Patents by Inventor Robert Heideman

Robert Heideman 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: 8651040
    Abstract: A disconnectable mooring system for a vessel is presented, comprising a moonpool in the vessel, a turret structure mounted for a rotation in said moonpool and a buoy member having a plurality of passages each adapted to receive a riser. The turret structure has a lower end comprising a buoy receptacle for detachably receiving the buoy member, wherein the mooring system further comprises a plurality of mooring lines for transmitting mooring forces and each have a lower end and an upper end connected to the seabed and the buoy member, respectively. The mooring lines each comprise a first section which in a disconnectable manner is connected to the turret structure and a second section connected to the first section at a coupling point and connected to the buoy member. Also methods for disconnecting and reconnecting such a mooring system are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Bluewater Energy Services B.V.
    Inventors: Rik Robert Heideman, Patrizio Giovanni Matia Ottolini, Clemens Gerardus Johannes Maria Van Der Nat, Boris Rijnten, Richard Leeuwenburgh, Jacob Jan Van Nielen, Henk Heikens Pleizier
  • Publication number: 20120216736
    Abstract: A disconnectable mooring system for a vessel is presented, comprising a moonpool in the vessel, a turret structure mounted for a rotation in said moonpool and a buoy member having a plurality of passages each adapted to receive a riser. The turret structure has a lower end comprising a buoy receptacle for detachably receiving the buoy member, wherein the mooring system further comprises a plurality of mooring lines for transmitting mooring forces and each have a lower end and an upper end connected to the seabed and the buoy member, respectively. The mooring lines each comprise a first section which in a disconnectable manner is connected to the turret structure and a second section connected to the first section at a coupling point and connected to the buoy member. Also methods for disconnecting and reconnecting such a mooring system are presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Bluewater Energy Services B.V.
    Inventors: Rik Robert Heideman, Patrizio Giovanni Matia Ottolini, Clemens Gerardus Johannes Maria Van Der Nat, Boris Rijnten, Richard Leeuwenburgh, Jacob Jan Van Nielen, Henk Heikens Plezier
  • Patent number: 7527010
    Abstract: Vessel with mooring system, comprising a turret anchored to the seabed and a turret casing being part of the vessel, wherein the turret and turret casing are interconnected by a connecting element comprising a bearing arrangement and wherein the connecting element has a first end connected to the turret casing and an opposite second end connected to the turret. The connecting element is positioned in such a manner that it experiences tensile forces. When the turret downwardly loads the turret casing the first end of the connecting element is positioned at a higher level then the second end thereof. When the turret upwardly loads the turret casing the first end of the connecting element is positioned at a lower level then the second end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Bluewater Energy Services B.V.
    Inventors: Rik Robert Heideman, Hendrik Cornelis Ynze Ter Horst, Clemens Gerardus Johannes Maria Van Der Nat, Pieter Cornelis Burger
  • Publication number: 20080202404
    Abstract: Vessel with mooring system, comprising a turret anchored to the seabed and a turret casing being part of the vessel, wherein the turret and turret casing are interconnected by a connecting element comprising a bearing arrangement and wherein the connecting element has a first end connected to the turret casing and an opposite second end connected to the turret. The connecting element is positioned in such a manner that it experiences tensile forces. When the turret downwardly loads the turret casing the first end of the connecting element is positioned at a higher level then the second end thereof. When the turret upwardly loads the turret casing the first end of the connecting element is positioned at a lower level then the second end thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Bluewater Energy Services B.V.
    Inventors: Rik Robert Heideman, Hendrik Cornelis Ynze Ter Horst, Clemens Gerardus Johannes Maria Van Der Nat, Pieter Cornelis Burger
  • Publication number: 20070222326
    Abstract: A rotor for an electric machine having a number of poles includes a shaft that extends along a portion of an axis and defines an outer surface. A first core portion is formed as a single inseparable component and includes a first portion that extends from the outer surface to a first outside diameter to define a first thickness, and a second portion spaced axially from the first portion that includes a reduced back portion that extends from an inside diameter to the first outside diameter to define a second thickness that is less than the first thickness. A second core portion is connected to the first core portion and includes a second outside diameter that is substantially the same as the first outside diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: A.O. SMITH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dan Ionel, Stephen Dellinger, Robert Heideman, Alan Lesak
  • Publication number: 20070132335
    Abstract: A rotor for an electric machine having a number of poles includes a shaft that extends along a portion of an axis and defines an outer surface. A first core portion extends along a portion of the axis to define a first core length. The first core portion includes a first reduced back portion that has an inside surface that does not contact the outer surface. A second core portion is coupled to the first core portion for rotation. In some constructions, a coupling member interconnects the shaft, the first core portion, and the second core portion such that the shaft, the first core portion, and the second core portion rotate about the axis substantially in unison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Inventors: Dan Ionel, Stephen Dellinger, Robert Heideman, Alan Lesak
  • Publication number: 20070132336
    Abstract: A rotor for an electric machine includes a shaft that is rotatable about an axis and defines a first diameter normal to the axis. A first core portion defines a first aperture having a first aperture diameter that is larger than the first diameter. The first core portion is positioned adjacent the shaft to define a first space. A second core portion defines a second aperture having a second aperture diameter that is larger than the first diameter. The second core portion is positioned adjacent the shaft to define a second space. A damping member is positioned in the first space and the second space. The damping member at least partially interconnects the shaft, the first core portion, and the second core portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Inventors: Dan Ionel, Stephen Dellinger, Robert Heideman, Alan Lesak
  • Publication number: 20070096587
    Abstract: A stator for a multi-phase electric machine having a plurality of core segments interconnected with one another and a plurality of coils. At least one core segment includes a plurality of teeth and a back portion that at least partially interconnects the teeth. The back portion of each segment has a first arrangement in which the teeth of that segment are a first distance from one another and a second arrangement in which the teeth of that segment are a second distance from one another, the second distance being smaller than the first distance. Each coil surrounds at least a portion of one tooth, wherein all coils surrounding teeth of a single core segment interconnect to at least partially define one phase winding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: Dan Ionel, Stephen Dellinger, Robert Heideman, Alan Lesak
  • Publication number: 20070085437
    Abstract: A rotor includes a shalt that defines a rotor axis, a first end portion coupled to the shaft, and a pole piece that defines an enclosed aperture therethrough. A second end portion is positioned to dispose the pole piece between the first end portion and the second end portion. A portion of one of the first end portion and the second end portion extends through the aperture and bonds with the other of the first end portion and the second end portion. The portion is integrally-formed as a single piece with one of the first end portion and the second end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: A.O. SMITH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Heideman, Dan Ionel
  • Patent number: 7156215
    Abstract: A quick change shock absorber for providing for the quick and easy removal of a shock absorber from a fixture of an industrial machine. The quick change shock absorber provides a housing having a smooth, outer bore and a blind bore adaptable to hold a fluid. A piston is slidably disposed within the bore of the housing and is engageable with a driver for movement between an extended position, wherein the piston has a portion extending outwardly from the housing, and a retracted position, wherein the piston is disposed within the housing. The outer periphery is receivable by the fixture which has a bore for complementarily receiving the outer periphery of the housing. A rubber retaining ring seated within a recess of the housing of the shock absorber creates a level of friction between the outer periphery of the housing and the fixture that constitutes a snug fit for quick change removal and replacement of the housing from the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Enertrols, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Mitera, Robert Heideman, Ronald F. Legawiec
  • Publication number: 20060061227
    Abstract: A spoke permanent magnet rotor that includes a shaft defining a rotor axis. A first non-magnetic end portion is coupled to the shaft and a ferromagnetic pole piece defines an aperture therethrough. A second non-magnetic end portion is positioned to dispose the pole piece between the first end portion and the second end portion. A portion of one of the first end portion and the second end portion extends through the aperture and bonds with the other of the first end portion and the second end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Publication date: March 23, 2006
    Applicant: A.O. Smith Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Heideman, Dan Ionel
  • Patent number: 6988600
    Abstract: A high frequency dampening apparatus for dampening the travel of a high frequency cycling driver. The present invention provides an enclosed housing having a fluid disposed therein. A piston rod is partially disposed within the housing and is engageable with a high frequency driver wherein the piston rod moves between a rearward position and a forward position relative to the housing. A plurality of fingers are circumferentially spaced and extend radially outward from the piston rod. A piston head retainer is connected to and extends radially outward from the piston rod and provides an orifice extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Ace Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Heideman
  • Patent number: 6976564
    Abstract: A quick change shock absorber for providing the quick and easy removal of a shock absorber from a fixture of an industrial machine. The quick change shock absorber provides a housing having a bore adaptable to hold a fluid therein. A piston is slidably disposed within the bore of the housing and is engageable with a driver for movement between an extended position, wherein the piston has a portion extending outwardly from the housing, and a retracted position, wherein the piston is disposed within the housing. A connecting member extends from the housing and is engageable with a fixture having a bore therein for releasably connecting and locating the housing to the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Ace Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Mitera, Robert Heideman
  • Patent number: 6974002
    Abstract: An adjustable shock absorber for applying a force to a moving member so as to decelerate the member. The present invention provides a cylindrical outer tube having a plurality of circular, angular grooves formed in the inner surface of the tube. A cylindrical inner tube is rotatably disposed within the outer tube. A piston is slidably disposed within the inner tube and is engageable with the moving member. The piston moves between a compressed position and an extended position. The inner tube has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough and fluidly communicatable with the grooves in the outer tube. A screw thread is formed in the outer surface of the inner tube and is fluidly communicatable with the grooves in the outer tube. The inner tube and the outer tube rotate with respect to each other to adjust the level of fluid communication between the rearward end and the forward end of the shock absorber to adjust the level of force applied to the moving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Ace Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Heideman
  • Publication number: 20050103588
    Abstract: A quick change shock absorber for providing the quick and easy removal of a shock absorber from a fixture of an industrial machine. The quick change shock absorber provides a housing having a bore adaptable to hold a fluid therein. A piston is slidably disposed within the bore of the housing and is engageable with a driver for movement between an extended position, wherein the piston has a portion extending outwardly from the housing, and a retracted position, wherein the piston is disposed within the housing. A connecting member extends from the housing and is engageable with a fixture having a bore therein for releasably connecting and locating the housing to the fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Richard Mitera, Robert Heideman
  • Publication number: 20050088052
    Abstract: A rotor assembly for an electric motor includes a spoke permanent magnet rotor and a shaft connected thereto. The spoke permanent magnet rotor has an axis of rotation, permanent magnet material, and ferro-magnetic material. The permanent magnet material extends outwardly relative to the axis of rotation to form a plurality of outwardly extending spoke portions of permanent magnet material. The ferro-magnetic material is positioned adjacent to the outwardly extending spoke portions of permanent magnet material. The shaft supports the spoke permanent magnet rotor for rotation about the axis of rotation. The permanent magnet material may circumferentially surround the axis of rotation to form a center portion of permanent magnet material. Further, the axis of rotation may pass through the permanent magnet material. The spoke permanent magnet rotor may be formed using a compaction process and/or an injection molding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 28, 2005
    Applicant: A.O. Smith Corporation
    Inventors: Dan Ionel, Robert Heideman, Ronald Bartos
  • Publication number: 20050077132
    Abstract: A quick change shock absorber for providing for the quick and easy removal of a shock absorber from a fixture of an industrial machine. The quick change shock absorber provides a housing having a smooth, outer bore and a blind bore adaptable to hold a fluid. A piston is slidably disposed within the bore of the housing and is engageable with a driver for movement between an extended position, wherein the piston has a portion extending outwardly from the housing, and a retracted position, wherein the piston is disposed within the housing. The outer periphery is receivable by the fixture which has a bore for complementarily receiving the outer periphery of the housing. A rubber retaining ring seated within a recess of the housing of the shock absorber creates a level of friction between the outer periphery of the housing and the fixture that constitutes a snug fit for quick change removal and replacement of the housing from the fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Richard Mitera, Robert Heideman, Ronald Legawiec
  • Publication number: 20040182662
    Abstract: An adjustable shock absorber for applying a force to a moving member so as to decelerate the member. The present invention provides a cylindrical outer tube having a plurality of circular, angular grooves formed in the inner surface of the tube. A cylindrical inner tube is rotatably disposed within the outer tube. A piston is slidably disposed within the inner tube and is engageable with the moving member. The piston moves between a compressed position and an extended position. The inner tube has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough and fluidly communicatable with the grooves in the outer tube. A screw thread is formed in the outer surface of the inner tube and is fluidly communicatable with the grooves in the outer tube. The inner tube and the outer tube rotate with respect to each other to adjust the level of fluid communication between the rearward end and the forward end of the shock absorber to adjust the level of force applied to the moving member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Heideman
  • Patent number: 6609597
    Abstract: A dampening apparatus for dampening an actuating member over a wide array of temperatures. The present invention provides a fluid filled housing having a first chamber, a second chamber, and a passageway therebetween. A first piston is slidably received within the first chamber for movement from a pre-actuated position to an actuated position. A second piston is slidably received within said second chamber for movement from said pre-actuated position to said actuated position. A spring disposed within the second chamber biases the second piston toward said passageway and maintains a constant level of fluid pressure within the housing regardless of the temperatures of the fluid. An exhaust port is in communication with the second chamber wherein the second piston is disposed between the passageway and the exhaust port in the pre-actuated position, and wherein the exhaust port is located between the passageway and the second piston in the actuated position to allow the fluid to escape through the exhaust port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Enertrols, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Heideman
  • Patent number: 4482035
    Abstract: A shock absorber for providing a linear decelerating force to a machine part by means of a piston which forces fluid through a series of orifices formed by co-action of holes in the piston cylinder and holes formed in a sleeve forming a metering tube which fits over the cylinder. An infinite number of adjustments in the shock absorber characteristics is achieved by moving the holes in the metering tubes in orbital pattern relative to the holes in the cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Inventors: Robert Heideman, Richard G. Dressell, Jr.