Patents by Inventor James B. Loftis

James B. Loftis 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: 6148146
    Abstract: A hot water heater of a low profile, box-shaped design, with the height and width remaining generally constant, and the length being dependent on the volumetric capacity desired for the water heater. The water heater is configured for horizontal configuration or vertical mounting and includes a cold water inlet for allowing input of cold water into a lower compartment. A baffle plate divides the lower compartment from an upper compartment, and water from the cold water inlet flows through a baffle opening, or delivery outlet, into the upper compartment. While in the lower compartment, the water is subjected to heating by at least one heating element, which serves to pre-heat the water. As the water flows to the upper compartment, it is heated further by at least one additional heating element located in the upper compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventors: Bobby L. Poore, James B. Loftis
  • Patent number: 4312413
    Abstract: Drilling apparatus embodying an elongated boxed-in frame supporting a transmission unit for longitudinal movement therein with the transmission unit connecting a polygonal drive shaft to a driven head which is threadedly connected to a drill rod section. A first drive unit carried by the elongated frame has a drive shaft in axial alignment with one end of the polygonal shaft with the other end of the polygonal shaft being in axial alignment with the drive shaft of a second drive unit. The drive units exert torque concomitantly at opposite ends of the polygonal shaft to rotate both ends of the polygonal shaft in the same direction. The elongated frame is carried by a supporting frame mounted for rotation about a vertical axis on a translatable frame to position the driven head at selected angular positions about the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1982
    Inventor: James B. Loftis
  • Patent number: 4296820
    Abstract: Drilling apparatus embodying an elongated frame supports a transmission unit for longitudinal movement therein. The transmission unit carries a drive head slidably driven by a polygonal, parallel drive shaft and is threadedly connected to one end of a drill rod section in axial alignment therewith. The other end of the drill rod section is connected selectively to another drill rod section and a drill bit. A drill rod rack is mounted for rotation about an axis within the elongated frame and carries a plurality of angularly spaced drill rod sections which are moved sequentially into axial alignment with the driven head whereby it is positioned to drill a hole while extending through the rack. The drill rod sections extend through angularly spaced passageways in a support member which is carried by a shaft at the axis of rotation of the drill rod rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Inventor: James B. Loftis
  • Patent number: 4190119
    Abstract: An earth drilling method and apparatus utilizes a unique drill string rotary drive and support arrangement which provides for the utilization of longer drill strings than could heretofore be accommodated on prior art drill masts of equal height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1980
    Assignee: Joy Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James B. Loftis, Norlin O. Lewis
  • Patent number: 3965628
    Abstract: A drill mast support assembly having a drill mast pivotable between a drilling and a non-drilling position and including elongated rigid brace means for stabilizing the mast in the drilling position. The brace means are connected to the mast by support means which provide for a compact assembly when the mast in the non-drilling position and permit the brace means to be automatically positioned as the drill mast is moved to the drilling position. Lock means are further provided for preventing relative movement between the mast and the brace means when the mast is in the drilling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1976
    Assignee: Joy Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: James B. Loftis
  • Patent number: 3966053
    Abstract: A drilling apparatus and more particularly a drilling apparatus having improved drill pipe storage and handling means therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1976
    Assignee: Joy Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: James B. Loftis
  • Patent number: RE29020
    Abstract: .[.A carriage movable by a power unit along a track carrying a drive shaft connected sequentially to a plurality of drill rods. The drill rods are supplied by spaced apart transversely movable rack assemblies having upwardly opening spaced recesses therein. Transverse, spaced apart support arms are mounted for pivotal movement in vertical planes about a common axis selectively to an upper position in alignment with the drive shaft and to a lower position beneath the drill rods carried by the rack assembly. The rack assemblies are moved to position drill rods sequentially in alignment with the path of movement of the support arms..]..Iadd.A drilling apparatus and more particularly a drilling apparatus adapted for drilling holes into the side of a mass of earth and including thereon improved drill rod carrying and transfer means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1974
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1976
    Assignee: Joy Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: David L. Moody, James B. Loftis