Patents by Inventor Douglas A. Watson

Douglas A. Watson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11725457
    Abstract: One or more apparatuses are described for drilling, and related methods. The apparatus can include a mast articulation mechanism supported by a base structure, an elongated mast, and a mast actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Watson, Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas A. Watson, Joshua N. Keck
  • Publication number: 20220349258
    Abstract: One or more apparatuses are described for drilling, and related methods. The apparatus can include a mast articulation mechanism supported by a base structure, an elongated mast, and a mast actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Douglas A. Watson, Joshua N. Keck
  • Patent number: 11414929
    Abstract: One or more apparatuses are described for drilling, and related methods. The apparatus can include a mast articulation mechanism supported by a base structure, an elongated mast, and a mast positioning actuator comprising a mast actuator that may be supported by a removable mounting element when in a short mast configuration. The method for drilling can include drilling a borehole using the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Watson, Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas A. Watson, Joshua N. Keck
  • Publication number: 20210277720
    Abstract: One or more apparatuses are described for drilling, and related methods. The apparatus can include a mast articulation mechanism supported by a base structure, an elongated mast, and a mast positioning actuator comprising a mast actuator that may be supported by a removable mounting element when in a short mast configuration. The method for drilling can include drilling a borehole using the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Douglas A. Watson, Joshua N. Keck
  • Patent number: 7093679
    Abstract: A drilling machine drills foundation holes known as drilled shafts or bored piles with a drilling tool attached to an end of a kelly. The kelly is rotated with a rotary drive. The rotary drive has a first motor, a final drive gear coupled to the kelly so as to rotate with the kelly and a planetary gear set between the first motor and the final drive gear. A second motor is coupled to the ring gear on the planetary gear set. A clutch can also be connected to the ring gear. The rotary drive allows the drilling tool to be rotated at low drilling speeds and, without stopping rotation or shifting gears, removed from the hole and accelerated to high speeds to discharge spoil. A mid-range is also possible, wherein the drilling tool can process fluids in the hole. Another motor and planetary gear set can be coupled to the final drive gear and to the second motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Watson Incorporated
    Inventor: Douglas A. Watson