Patents by Inventor Gregg A. Austin

Gregg A. Austin 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).

  • Publication number: 20060185899
    Abstract: Devices for sensing at an underground drilling device in communication with an above-ground locator involve transmitting a radar probe signal from the underground drilling device. A radar return signal is received at the underground drilling device. The radar return signal is processed at the underground drilling device to produce sensor data. The sensor data is transmitted in a form suitable for reception by the above-ground locator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Publication date: August 24, 2006
    Inventors: Kevin Alft, Brian Bischel, Gregg Austin, Hans Kelpe
  • Publication number: 20040256159
    Abstract: Devices for sensing at an underground drilling device in communication with an above-ground locator involve transmitting a radar probe signal from the underground drilling device. A radar return signal is received at the underground drilling device. The radar return signal is processed at the underground drilling device to produce sensor data. The sensor data is transmitted in a form suitable for reception by the above-ground locator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alft, Brian J. Bischel, Gregg A. Austin, Hans Kelpe
  • Patent number: 6766869
    Abstract: A remote lock-out system and method are employed with a drilling machine. The remote lock-out system includes a remote lock-out override controller capable of interrupting a drilling operation of the drilling machine. The remote lock-out override controller includes a transmitter and a receiver. A remote lock-out controller is capable of issuing a lock-out signal and a run signal, wherein the lock-out signal, when received by the HDD machine, initiates suspension of the HDD machine drilling operation, and the run signal initiates enablement of the HDD machine drilling operation. The remote lock-out controller includes a transmitter and a receiver. The HDD machine drilling operation generally includes displacing and rotating the drill string, and can further include supplying a drilling fluid through the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ivan R. Brand, Scott Kilborn, Hans Kelpe, Gregg A. Austin
  • Patent number: 6755263
    Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing at an underground drilling device in communication with an above-ground locator involve transmitting a radar probe signal from the underground drilling device. A radar return signal is received at the underground drilling device. The radar return signal is processed at the underground drilling device to produce sensor data. The sensor data is transmitted in a form suitable for reception by the above-ground locator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alft, Brian J. Bischel, Gregg A. Austin, Hans Kelpe
  • Patent number: 6557651
    Abstract: A lubrication system and method for dispensing a lubricant to threads of a drill rod and/or a spindle of a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) machine during a rod loading or unloading operation employs a pumping system having a lubricant reservoir, a pump, an applicator, and a lubricant supply conduit coupled between the pump and applicator. A heating unit is coupled to the pumping station and heats lubricant contained within the pumping system. A control unit coupled to the pumping system activates the pumping system to dispense a volume of lubricant from the applicator to the threads of the drill rod and/or spindle in response to an operator signal or an HDD machine control signal. A lubricant may be sprayed onto the spindle/drill rod threads. Alternatively, the lubricant may be communicated through a passageway defined within the spindle to one or more apertures defined within the threads of the spindle and/or the drill rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Duane E. Norby, Brian J. Bischel, Steven Erickson, Gregg A. Austin, Scott A. Rempe
  • Publication number: 20030056983
    Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing at an underground drilling device in communication with an above-ground locator involve transmitting a radar probe signal from the underground drilling device. A radar return signal is received at the underground drilling device. The radar return signal is processed at the underground drilling device to produce sensor data. The sensor data is transmitted in a form suitable for reception by the above-ground locator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alft, Brian J. Bischel, Gregg A. Austin, Hans Kelpe
  • Publication number: 20020195275
    Abstract: A remote lock-out system and method are employed with a drilling machine. The remote lock-out system includes a remote lock-out override controller capable of interrupting a drilling operation of the drilling machine. The remote lock-out override controller includes a transmitter and a receiver. A remote lock-out controller is capable of issuing a lock-out signal and a run signal, wherein the lock-out signal, when received by the HDD machine, initiates suspension of the HDD machine drilling operation, and the run signal initiates enablement of the HDD machine drilling operation. The remote lock-out controller includes a transmitter and a receiver. The HDD machine drilling operation generally includes displacing and rotating the drill string, and can further include supplying a drilling fluid through the drill string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Ivan R. Brand, Scott Kilborn, Hans Kelpe, Gregg A. Austin
  • Patent number: 6491115
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for automatically limiting the thrust force applied to a drill string during an underground boring process, in order to prevent the deformation or collapse to the drill rods due to reaching the yield point of the rods. One or more drill string characteristics that have an impact on the yield point of the drill string, or portions of the drill string, are determined. The yield point of the drill string or portion is computed, where the yield point is computed as a function of the drill string characteristics. The thrust force imparted to the drill string is adjusted in response to the computed yield point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Mark Van Houwelingen, Randy Runquist, Brian J. Bischel, Mark R. Stelter, Gregg A. Austin
  • Patent number: 6474931
    Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling machine including a multi-column magazine, a feed structure for indexing rods to and from the magazine, and a lift unit for loading the magazine by lifting rods from the feed structure into the magazine. The lift unit includes a first portion that extends beneath all of the columns of the magazine, and a second portion that projects outward from beneath the magazine. A retaining structure is provided on the second portion for holding a rod on the second portion of the lift unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gregg Austin, Scott Rempe
  • Patent number: 6470976
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an underground boring tool involve rotating the boring tool and sensing a parameter of boring tool rotation. The boring tool is also displaced along an underground path and a parameter of boring tool displacement is sensed. Various sensors monitor boring machine activities, boring tool location, orientation, and environmental condition, and geophysical and/or geologic condition of the soil/rock at the excavation site. Data acquired by these sensors is processed by a boring machine controller to provide closed-loop, real-time control of a boring operation. The controller receives the boring tool signal and other sensor signals in real-time and, in response, transmits control signals to each of the rotation and displacement units substantially in real-time so as to control one or both of a rate and a direction of boring tool movement along the underground path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alft, Brian J. Bischel, Gregg A. Austin, Hans Kelpe
  • Patent number: 6408952
    Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely altering operation of a horizontal directional drilling machine provide for remotely disabling movement of a drill string coupled to a cutting head or reamer and, in addition, disabling dispensing of fluid, foam and/or air communicated through the drill string. A lockout signal is transmitted from a portable or hand-manipulatable remote unit operated by an operator remotely situated with respect to the drilling machine. The lockout signal is received at the drilling machine. In response to the received lockout signal, a controller of the drilling machine prevents movement of the drill string and thus the cutting head or reamer. The controller also disables dispensing of fluid, foam and/or air through the drill string in response to the received lockout signal. The controller effects transmission of a verification signal from the drilling machine to the remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ivan R. Brand, Gregg A. Austin, Fred G. Delonti
  • Patent number: 6367564
    Abstract: The apparatus, system and method is capable of providing power from a directional or vertical drilling apparatus at an origin above the ground to an electronic device located in a drill head of the directional or vertical drilling apparatus located below the ground. The apparatus, system and method is also capable of providing an electrical signal from below ground back to the origin, above ground, from the electronic device. Accordingly, the mechanism for feeding electrical power down a hole to the electronic device located in the drill head and transmitting a signal back to the origin, greatly enhances the drilling process making it faster, more reliable and more efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Matthew A. Mills, Gregg Austin
  • Publication number: 20020020561
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an underground boring tool involve rotating the boring tool and sensing a parameter of boring tool rotation. The boring tool is also displaced along an underground path and a parameter of boring tool displacement is sensed. Various sensors monitor boring machine activities, boring tool location, orientation, and environmental condition, and geophysical and/or geologic condition of the soil/rock at the excavation site. Data acquired by these sensors is processed by a boring machine controller to provide closed-loop, real-time control of a boring operation. The controller receives the boring tool signal and other sensor signals in real-time and, in response, transmits control signals to each of the rotation and displacement units substantially in real-time so as to control one or both of a rate and a direction of boring tool movement along the underground path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alft, Brian J. Bischel, Gregg A. Austin, Hans Kelpe
  • Publication number: 20010022238
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for automatically limiting the thrust force applied to a drill string during an underground boring process, in order to prevent the deformation or collapse to the drill rods due to reaching the yield point of the rods. One or more drill string characteristics that have an impact on the yield point of the drill string, or portions of the drill string, are determined. The yield point of the drill string or portion is computed, where the yield point is computed as a function of the drill string characteristics. The thrust force imparted to the drill string is adjusted in response to the computed yield point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Mark Van Houwelingen, Randy Runquist, Brian J. Bischel, Mark R. Stelter, Gregg A. Austin
  • Patent number: 5941320
    Abstract: An underground directional boring machine includes a frame and a drive mechanism slidably mounted on the frame. A drill string is coupled to the drive mechanism for rotation and longitudinal advancement and retraction. A drive assembly moves the drive mechanism along the frame. The drive assembly includes two hydraulic cylinders coupled to the drive mechanism and extending in opposite directions. Free ends of the hydraulic cylinders are releasably secured to the frame at any one of a plurality of positions along the length of the frame. Selective pressurization of the cylinders results in sequential movement of the drive mechanism along the frame by alternative extension and retraction of the cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gregg A. Austin, David P. Langenfeld, Peter C. Rozendaal
  • Patent number: 5531283
    Abstract: A drivetrain and load bearing swivel hitch assembly is provided which separates the load carrying function from the power transmitting function and features a swivel hitch assembly having three axes of rotation which allow for roll, pitch and yaw movement, respectively. One end of the load bearing swivel hitch assembly is secured to an implement such as a peanut combine, while the other end is securely joined to the drawbar of a pulling vehicle such as an agricultural tractor in a manner such that the draft and tongue load are not borne by the drivetrain assembly. Drivetrain assembly includes a swivel gearbox having a generally vertical axis above the generally vertical yaw axis of the load bearing swivel hitch assembly. Combines incorporating this drivetrain and load bearing swivel hitch assembly are also provided in order to present combines that will maintain the proper operational angle for combine operation irrespective of the tractor type or size used as the pulling vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Bush Hog Corporation
    Inventors: Gregg A. Austin, Gary E. Coppock
  • Patent number: 5355971
    Abstract: A drivetrain and load bearing swivel hitch assembly is provided which separates the load carrying function from the power transmitting function and features a swivel hitch assembly having three axes of rotation which allow for roll, pitch and yaw movement, respectively. One end of the load bearing swivel hitch assembly is secured to an implement such as a peanut combine, while the other end is securely joined to the drawbar of a pulling vehicle such as an agricultural tractor in a manner such that the draft and tongue load are not borne by the drivetrain assembly. Drivetrain assembly includes a swivel gearbox having a generally vertical axis above the generally vertical yaw axis of the load bearing swivel hitch assembly. Combines incorporating this drivetrain and load bearing swivel hitch assembly are also provided in order to present combines that will maintain the proper operational angle for combine operation irrespective of the tractor type or size used as the pulling vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Bush Hog Corporation
    Inventors: Gregg A. Austin, Gary E. Coppock
  • Patent number: RE39259
    Abstract: The apparatus, system and method is capable of providing power from a directional or vertical drilling apparatus at an origin above the ground to an electronic device located in a drill head of the directional or vertical drilling apparatus located below the ground. The apparatus, system and method is also capable of providing an electrical signal from below ground back to the origin, above ground, from the electronic device. Accordingly, the mechanism for feeding electrical power down a hole to the electronic device located in the drill head and transmitting a signal back to the origin, greatly enhances the drilling process making it faster, more reliable and more efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Matthew A. Mills, Gregg Austin