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).
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Patent number: 8651040Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 22, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20120216736Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: 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
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Patent number: 7527010Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 3, 2007Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Bluewater Energy Services B.V.Inventors: Rik Robert Heideman, Hendrik Cornelis Ynze Ter Horst, Clemens Gerardus Johannes Maria Van Der Nat, Pieter Cornelis Burger
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Publication number: 20080202404Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: Bluewater Energy Services B.V.Inventors: Rik Robert Heideman, Hendrik Cornelis Ynze Ter Horst, Clemens Gerardus Johannes Maria Van Der Nat, Pieter Cornelis Burger
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Publication number: 20070222326Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2007Publication date: September 27, 2007Applicant: A.O. SMITH CORPORATIONInventors: Dan Ionel, Stephen Dellinger, Robert Heideman, Alan Lesak
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Publication number: 20070132336Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2005Publication date: June 14, 2007Inventors: Dan Ionel, Stephen Dellinger, Robert Heideman, Alan Lesak
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Publication number: 20070132335Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2005Publication date: June 14, 2007Inventors: Dan Ionel, Stephen Dellinger, Robert Heideman, Alan Lesak
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Publication number: 20070096587Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2005Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventors: Dan Ionel, Stephen Dellinger, Robert Heideman, Alan Lesak
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Publication number: 20070085437Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Applicant: A.O. SMITH CORPORATIONInventors: Robert Heideman, Dan Ionel
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Patent number: 7156215Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Enertrols, Inc.Inventors: Richard T. Mitera, Robert Heideman, Ronald F. Legawiec
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Publication number: 20060061227Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2004Publication date: March 23, 2006Applicant: A.O. Smith CorporationInventors: Robert Heideman, Dan Ionel
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Patent number: 6988600Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: Ace Controls, Inc.Inventor: Robert Heideman
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Patent number: 6976564Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 27, 2004Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Ace Controls, Inc.Inventors: Richard T. Mitera, Robert Heideman
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Patent number: 6974002Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 20, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Ace Controls, Inc.Inventor: Robert Heideman
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Publication number: 20050103588Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2004Publication date: May 19, 2005Inventors: Richard Mitera, Robert Heideman
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Publication number: 20050088052Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2003Publication date: April 28, 2005Applicant: A.O. Smith CorporationInventors: Dan Ionel, Robert Heideman, Ronald Bartos
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Publication number: 20050077132Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2003Publication date: April 14, 2005Inventors: Richard Mitera, Robert Heideman, Ronald Legawiec
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Publication number: 20040182662Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2003Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventor: Robert Heideman
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Patent number: 6609597Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 6, 2002Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Enertrols, Inc.Inventor: Robert Heideman
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Patent number: 4482035Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 23, 1982Date of Patent: November 13, 1984Inventors: Robert Heideman, Richard G. Dressell, Jr.