded with and extending from a first side of the bullet anchor body. In embodiments, a lock washer is coupled to the bullet anchor strap. In embodiments, serrations on at least one side of the bullet anchor strap are adapted to prevent the lock washer from traversing the bullet anchor strap in a direction away from the bullet anchor. In embodiments, the lock washer is adapted to couple with an erosion control mat. In embodiments, an anchor tab on a second side of the bullet anchor body secures the bullet anchor body in a ground surface. The anchor system is utilized to secure the erosion control mat to the ground surface and prevent undesired movement of the erosion control mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Barton Wade Daniel, Thomas J. Carpenter, Bill Murphy, Wade Denison
  • Patent number: 9435095
    Abstract: A pre-stress corrosion-resistant tubular pile used in special coastal geological conditions and manufacturing method thereof is disclosed. The raw materials and proportions of the pre-stress corrosion-resistant tubular pile are as follows: 350-450 parts by weight of cement; 90-135 parts by weight of an ore powder; 600-700 parts by weight of sand; 100-120 parts by weight of stones; water and a water reducing agent; wherein the cement and ore powder are gels; the weight ratio of water to the gels is 0.30-0.31, and the mass ratio of the water reducing agent to the gels is (1.8-2.2):100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: JIANGSU DONGPU PILE. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chenghua Yan
  • Patent number: 9435096
    Abstract: Disclosed is a construction method of a foundation for an underwater support structure, which is capable of rapidly installing the foundation of a large-scale structure on a sea floor, and also sufficiently ensuring a horizontal load supporting capability. The construction method includes installing a pile having a head part, in which a catching groove is formed, in a sea floor G; fabricating the foundation for the underwater support structure, in which a buried guide tube is formed to protrude downwardly from a lower surface of the foundation for an underwater support structure, and settling the foundation for the underwater support structure on the sea floor, such that the head part of the pile is inserted into the guide tube; and anchoring the pile into the guide tube using an elastically protruding settlement device formed in the guide tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: DONG MYEONG ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS & ARCHITECTURE
    Inventors: Hee Jeong Shin, Young Jun Lee, Seong hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 9428876
    Abstract: A multi-suction pile anchor and a plate anchor for mooring a marine structure, comprises a plurality of suction piles connected in parallel with the same capacity penetrates into the sea floor, wherein a pullout resistance required for mooring the marine structure is applied by changing the number of suction piles, and wherein a plurality of suction piles is connected each other with a connecting plate to increase a lateral resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF OCEAN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: O Soon Kwon, Myoung Hak Oh, In Sung Jang
  • Patent number: 9422684
    Abstract: A beach erosion mitigation device is provided that includes an elongated, tubular member configured to be tethered to the shoreline and attenuate wave energy. The tubular member comprises a corrugated construction having enclosed air pockets that afford buoyancy. The ends of the tubular member are open, while along its length are disposed a set of overflow openings and a set of venturi openings. The venturi openings receive incoming water from the breaking wave and direct it axially along the interior of the tubular member. The overflow openings and the open ends allow water to escape prior to the next wave arrival. The device is placed alone, or in groups, along a shorefront to directly receive the energy of breaking waves. The energy thereof is attenuated by the structure of the device and via its redirection therethrough, thereby combating beach erosion caused by storm swells and high energy waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Sloan Danenhower
  • Patent number: 9416513
    Abstract: A helical screw pile having a soil displacement device (lead displacement plate) on its shaft above at least one helical plate, which pulls the pile into the ground when the shaft is rotated. The lead displacement plate has a disk that carries at least two curved, axially extending bottom blades, which preferably extend beyond the disk periphery. The axial height of the blades preferably is greater than the axial pitch of the helical plate(s) divided by the number of blades. The top of the disk has an axially extending adapter ring that defines an annular seat for centering a tubular casing. Extension displacement plates can be used between extension shafts for centering additional tubular casings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy Michael Kemp, Shawn David Downey, Kelly Suzanne Hawkins
  • Patent number: 9416512
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the installation of pipe pilings into the ground for use as structural building foundations, geothermal piles, or both, are disclosed. In addition to specialized fittings for pipe pile assemblies, the inventions include specialized drive mechanisms used in conjunction with rotary or vibratory motors. Methods of installing pipe pilings are further improved with the disclosure of methods of adding grout or similar materials during or after installation of the piles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: American Piledriving Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul W. Suver
  • Patent number: 9416511
    Abstract: Working platform (6) and offshore wind energy plant (2) comprising a working platform (6), wherein the working platform (6) is configured to be mounted to an outside wall (16) of the tower (4) of the offshore wind energy plant (2) by help of welded joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: AREVA Wind GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Kramer, Michael Gennrich
  • Patent number: 9410300
    Abstract: The present invention relates to submergible modular breakwaters for lowering the kinetic energy of water waves. In particular, the present invention is directed toward a physical embodiment that, when in its floating position, will provide resistance to the movement of water waves in the direction of the waves for a large range of wave periods. The invention is a submergible modular breakwater that can be kept underwater on the sea or lake floor as not to provide any barrier to navigation until it is needed to lower the kinetic energy of waves, when it is quickly raised afloat to provide protection, especially for coastal erosion control during storms or rough waters. Once the lowering of the kinetic energy of water waves is not longer needed, the modular breakwater can be quickly sunk to the sea or lake floor in order to remove any barrier to navigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: INNOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Alvaro Atilano, Victor Blanco, Jose Rodriguez, Leonella Rodriguez Dotti
  • Patent number: 9409633
    Abstract: A vessel for laying a pipeline includes a plurality of workstations disposed along a pipelaying path that includes an upstream portion away from a first end of the vessel and a plurality of ramps in the region of the first end of the vessel. The plurality of ramps includes a first ramp which is disposed along the pipelaying path, whose inclination is adjustable and which has a first upstream end and a second downstream end, and a second ramp which is disposed along the pipelaying path downstream of the first ramp, whose inclination is adjustable and which has a first upstream end and a second downstream end. The downstream end of the first ramp is positioned inboard of the first end of the vessel and above the bottom of the vessel and the upstream end of the second ramp is positioned inboard of the first end of the vessel and above the bottom of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: SAIPEM S.P.A.
    Inventors: Diego Lazzarin, Gianluca Toso, Enrico Ruaro
  • Patent number: 9410301
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for repairing or reinforcing a damaged oil containment boom. The apparatus includes two end connectors and a curtain attached between the two end connectors. The end connectors are attached to a damaged, existing boom via a vertically extending slot formed in each of the end connectors. After attachment, a tight seal is formed between the curtain and the damaged boom. The method for reinforcing a boom includes engaging the two end connectors to an existing boom while stretching the curtain over the damaged boom section in an overlapping relationship. Finally, the connectors are locked into place via a lock-pin mechanism. This invention creates a tight seal over the damaged area, creating a “patch” to keep out oil contaminants from the protected area. The disclosed invention can be used to repair, patch, or reinforce an existing oil containment boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: Theophile Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 9404364
    Abstract: A bolt centralizer for a bolting feed in a rock bolt system has a flexible body capable of elastically flexing from an upright posture for centralizing a rock bolt to a folded posture that permits a bolting feed to advance. The centralizer includes a passage for guiding the rock bolt into a hole drilled by the rock bolt system. The centralizer also includes a base for fastening the centralizer to a sliding carriage adapted to travel over rails of the bolting feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: 1311854 ONTARIO LIMITED
    Inventor: Yves Nelson
  • Patent number: 9405030
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a seismic cable is described. In one embodiment, a method for performing a seismic survey in a water column is described. The method comprises providing a length of flexible cable from a cable storage device disposed on a vessel to a cable handling device adjacent the cable storage device. The flexible cable comprises a specific gravity that is greater than a specific gravity of water in the water column. The method further comprises routing the flexible cable to pass adjacent a workstation disposed on the vessel, deploying a free end of the flexible cable into the water column, attaching at least one of a plurality of seismic sensor units to the cable as the cable passes the workstation, and controlling the motion of the vessel and the rotational speed of the cable handling device to allow the flexible cable to rest on the bottom of the water column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: FAIRFIELD INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: James N. Thompson, Etienne Marc
  • Patent number: 9403582
    Abstract: A boat bumper is positioned between a nautical structure and a nautical vessel. A main body includes a concave portion and a convex portion. The concave portion abuts the nautical structure and the convex portion abuts the nautical vessel. A boat bumper can optionally include an auxiliary bumper having a first convex part and a second convex part. The main body and auxiliary bumper engage to form a macro bumper with the first convex part abutting the concave portion. Alternatively, a main body includes a male connector with a male shape and a female cavity complementarily shaped to the male shape such that the male connector of another bumper fits within the female cavity to connect the bumpers together. A male shape can be keyed and/or tapered in at least one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Patrick Moran
  • Patent number: 9393603
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a system of uniform vapor pathways for soil evaporative desorption. In one embodiment, a batch of contaminated soil is placed inside a treatment compartment through a hopper. The contaminated soil is moved across an inner length of the treatment compartment. As the contaminated soil moves toward a far end of the treatment compartment, planes surrounding the contaminated soil vibrates to facilitate mixing and loosening of the contaminated soil, thereby creating uniform vapor pathways around the surface and within the contaminated soil. A plurality of helical stem auger comprising helical flights may rotate to further mix and loosen the contaminated soil. Heat is applied to the contaminated soil to desorb contaminates within the soil. A vapor extraction line within a core of the hollow stem auger suctions vaporized contaminates out of the treatment compartment and into a reclamation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: RETERRO INC.
    Inventor: Patrick Richard Brady
  • Patent number: 9395045
    Abstract: An underwater carbon dioxide storage facility including a carbon dioxide deposit stored underwater as a clathrate includes a flexible barrier disposed at least partially over the carbon dioxide deposit. The carbon dioxide deposit may be stored in or at the bottom of a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Caldeira, Philip A. Eckhoff, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Roderick A. Hyde, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9395021
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an interconnection system and method for interconnecting hoses (40) for transmitting power, fluids, data, or any combination thereof in a marine environment by means of a leak-tight device (10) in the inlets (230) of which terminal covers (30) for the passage of umbilicals and blind covers (80) for sealing said inlets (230) can be interchanged, such that each of the hoses can be connected and disconnected independently. The inlets are arranged such that the umbilicals are laid according to one and the same direction and orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: FUNDACION TECNALIA RESEARCH & INNOVATION
    Inventors: Antonio Rico Rubio, José Villate Martínez, Pablo Ruiz Minguela, Pierpaolo Ricci, Pedro Ibañez Ereño