Patents Examined by Sunil Singh
  • Patent number: 9874095
    Abstract: A cutting bit for a bit assembly secured to a cutter head includes a cutting end, a shank extending along a bit axis, and a shoulder positioned between the cutting end and the shank. The shoulder includes an outer edge defining a perimeter, a shoulder end surface defining a shoulder plane, a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface. The first inclined surface is positioned between the outer edge and the shoulder end surface. The first inclined surface extends along the perimeter and is oriented at a first acute angle relative to the shoulder plane. The second inclined surface is positioned between the shoulder end surface and the first inclined surface. The second inclined surface is oriented at a second acute angle relative to the shoulder plane, and the second acute angle is smaller than the first acute angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Frederick, Rudie Boshoff
  • Patent number: 9874295
    Abstract: A pipe-laying vessel including a pipe-laying tower extending upwardly from the vessel, the vessel including a welding station for joining a new pipestring to an end of the pipeline held by the tower, a clamp assembly on the tower for engaging a pipestring with a lower end adjacent to the end of the pipeline held by the tower and with the pipestring extending upwardly from its lower end alongside the tower, wherein the clamp assembly includes a pipestring clamp that serves both the function of a transfer clamp for transferring the pipestring from a position alongside the tower but displaced from the pipe-laying path to a position approximately aligned with the pipe-laying path, and the function of a line-up clamp for lining up the pipestring with the end of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: SAIPEM S.P.A.
    Inventors: Michel Pierre Armand Baylot, Yann Hajeri, Kimon Tullio Ardavanis, Stefano Bianchi
  • Patent number: 9873154
    Abstract: A cutting tool (10) comprises a shank (12) for receiving a cutting insert (14) and a block (16) for delivering a flow of fluid to the cutting insert (14). Fluid is delivered to the cutting insert (14) through a fluid passageway (18) that extends through the shank (12) and the block (16). The block (16) is pivotable mounted on the shank (12). The block (16) pivots about screw (22) between a first and a second position. In the first position the block (16) is held in sealing arrangement with the shank (12) to allow the passage of a coolant through the fluid passage (18) to the cutting insert (14). In the second position the block (16) has moved to allow removal of the cutting insert (14) from the shank (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Ian J. Baker, Stephen I Heathberglen
  • Patent number: 9868565
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gabion deployment platform for storing a folded multi-compartment gabion and from which the gabion can be deployed, the deployment platform comprising: a base element for supporting the folded multi-compartmental gabion, the base element comprising a first member configured to extend along at least a part of a first side of said folded multi-compartment gabion, and a second member, extending transversely from said first member, said second member configured to extend along at least a part of a second side of said folded multi-compartmental gabion; and at least one retaining element, coupled at a first end thereof to said base element, said at least one retaining element being releasably attached, connected or retentively engaged, at least at one point of said at least one retaining element, by way of at least one releasable attaching, connecting or retentive engaging means, to a portion of a compartment of said folded multi-compartment gabion, said at least one retaining ele
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Hesco Bastion Limited
    Inventor: Kenny Scott
  • Patent number: 9869420
    Abstract: A system and method for pipeline maintenance may include a payload and a transport module having the payload attached thereto. The transport module may include a plurality of movable arms each having at least one respective wheel. At least some of the wheels may be drive wheels which are operable in a first orientation to drive the transport module linearly along a length of a pipeline, and are further operable in a second orientation to drive the transport module circumferentially around an inner surface of the pipeline. At least some of the arms are operable to move the payload in a generally radial direction toward and away from an interior surface of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Robert E. Kodadek, Michael Passaretti, Michael Hauser, Eric S. Feldman, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair
  • Patent number: 9868492
    Abstract: The subsea support system includes a suction pile installed underwater without a remote operated vehicle (ROV). A drilling rig or offshore windfarm can be anchored by the suction pile in relatively shallow water with reduced equipment and costs. The system includes a suction pile, a vent valve assembly made integral with the suction pile, and an installation tool assembly removably attached to the vent valve assembly by a clamping device. The system is connected on a vessel before being deployed. Once lowered to the subsea location, the installation tool assembly actuates a seal plate to positions corresponding to closing the suction pile, pumping water through the vent valve assembly to embed the suction pile, and sealing the suction pile at the desired depth. The installation tool assembly can be released by the clamping device to separate from the vent valve assembly and return to the vessel for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventor: Austin T. Mohrfeld
  • Patent number: 9856733
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for installation of a rock bolt (124) in a first drill hole by means of a rock bolting rig (100), wherein said rock bolting rig (100) comprises a carrier (101), a boom unit (102) fastened to said carrier (101), and a bolt unit (103) fastened to said boom unit (102) via first joint means (106), wherein said bolt unit (103) comprises a feeder unit (104) including means for displaceable carrying of a drilling machine (105), wherein said bolt unit comprises a first (103A) end and holding means (123, 125) for holding said rock bolt (124).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
    Inventors: Jan Olsson, Rene Deutsch
  • Patent number: 9851021
    Abstract: A method for removing from a terrain (T) a buried longitudinal portion (P) of a substantially cylindrical pipe made of a ductile material and of a type suitable for use in oil pipelines, water pipelines, gas pipelines or the like, which method comprises steps of: digging at least an excavation (S1, S2) in the terrain (T), at a longitudinal end (P1, P2) of the buried portion (P) to be removed, such as to make the end accessible; making at least a through-cut in the wall of the portion (P) of pipe to be removed, so as to obtain at least a strip having two opposite longitudinal edges which define a width of the strip that is smaller than a circumference of a wall of the portion (P) of pipe; taking the strip and removing it from the terrain, passing it through the excavation (S1, S2); and obstructing the underground volume that has housed the portion (P) of the pipe (P) and the excavation (S1, S2) with filler material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: ENERECO S.P.A.
    Inventors: Alfredo Frassinelli, Aurelio Simoncelli, Franco Iacucci
  • Patent number: 9845677
    Abstract: An inline mounting assembly for a TBM cutter assembly includes first and second housing mounts, having upper and lower ear portions, and an inline channel sized to receive an end of the cutter assembly. The housing mounts include a first guide and a second guide defining forward and rearward abutment faces. A wedge assembly includes a bolt that extends through the first guide and engages a wedge configured to clamp the cutter shaft to the housing mount. A back support assembly includes a clamp block that abuts the rearward abutment face, a bridge block that abuts the forward abutment face, and a bolt that extends through the blocks. The bridge block abuts the shaft to provide support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: The Robbins Company
    Inventors: Carl E. Lenaburg, Ross D. Galbraith
  • Patent number: 9840835
    Abstract: A method for building a drainage well in a loose granular soil is disclosed. The method includes inserting a liner tube into a loose soil using an inserting device. The liner tube includes a housing and an internal shaft placed inside the housing and coupled to inside the housing via a locking mechanism. Subsequent to insertion into the soil, the internal shaft is unlocked from the housing and removed therefrom. Thereafter, a grooved pipe is inserted inside the housing using the inserting device. Subsequent to the grooved pipe insertion into the housing, the housing is removed from the loose granular soil using a mechanical excavator and a space between the loose granular soil and the grooved pipe is filled with a filling material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Inventor: Bahman Niroumand
  • Patent number: 9834896
    Abstract: The present invention is a support structure including elongate hollow cylinder and flat plates secured thereto. A first rigid flat plate is horizontally disposed in overlying relation to each hollow cylinder and a second rigid flat plate is horizontally disposed in underlying relation to each hollow cylinder. Stress-distributing strengthening members are circumferentially positioned about the hollow cylinder and secured to their associated rigid flat plates. A key may extend from a first end of each hollow cylinder and a mating socket may be formed in a second end of each hollow cylinder to facilitate end-to-end interconnection of a plurality of hollow cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Omega Trestle LLC
    Inventors: Valery Tsimmerman, Kevin Edward Lathan
  • Patent number: 9828739
    Abstract: The disclosure describes, in part, battered composite piles arranged in-line with angled legs of a tower (e.g., lattice tower). The number of battered composite piles may be equal to the number of angled tower legs of the tower, and each of the battered composite piles may attach to a respective angled tower leg and may have batter angles at angles that match an angle of the angled legs of the tower. These battered composite piles are loaded predominantly axially rather than in shear and, thus, the piles may be designed to be much smaller in size while still meeting safety requirements. In addition, the piles may be installed in less time and at a lower cost than compression/lift and shear loaded foundations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Crux Subsurface, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Austin Davidow, Nickolas G. Salisbury
  • Patent number: 9819160
    Abstract: A boreable multiduct assembly packaged for sale includes a receiver, a continuous outer conduit having a central lumen and multiple innerducts held freely in that lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: BLUE DIAMOND INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Robert B. DeMuth
  • Patent number: 9810053
    Abstract: A drilling system performs underground boring using a drill rig and a boring tool which is configured for moving through the ground under control of the drill rig to form an underground bore. A monitoring arrangement, forming part of the system, includes a detection arrangement at the drill rig for monitoring at least one operational parameter to produce a data signal relating to at least one of a utility to be installed in the underground bore, the drill rig and the boring tool. A portable device forms another part of the system for receiving the data signal relating to the operational parameter for use by the portable device. A communication arrangement, for example using telemetry, transfers the data signal from the drill rig to the portable device. The operational parameter may be monitored for the purpose of preventing equipment failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Merlin Technology Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Mercer
  • Patent number: 9797245
    Abstract: In a drum housing for a working drum of a construction machine or mining machine, said working drum being provided with tools and rotating about a drum axis, with a housing shell which at least partially encloses the circumference of the working drum, and with at least one inspection opening for a monitoring device arranged in the housing shell, wherein said monitoring device inspects the condition of the working drum or the tools thereof, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: a closing mechanism is arranged on the outside of the housing shell, said closing mechanism enabling closure of the at least one inspection opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Writgen GmbH
    Inventors: Winfried von Schoenebeck, Joerg Berges, Peter Berghoff, Stefan Wagner
  • Patent number: 9797105
    Abstract: An erosion control mat provides a plurality of concrete blocks. Each block has an upper portion with a plurality of upper inclined side walls. Each block has a lower portion with a plurality of inclined lower side walls. The block has an upper surface and a lower surface and a block periphery in the form of an edge where the upper and lower side walls meet. Cables or ropes connect the blocks together to form a block matrix and the erosion control mat. Each block has a boot affixed to the block lower portion, the boot having a plurality of inclined side panels. Each boot side panel has an upper edge. The boot has a lower panel, a boot interior surface and an interior that is receptive of at least part of the block lower portion. The boot inclined side panels engage the block inclined lower side walls. The boot lower panel engages the block lower surface. A plurality of anchor posts are attached to the interior surface of the boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: WASKEY BRIDGES, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen G. Benton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9790657
    Abstract: A method for water-proofing underground structures (10) comprising: a step of injecting an expanding compound adjacent to the surface (10b) directed toward the outside of an underground structure (10) to be waterproofed in order to form at least two confinement portions (2); a step of injecting a diffusing compound (4) intended to harden adjacent to the surface (10a) directed toward the outside of the underground structure (10) and at a completion region (3) that is delimited by said at least two confinement portions (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: THUR S.R.L.
    Inventors: Mariapia Pastor, Andrea Birtele
  • Patent number: 9783946
    Abstract: A laterally sliding type opening/closing gate of a torsion structure of reasonable cost is implemented. The gate includes: the torsion structure having a closed cross-section consisting of a thin wall installed such that it may cross a sluice and be composed such that its cross-section may make an in-plane rotation around a restriction point on the cross-section and that a torsion moment generated by an applied load and reaction force on the restriction point is transmitted to its terminal due to its torsion rigidity; and a rail that is installed such that it may cross the sluice; and a plurality of axle type supports that has a function of a restriction point and moves along the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventors: Hiroshi Terata, Hiroko Terata, Akira Ishido, Shoko Kukita, Keiichi Terata, Yoko Terata
  • Patent number: 9765495
    Abstract: The invention relates to improved water control gates and related inflatable actuators, and associated sealing, manufacture and operation apparatus and methods. Advancements in technologies related to air fitting design, inflated bladder stress relief, inflatable bladder strength enhancement, water gate related slide friction mitigation, abutment and other impounded water seals, gate panel fabrication, traffic accommodating water impoundment structures, and water gate panel system operation efficiency, as well as nappe aeration, hinges, and bladder manufacture technology are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventor: Henry K. Obermeyer
  • Patent number: 9765493
    Abstract: The present invention features a flood damage prevention apparatus having a modular equilateral triangular prism enclosure with an interlocking system used to interlock and position additional modules of the apparatus during flood damage prevention deployment. The interlock system enables additional modules of the flood damage prevention apparatus to be locked in position. Each module may be protected from flood debris damage by way of a protective covering over each enclosure. The apparatus may be filled with fluid via a seal tight opening located on the surface of the enclosure which in turn may be closed using a seal tight apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: GRAVITY WELLS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Kent Butler