Patents Examined by Jong-Suk Lee
  • Patent number: 6585456
    Abstract: A combination anchoring pin and insertion apparatus which includes a vertically disposed elongated barrel having an axial bore and an elongated hammer drive rod slidably received within the bore with the upper end extending above the top opening of the barrel and having a handle secured to the upper end of the rod. A side opening is provided in the barrel for sequentially introducing anchoring pins therethrough into the bore and a pin guide chute is secured to the barrel and aligned with this barrel side opening for sequentially feeding anchor pins through the side opening in guided alignment. An anchoring pin retainer is positioned in the barrel bore below the side opening to receive, retain and position the anchoring pins sequentially under the lower end of the drive rod for sequential downward driving engagement or hammering by the drive rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Johnston-Morehouse-Dickey, Co.
    Inventor: Scott E. Forse
  • Patent number: 6582158
    Abstract: A Device for transferring a vibrating movement to a rigid pipe for letting it penetrate into or removing it from a bed in upright or inclined position, comprises a clamping member for clampingly holding the upper end of the pipe for transfer of the vibrating movements thereto. The clamping members can be biased away from each other for clampingly engaging—exclusively—the inner surfaces of the pipe. The device further comprises a body to be attached to a vibrator block. The clamping members form a rigid unity with the body, considered in the axial direction of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: IHC Handling Systems
    Inventor: Theodorus Gerhardus Wilhemus Van Stein
  • Patent number: 6579038
    Abstract: A revetment block for use as end blocks with an articulating revetment mat. The revetment mat end blocks having a size of about one and a half times larger than the standard blocks of the revetment mat and are formed of precast concrete. The block preferably has four sidewalls each with a vertical portion and a tapered portion. The sidewalls have a plurality of projections and recesses for interlocking with adjacent revetment blocks, wherein some of the recesses form openings with adjacent blocks. The revetment block also has at least one dome with a pair of openings extending from an upper dome plateau to a lower surface of the block. The revetment block further comprises a pair of openings extending from the lower surface of the block to an upper surface. Extending through parallel sides of the revetment block are a plurality of ducts for cable which interlocks the revetment mat rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth L. McAllister, Kenny W. McCoy, Derek W. Dice
  • Patent number: 6558077
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a flow of a liquid into a sewer drain comprising a catch basin having a catch basin drain coupled with the sewer drain. In addition, a housing element that is positioned within the catch basin, whereby the housing element is coupled with the catch basin drain in a first fluid-tight manner. The housing element having a porous surface positioned below a predetermined level. A column having a proximal end and a distal end, whereby the column is positioned within the housing element and the proximal end is coupled with the catch basin drain in a second fluid tight manner. The distal end is positioned above the predetermined level and an actuator mechanism is coupled with the column and configured to selectively open and close the column to the flow of the liquid that is entering the catch basin drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Cameron M. Colson
  • Patent number: 6558084
    Abstract: A connection device for connecting a submerged tubular structure to a floating support structure. The connection device includes first and second tubular connection elements that connect the submerged tubular structure to the floating support structure. The first tubular connection element cooperates with the second tubular connection element to form a first axial abutment in a pulling direction in which the submerged tubular structure is pulled, and a second axial abutment in a direction opposite from the pulling direction. The device further includes a locking and tensioning device that includes at least one actuator secured to the floating support structure and is mounted to pivot on the second tubular connection element about a hinge axis and against the effect of a return spring surrounding the pin so as to enable the first tubular connection element to snap-fasten onto the second tubular connection element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Techlam
    Inventors: Olivier Moog, Sylvain Thuet
  • Patent number: 6554073
    Abstract: A method of cutting a well casing located beneath a subsea wellhead wherein a cutting assembly is made and lowered into an operative position. A mounting device is secured to the wellhead and the cutter is radially expanded into engagement with the casing. The motor is operated so as to rotate the tubing string and thereby rotate the cutter to cut the casing. A cutting assembly is used to cut a well casing. The cutting assembly has a motor mounting device, a motor, an output shaft, a radially expandable cutter and a tubing string. The tubing string connects the cutter to the output shaft of the motor and clamp members secure the mounting device to the wellhead so that the rotary reaction forces from the mounting device are transmitted to the wellhead. Axial reaction forces are also transmitted from the mounting device to a radially extending surface of the wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce McGarian
  • Patent number: 6547487
    Abstract: A block assembly for constructing a seawall and dissipating waves. The block assembly includes a block comprising a front wall, a left side part and a right side part. The left and right side parts include stepped surfaces and a plurality of round shaped projection parts are closely disposed on the front wall. The block further includes two connecting walls having male protrusions and female recesses formed on upper and lower surfaces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Won-Hoi Yang
  • Patent number: 6547493
    Abstract: A modular erosion and sediment control barrier. The linear modular erosion and sediment control barrier is constructed of fiber logs joined end-to-end. Each fiber log is made of a quantity of loose fibers retained in a tubular casing by a plug. The tubular casing includes an extended section which is peeled back and folds over the end of the coupler fiber log during storage and transportation. When deployed, the extended section is unfolded to receive the end of an adjacent fiber log. The two fiber logs are secured together by a cord and hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Fiber King, LLP
    Inventors: J. Eric Spangler, Kumar Gopalan Jayanath, Bob Abbott, James A. Blazek
  • Patent number: 6524032
    Abstract: A connector is provided for removably attaching a space frame to the hull of a floating offshore platform. The connector comprises a socket attached to the hull of the platform. The socket has an open bore therein. A stabbing member is attached to the space frame. The stabbing member has a lower end insertable into the socket. An expandable locking ring is carried by the lower end of the stabbing member. The locking ring comprises a plurality of ring segments for removably seating within the socket bore. A backup ring is slidable along the stabbing member. The backup ring removably mates to the locking ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: CSO Aker Maritime, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry R. Russell, Phillip A. Abbott
  • Patent number: 6517290
    Abstract: A loading arrangement includes a riser that extends from a subsea structure to a coupling element for coupling the riser to a vessel. The coupling element includes a buoy body which is connected to a retention member via a flexible connection part. The retention member, such as a submerged buoy, is attached to anchor lines which at or near their end parts are provided with buoy. The connection part, which can be a cable or a frame structure has a relatively high tensile strength to anchor the vessel to the sea bed and to prevent drift of the vessel when tension is exerted on the connection part and the anchor line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc.
    Inventor: Leendert Poldervaart
  • Patent number: 6494644
    Abstract: A method of rapidly installing a composite pile structure of timber pile sections and a pre-selected connector having an opening smaller than a transverse dimension of a working end of a timber pile section. The lower pile section is driven into the ground to a convenient distance, the connector is driven onto the lower pile and the upper pile driven onto the connector, and the connection is rapidly made rigid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Foundation Systems of Louisiana, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Zengal Scandaliato, Michael Allen Cenac
  • Patent number: 6485230
    Abstract: A modular dike is used to divide a body of water into two distinct parts. The modular dike uses a plurality of floatable modules. Each module is floated into the body of water and sunk at predetermined locations in the body of water. The modules are aligned in a row within the body of water so that the row of modules forms a dike which effectively segregates the body of water into two distinct parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Robert A. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6481928
    Abstract: A water structure formed from at least one flexible tube or sleeve, that functions as a water containment vessel when at least partially filled with water and closed at its ends, and includes a rope positioned therein. The rope is for connection, on one end, to a second flexible tube or sleeve and is for use in pulling the second flexible tube or sleeve through the first tube or sleeve. The second tube is then to receive a volume of water therein, that expands the second tube against the first tube inner surface to function as a water structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: David Doolaege
  • Patent number: 6478512
    Abstract: A machine for making bored piles. The machine includes a vertical guide mast; a rotary drive head that is movable relative to the mast; and an auger having a hollow core and at least one helical blade. An extender tube has a bottom end that is secured to the top end of the auger, the drive head co-operating with the extender tube to rotate both the extender tube and the auger. A dip tube is slidably mounted in the hollow core of the auger and the extender tube, the dip tube having a top end connected to a concrete feed pipe. An annular actuator has a first end secured to the top end of the extender tube and a second end secured to the top end of the dip tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Compagnie du Sol
    Inventor: David Sherwood
  • Patent number: 6474908
    Abstract: Volatile organic compounds are removed from contaminated soil by introducing one or both of a water soluble peroxygen compound, such as a persulfate, and a permanganate into the soil, either in situ or ex situ, in amounts and under conditions wherein both the soil oxidant demand is satisfied and volatile organic compounds in the soil are oxidized. In a preferred embodiment, when both are used, the peroxygen satisfies the soil oxidant demand and the permanganate oxidizes the volatile organic compounds. Sodium persulfate is the preferred persulfate and potassium permanganate is preferred permanganate. The persulfate and the permanganate may be added to the soil sequentially, or may be mixed together and added as an aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignees: The University of Connecticut, United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: George Edward Hoag, Pradeep V. Chheda, Bernard A. Woody, Gregory M. Dobbs
  • Patent number: 6474909
    Abstract: A fluid assisted wedging and compacting device for the installation of underground cable that includes a blade with a cutting edge, two cutting faces a toe, a shoe, a cable feed tube, a pair of deflectors, a pair of grooves and a plurality of high pressure water jet nozzles. The blade is designed so that the deflectors and grooves are positioned in a vertical orientation on the lower half of the cutting faces of the blade. During use, the deflectors on the cutting faces deflect soil creating a soil free zone preventing blockage of the nozzles and allowing the water pressure from the nozzles to effectively aid the blade in cutting through the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Malek
  • Patent number: 6471445
    Abstract: A rotary displacement piling equipment for boring a hole within the soil includes a rotary displacement bit, driving rod members connected to the bit, a casing surrounding the driving rod member, and a casing adapter having a lower end provided with a cylindrical collar for co-operating with the upper part of the casing for keeping in line the casing with respect to the driving rod member and with an horizontal thrust face for applying a thrust at the upper end of the casing, the driving rod member passing through the casing adapter. The equipment may also include a rotary drive box co-operating with the driving rod member for rotating the driving rod means and provided with connecting member to be connected to the upper end of the casing adapter, and vertical supporting and guiding member for supporting and vertically guiding the rotary drive box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Compagnie du Sol
    Inventor: Lewis Stansfield
  • Patent number: 6468003
    Abstract: A pile includes a tapered bottom section of polygon-shaped steel tubing and a top cylindrical section of steel tubing spliced together with a transition ring to form a composite pile, which, after being driven, is filled with concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventors: Stanley Merjan, John Dougherty
  • Patent number: 6467997
    Abstract: A fish diversion apparatus for a water intake of a dam includes a frame extending between a top end oriented towards the water surface and a bottom end oriented below the water surface. The frame supports a number of bar screen panels below the water surface. The bar screen panels allow water flow therethrough from an upstream side to a downstream side. A flow scoop extends from the bottom end of the frame to direct the fish along the upstream face of the bar screen panels. A fish diverter device is provided adjacent the top end of the frame in communication with the upstream side of the bar screen panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventor: Robert L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6467999
    Abstract: There is provided an internal pressure regulating system in which when a flexible bag body used for a collapsible dam is excessively pressurized, gas within the bag body is discharged. The system includes a flexible bag body which can be inflated with gas, and a pipe having opposite ends, with one end connected to an exhaust opening in the bag body, and the other end introduced into the upstream region of a watercourse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Tateo Muramatsu, Satoshi Tagomori, Masaru Kaneko