Patents Examined by Jong-Suk Lee
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Patent number: 6767166Abstract: A motion reduced floating structure includes a main hull structure and a wave damping structure connected with the main hull structure. The wave damping structure may include a back board, a lower horizontal board and vertical members. The back board is connected with the main hull structure, and the lower horizontal board is connected with a lower portion of the back board to extend in a horizontal direction and is under a seawater surface in case of mooring. The vertical members are connected with the lower horizontal board and the back board. A vertical direction hole is provided for the lower horizontal board.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Masami Matsuura, Makoto Ohta, Shinkichi Tanigaki, Takahiro Hirai, Shuji Mizokami
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Patent number: 6755593Abstract: An impactor for use with a directional boring machine having a drill string connectable to the impactor for pulling the impactor through an existing pipeline uses rotation of the drill string to drive an internal striker. The internal striker delivers impacts in the pulling direction to an impactor housing as the impactor housing tows a replacement pipe behind it. The impactor housing is free to move axially in response to impacts from the striker over a limited distance in the pulling direction independently of the replacement pipe and drill string.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Earth Tool Company, L.L.C.Inventors: Steven W. Wentworth, Robert F. Crane, Paul W. Hau
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Patent number: 6726404Abstract: Provided are a device and associated method for simulating natural hydraulic cues received instinctively by waterborne fauna. A preferred embodiment is suitable for modifying existing manmade barriers such as fish diversion screens used at dams. The simulated cues mimic those produced by the flow of water over rough streambeds. Fish detect the cues and avoid contact with the barriers in the same way that they avoid collision with natural features. In one embodiment, a series of rectangular plates are attached to the U-clip connectors on the downstream side of diversion screens. The plates are oriented approximately perpendicular to the flow lines approaching the surface of the screen. The flow contacts the plates and, because the orientation of the plate creates an unstable hydraulic field, the flow alternately slips above and below the plates, creating fluctuating local acceleration zones able to be detected by migrating fish and other waterborne fauna.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: John M. Nestler
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Patent number: 6722820Abstract: A method for securing piling segments together to form a single foundation piling using an alignment securing assembly and vibrations sent through the piling as. Piling segments are driven into the ground on top of each other, forming a piling. A single piling passageway is formed when the piling segments are in alignment. An alignment securing assembly is placed in the passageway. Vibrations are sent through the piling so that grout will not gather in the upper portions of the passageway before the lower portions of the passageway are filled with grout. The grout cures and the piling segments are secured so that the segments will not slip. The alignment securing assembly uses an anchoring device that is lowered and set in the passageway so that tension can be applied by a cable. The tension from the cable and anchoring device causing a compressive effect on the piling.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Inventor: Frederick S. Marshall
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Patent number: 6702520Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for rehabilitating and increasing the functionality of existing underground conduits wherein a plurality of conduits are simultaneously inserted into an existing conduit by bursting the existing conduit to create a tunnel and inserting a plurality of new conduits into the tunnel, such that at least one of the new conduits has a capacity equal to or greater than the capacity of the existing conduit, are provided. The new conduits are either separate from or removeably connected to one another, such that the new conduits are capable of being diverted from the tunnel at separate locations and the new conduit system can be used primarily for carrying media similar to that of the original conduit or additionally for completely different and unrelated media such as fiber optic cable, coaxial cable or electrical cable.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: C.I. TechnologiesInventor: Stephen Paletta
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Patent number: 6688814Abstract: A substantially rigid riser to offshore platform connector and a process of using the connector allows a riser to be preloaded and adjustably positioned relative to the offshore platform. The connector allows the riser tensile load to be limited by preloading and adjustably positioning the connector. In the preferred embodiment, hydraulic cylinders are used to preload the connector as well as to partially or fully support the riser during maintenance or repair procedures.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventors: Stephen B. Wetch, Michael Ernest Utt
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Patent number: 6682266Abstract: A tendon which is divided into compartments enclosing therein pressurized gas. A method for transporting a fluid containing tubular body or assembly of bodies above a sea/river bed floor and within a body of water. In addition to the method for transporting the tendon a method of installing and removing an internal pressurized tendon or assembly of tendons in a vertical position in a body of water.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: ABB Anchor Contracting ASInventors: Karel Karal, Jørgen Høgmoe, Sigurd Ramslie, Johan Lassen-Urdahl
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Patent number: 6659690Abstract: A stress joint for a subsea riser has a reduced diameter intermediate section to reduce bending stresses on the connection between the stress joint and the riser as well as the subsea equipment. The stress joint having a riser joint with a threaded upper end for connection to a riser string. Attached to a lower end of the riser joint is an upper transition section that tapers from the diameter of the riser joint to a reduced diameter. An intermediate section below the upper transition section has a reduced outer diameter. A lower transition section connects the lower end of the intermediate section to the subsea equipment. The lower transition section is tapered from a reduced diameter to a larger diameter to ensure a firm connection with the subsea equipment.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2001Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.Inventor: Parviz Abadi
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Patent number: 6659204Abstract: A pressure and temperature core sampler comprises a tool for recovering cores specifically enabling the evaluation of methane hydrate resources. Because methane hydrate tends to decompose under conditions of pressure decrease and/or temperature increase as the samples are retrieved to the surface, a coring tool in accordance with the present invention provides a self-contained system for retrieving core samples at or near in situ pressure while cooling the core sample. The coring tool is preferably a wire line retrievable device that provides for nearly continuous coring during the drilling operation.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2001Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Japan National Oil CorporationInventors: James T. Aumann, Craig R. Hyland
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Patent number: 6651280Abstract: A patient lifter has a patient support platform that made be lowered until it touches the floor. Once in this position, it is a simple matter for a single person to place a patient who is prone on the floor onto the patient platform. Once on the platform, the patient support platform can be raised to a height sufficient to transfer the patient onto a bed or chair. The invention has many different devices for raising and lowering the patient support platform which may be chosen. The device is provided with wheels so that it may be easily transported to the site of the patient and be used to move the patient from place to place.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Inventor: Jerry Blevins
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Patent number: 6652192Abstract: A heave suppressed, floating offshore drilling and production platform comprises vertical columns, lateral trusses connecting adjacent columns, a deep-submerged horizontal plate supported from the bottom of the columns by vertical truss legs, and a topside deck supported by the columns. The lateral trusses connect adjacent columns near their lower end to enchance the structural intergrity of the platform. During the launch of the platform and towing in relatively shallow water, the truss legs are stowed in shafts within each column, and the plate is carried just below the lower ends of the columns. After the platform has been floated to the deep water drilling and production site, the truss legs are lowered from the column shafts to lower the plate to a deep draft for reducing the effect of wave forces and to provide heave and vertical motion resistance to the platform.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2000Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: CSO Aker Maritime, Inc.Inventors: Qi Xu, Phillip A. Abbott, John Halkyard
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Patent number: 6648553Abstract: A platform topsides can be transferred from a substructure to a transporter by ballasting the transporter, locating the transporter underneath the topsides and deballasting the transporter, causing load transfer units of the transporter to lift the topsides off the substructure. Each load transfer unit comprises a compression spring which rests on a layer of particulate material located in a drum, the particulate material in turn rests on a releasable hatch-cover. The springs provide a flexible connection between the transporter and the topsides. During the deballasting of the transporter, the hatch-covers are released to suddenly let out the particulate material from the drums, thereby lowering and relieving the springs, causing a direct contact and a stiff connection between the transporter and the topsides.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Marine Shuttle Operations ASInventor: Geir Rolfsnes
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Patent number: 6644894Abstract: The use of fluid passages for structures in fluid environments such as offshore platform risers or spars to reduce and/or control vortex-induced vibrations and drag is disclosed. The use of fluid passages to protect a moored marine vessel by reducing and/or controlling low frequency drift oscillations due to random waves, and low frequency wind induced resonant oscillations is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Hongbo Shu, Donald Wayne Allen
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Patent number: 6637980Abstract: A method and apparatus of re-tightening or retensioning a roof bolt in an underground mine serves the purpose of enabling the operator to place tension between the head of a permanent, epoxy-secured, roof bolt and the roof plate of a standard roof bolt system used to effect primary roof support in an underground mine. The method and apparatus have particular utility in mines in which drawrock or localized crumbling of shale of soft rock material is encountered as the first layer of material in the mine roof. The apparatus consists of a slotted screw member and slotted nut combination. A second embodiment of the apparatus is comprised of a slotted nut, slotted screw member, and one or more slotted spacers to be oriented between the roof bolt head and base plate. The members are turned with the appropriate tightening tool such as to apply pressure between the base plate and roof bolt head, thereby re-tensioning the roof bolt.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Earl Products, Inc.Inventor: Roy Lee Robertson, Jr.
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Patent number: 6619413Abstract: A flightless rock auger is used for drilling postholes through rock with the use of hydraulic pressure and at slow revolution per minute. The rock auger is used in combination with a conventional flighted auger used for drilling postholes in dirt and clay. During a posthole drilling operation, the rock auger is substituted for a conventional flighted auger as needed for drilling through and removing rock or other hard material such as concrete from the posthole. The rock auger is designed for use at very low revolutions per minute and can function utilizing only the weight of the auger; however, the rock auger is designed for use with pressure drilling units as well for cutting a circular hole through the rock and forming a plug which is to be lodged in the cavity of the rock auger cylinder to be removed from the posthole.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Gator Rock Bit, Inc.Inventors: Gary Wayne Hamilton, Charles Hamilton
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Patent number: 6609856Abstract: A process for installing piles for supporting a structure upon the earth including the steps of driving a first pile segment into the earth a desired distance from the structure, aligning a second pile segment upon the first pile segment such that a conduit in the second pile segment is axially aligned with the conduit of the first pile segment, driving the first and second pile segments into the earth a desired distance from the structure, affixing a strand into the conduits of the first and second pile segments so as to form a starter section, and sliding another pile segment along the strand so as to reside upon the starter section. A plurality of pile segments are positioned along the strand so as to reside in stacked relationship upon the starter section. A cap member is positioned between a portion of the structure at an uppermost pile segment of the plurality of pile segments. An end of the strand is anchored in the cap member.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2000Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Inventor: David W. Knight
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Patent number: 6609854Abstract: A structure for detecting an inflated state of a dam formed by a flexible membrane disposed in a conduit, with the detection unaffected by pressure resulting from fluid flow through the conduit when the flexible membrane is not completely inflated. The structure includes a metal plate mountable at a center of the flexible membrane and covered by a covering sheet and a metal detector for detecting the metal member only when the flexible membrane has been inflated to a desired state.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2002Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Bridgestone CorporationInventor: Yasuo Okazaki
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Patent number: 6598687Abstract: A steering assembly includes upper and lower tubular housings connected by a universal joint. An angle cam is disposed on the end of the lower housing and projects into the upper housing. A plurality of wedge members extend axially from the upper housing and into engagement with the angle cam. Drive trains are connected to the wedge members to move the wedge members toward and away from the angle cam so as to pivot the lower housing at the universal joint and change the angle and azimuth of the lower housing with respect to the upper housing. The lower housing is connected to a bearing pack supporting a drill bit such that upon changing the angle and azimuth of the lower housing, the direction of the drilling of the drill bit is also changed. The steering assembly being connected to composite tubing having conductors in the wall thereof for conducting data and commands between the steering assembly and a processor at the surface and for providing power to the steering assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Jay M. Eppink, Albert C. Odell, II, James W. Estep, James B. Terry, Thomas Platt Wilson, William F. Trainor
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Patent number: 6592296Abstract: A sealing assembly comprising two abutting components and a sealing profile produced from an elastomeric material, which bridges the gap between the two components to form a seal. The components are configured in particular as sections which are assembled into a tubular tunnel thus forming transverse and longitudinal joints. There is also a sealing profile being located in turn in each recess, thus forming a cornered sealing framework. There is also a lubricant for the contact surfaces between each component and the sealing profile, in particular for the contact surfaces between two sealing profiles. The sealing assembly has at least one sealing profile that has at least two protrusions in the vicinity of the contact surfaces. The protrusions form a sealed chamber, in which the lubricant is contained.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: PhoenixInventors: Holger Gutschmidt, Heiko Höft, Dieter Kassel
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Patent number: 6588984Abstract: A method for installing conduits on a mountain is provided. The method includes placing at least one cable longitudinally across a ridge of the mountain and installing the at least one cable on a front side and a back side of the mountain. The front and back sides of the mountain are bounded by the ridge, and the at least one cable crosses over the ridge. The cable is positioned along both the front side and the back side of the mountain. At least one conduit is moored to the at least one cable on the front side of the mountain, and at least one cable is anchored on the back side of the mountain.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventor: Tomio Fukui