Patents Examined by Sean Andrish
  • Patent number: 8684628
    Abstract: The winding apparatus has a forming frame which goes inside an underground damaged pipe, and a rail which regulates the circumference track of a forming frame as the joint mechanism interlocks adjacent portions of a plastic strips. The forming frame has a plurality of guides that are connected extend along with a rail. Each guide contains a guide roller which can rotate freely about an end of the corresponding roller shaft. Each guide roller has an outside large diameter part and an inside small diameter part. The rail has a guide groove portion for the large diameter part of a guide roller at each edge of a course in a width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Roy Streatfield, Akitoshi Ohira
  • Patent number: 8662796
    Abstract: In a method for lining tunnel walls or ceilings with protective nets or the like, web-shaped protective net material is unwound from a reel and is fastened to the tunnel walls or ceiling by tie bolts. The reel is rotatably arranged. The rotation of the reel about a shaft is controlled in order to unwind the protective net material, the shaft being mechanically moved in steps along the tunnel walls or ceiling together with the reel. The protective net material unwound in each step is preferably stretched and mechanically fastened. The individuals carrying out these processes are thus not exposed to any direct risk, while the lining process can be accelerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignees: Geobrugg AG, Rock Engineering (Aust) Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Shane Brown
  • Patent number: 8662792
    Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a seat portion structure for a ground-based hydraulic turbine engine. The seat portion structure includes a base plate. A first bearing element is connected to the base plate and contacts the ground. At least three arms are connected to the base plate by a pivoting link. The arms are adapted for pivoting relative to the base plate between a first position, in which the arms are placed near each other, and a second position, in which the arms radially extend from the base plate. A second bearing element is connected to one end of each arm and contacts the ground. A positioning device is adapted for changing the distance between the end of at least one arm and the associated second element. The structure includes, for each arm, a device for locking the arm in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Achard, Thomas Jaquier, Didier Imbault
  • Patent number: 8662795
    Abstract: A head includes an outer cylindrical body with at least one upper inlet for fluids, at least one outlet side nozzle and at least one helical duct having a helical central line. The duct connects the upper inlet to the nozzle and imparts the fluid flowing through it a helical motion about the longitudinal axis of the outer body towards the nozzle. The helical duct is progressively tapered towards the nozzle and includes a terminal length of the duct which is radiused to the nozzle in a tapered manner, both when viewed in cross-sectional planes parallel to the longitudinal axis and tangent to the helical central line, as well as when viewed in cross-sectional planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Trevi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Cesare Saccani
  • Patent number: 8651767
    Abstract: Systems, devices, apparatus, and methods of locking and unlocking a door that is slidable by articulating wheels in tracks, over an entry port to a storm water structure. Locking the door can be accomplished by rotating bolts that are attached to cams. Rotating the bolts causes the cams to press the door against the tracks. Sealing strips can be compressed between door edges and the track to prevent water from passing around the door. A vacuum truck can remove water and debris from the vault/structure. Other versions allow doors to move downward to allow water to overflow the door. The door can slide upward so water can flow underneath. A door in door version has a secondary door slide up and down in tracks in a main door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Tom Happel
  • Patent number: 8651766
    Abstract: Circulation and aeration systems for ponds, lakes, sounds, treatment basins, and other bodies of water. In one set of embodiments, water is pumped in a downward direction to circulate ambient oxygen from the atmosphere and produced by plant photosynthesis to deeper strata. In other embodiments, water is circulated within predetermined depth strata. Each system preferably includes a wind turbine, a drive shaft, and an impeller array. Some systems include conduits for conveying and mixing water from and to selected depth strata, or configured as an open impeller-mixing apparatus. Alternative embodiments include systems which incorporate electrical power generation by the wind turbine, solar power generation and use hybrid wind-solar apparatus, and combinations of land-based and in-water based apparatus. A pneumatic pump diffuser and a control flow centered orifice diffuser line are employed in some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Robert W. Kortmann
  • Patent number: 8636064
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a sampling while drilling tool includes a drill collar having a first end, a second end, an outer wall extending between the first and second ends, and at least one opening extending through the outer wall to a cavity within the drill collar. The sampling while drilling tool also includes a sample chamber positionable in the cavity through the opening in the outer wall and a passage for conducting a drilling fluid through the drill collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Steven G. Villareal, Reinhart Ciglenec, Michael J. Stucker, Khanh Duong
  • Patent number: 8632279
    Abstract: A system and method of constructing a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure. A wire facing is composed of horizontal and vertical elements. A soil reinforcing element has a plurality of transverse wires coupled to at least two longitudinal wires having lead ends that upwardly-extend. A bearing plate includes one or more longitudinal protrusions configured to receive and seat the upwardly extending lead ends and couple the soil reinforcing element to the wire facing, and in particular to the vertical element. Multiple systems can be characterized as lifts and erected one atop the other to a desired MSE structure height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas P. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8632276
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing underwater beds includes a plurality of polygonal hollow pipes arranged side by side, the upper ends of which form a horizontal, substantially flat working platform. Each hollow pipe has a horizontal projection with a flange extending vertically and a corresponding flange insertion aperture with a slot immediately above it running vertically and extending as far as the upper end of the hollow pipe, the aperture being further away from the upper end of the hollow pipe than the projection with the flange and having a greater horizontal dimension than the slot. Neighboring hollow pipes engage one another via a respective projection with a corresponding slot. The hollow pipes cannot be moved relative to one another horizontally. Individual pipes can only be pulled out individually in an upward direction at the platform outer edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Matthai Bauunternehmen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Juergen Fischer
  • Patent number: 8632273
    Abstract: A water draining method comprises water draining adapted for roads, mountains, mountainsides, protective hillsides, retaining walls, grass slopes, airport runways, highways, football fields, grass slopes, stone dams, embankments, landfills, farms, irrigating and draining systems, characterized in that: a. installing receiving members in a pervious bed; b. arranging draining pipes in the receiving members; c. disposing draining ditches on one or two ends of a drain tube; d. drawing excessive water to the draining pipes by using drawing ports of the drain tube and draining the water into the draining ditch via an end portion of the drain tube. Thereby, the present invention allows to obtain rain collecting, impurities filtering, irrigating, draining, anti-leaking, and warning functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: YiuTak Leung
  • Patent number: 8622651
    Abstract: The teachings herein are directed to a wave forming apparatus including a bed form that may include a plurality of sections at different angles, including a base section adjacent to a wave forming channel, the base section having an exterior profile defining a first, non-abrupt angle to the direction of flow of water in the channel, and an upper section that forms an exterior profile defining a second, steeper angle to the direction of water flow. Also disclosed is a twistlock mechanism adapted to removably fasten a bed form to a water channel, and a method of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Bruce McFarland
  • Patent number: 8622655
    Abstract: A pipe-laying vessel is provided, including a tower extending upwardly from the vessel, a pipe loading arm for raising a length of pipe from the deck to a position aligned with the tower. The pipe-laying vessel may also include a support assembly for supporting a bulky item to be accommodated along the pipeline, the support assembly including a frame pivotable between a first load receiving position and a second tilted position in which it extends approximately parallel to the tower, and drive means for pivoting the tiltable frame between its first and second positions. The pipe-laying vessel may alternatively or additionally include a welding assembly station cabin in the region of a lower portion of the tower, a movable support assembly for supporting a bulky item to be accommodated along the pipeline, the movable support assembly being disposed on top of the cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Saipem S.p.A.
    Inventors: Herve Jean Francois Legaignoux, Michel Pierre Baylot, Emmanuel Huot, Kimon Tullio Ardavanis
  • Patent number: 8622652
    Abstract: Systems, devices, apparatus, and methods of moving a door, over a water conveyances. Locking the door can be by rotating bolt heads attached to cams. Rotating heads causes cams to press the door against tracks. A strip can be compressed between the door and track to prevent flow. Slidable doors can move to allow water overflow. The door can slide so water can flow underneath. A secondary door can slide within an opening in a door. A half panel can have an upper opening located in a wall, to close or allow water flow. A channel can have grooves in sides of an opening, where a door can slide to different heights to close or allow flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Tom Happel
  • Patent number: 8616805
    Abstract: An optical fiber management system for a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) includes a spool containing a length of optical cable, a motor coupled to the spool, a motor controller, a speed sensor and a feed mechanism. The motor controller can detect the speed of the ROV through water and control the rotational speed of the motor so that the optical cable is removed from the spool at a speed that is equal to or greater than the speed of the ROV. A feed mechanism is used to apply a tension to the optical cable so that it is removed from the spool and emitted from the ROV without becoming tangled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Bluefin Robotics, Corporation
    Inventors: Graham Hawkes, Charles S Chiau, Adam Wright
  • Patent number: 8616807
    Abstract: A two-stage retaining wall and related systems and methods are disclosed. The wall may include a welded-wire earth wall comprising a plurality of generally horizontal bars. The wall may include a foundation spaced apart from the welded-wire earth wall. The wall may include a plurality of concrete panels positioned on the foundation to form a concrete wall. Each concrete panel may include at least one pair of loop anchors disposed on a back face, wherein the back face faces the welded-wire earth wall. The wall may also include a plurality of connector assemblies, each of which may include a rebar hook and a threaded bar. The rebar hook is adapted for engagement with the generally horizontal bars on the welded-wire earth wall. A first end of the threaded bar may be threadably engaged with the rebar hook and a second end of the threaded bar may be adapted for connection to one of the pair of loop anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: John M. Ogorchock
  • Patent number: 8613572
    Abstract: A chemical anchoring assembly useful for fast application of a driving tool into a borehole includes an elongated tube having a first end and a second end, a quantity of chemical anchoring material within the elongated tube, and a vent at the second end of the elongated tube. As an anchor pin is driven through the elongated tube and into the borehole, forcing the chemical anchoring material into the borehole, some of the pressure caused by compression of the chemical anchoring material is released into the vent, allowing easier driving of the anchor pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: William Dubon, Robert L. Turck, Owen J. McGarel, Andrew J. Rourke, Deepak H. Mehta, Jeffrey M. Stupar, Stanley J. Cabaj, Robert G. Kobetsky, John R. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 8602111
    Abstract: A system for controlling flow in a wellbore uses a downhole flow control device positioned at a downhole location in the wellbore. The flow control device has a movable element for controlling a downhole fluid flow. In response to an applied pressure pulse, the movable element moves in finite increments from one position to another. In one embodiment, a hydraulic source generates a transmitted pressure pulse to the flow control device wherein the maximum pressure of a received pressure pulse downhole is sufficient to overcome a static friction force associated with the movable element, and wherein a minimum pressure of the received pressure pulse downhole is insufficient to overcome a dynamic friction force associated with the movable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Guy P. Vachon
  • Patent number: 8602685
    Abstract: A wave forming apparatus has a channel for containing a flow of water with an inlet end connected to a water supply, a floor, and spaced side walls, a first bed form or weir at the inlet end of the channel, and a second bed form in the channel downstream of the first bed form. Also disclosed is a wave forming apparatus has a channel for containing a flow of water, the channel having an inlet end connected to a water supply for supplying a flowing stream of water, a floor, and spaced side walls, and at least one oblique foil member adjustably mounted in the floor of the channel. The foils, weirs or bed form, form a standing wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: American Wave Machinces, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce McFarland
  • Patent number: 8585328
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an underground opening that is filled and sealed with grout comprising an aggregate coated with water-activated, expanded hydrophobic polymeric resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventors: Eric W. Smith, Homer D. Libengood
  • Patent number: 8568061
    Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for supporting trench pipes with polyurethane foams which are flotation resistant with sufficient strength and density to provide stability and inhibit erosion at pipeline trench sites, and other uses, wherein at least 50% of the foam is open cell and has a density of approximately 1.3 lbs/ft3 to 3.5 lbs/ft3. The invention also provides methods for making compositions used to make polyurethane foams that exhibit such characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Foam Supplies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy T. Kalinowski, David G. Keske, Victor B. Matimba, David L. Modray, Mark Schulte, Donald C. Keim