Patents by Inventor Ryan W. Knapp
Ryan W. Knapp 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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Publication number: 20240083558Abstract: A vessel hull stabilization system includes a housing having a rotatable shaft mounted thereto, the shaft configured to connect to a fin such that the fin is located on an outside of the vessel hull and the housing is located on an inside of the vessel hull. A drive system is mounted to the housing and includes a motor and a drive element. The motor is connected to a central shaft of the drive element. The drive element includes a plurality of teeth positioned between the outer element and the central shaft such that when the motor rotates the central shaft, the plurality of teeth oscillate inwards and outwards to interact with teeth in the outer element and thereby cause rotation of a fin shaft connected to the outer element or to the gear having the oscillating teeth. A controller receives sensor readings to determine control signals to send to the motor(s) to impart rotation of the fin.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Inventors: John D. Venables, Steven J. Venables, Cameron Costen, Ryan W. Knapp
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Patent number: 11851144Abstract: A vessel hull stabilization system includes a housing having a rotatable shaft mounted thereto, the shaft configured to connect to a fin such that the fin is located on an outside of the vessel hull and the housing is located on an inside of the vessel hull. A drive system is mounted to the housing and includes a motor and a drive element. The motor is connected to a central shaft of the drive element. The drive element includes a plurality of teeth positioned between the outer element and the central shaft such that when the motor rotates the central shaft, the plurality of teeth oscillate inwards and outwards to interact with teeth in the outer element and thereby cause rotation of a fin shaft connected to the outer element or to the gear having the oscillating teeth. A controller receives sensor readings to determine control signals to send to the motor(s) to impart rotation of the fin.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2023Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: Naiad Maritime Group, Inc.Inventors: John D. Venables, Steven J. Venables, Cameron Costen, Ryan W. Knapp
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Patent number: 11685485Abstract: A vessel hull stabilization system includes a housing having a rotatable shaft mounted thereto, the shaft configured to connect to a fin such that the fin is located on an outside of the vessel hull and the housing is located on an inside of the vessel hull. A drive system is mounted to the housing and includes a motor and a drive element. The motor is connected to a central shaft of the drive element. The drive element includes a plurality of teeth positioned between the outer element and the central shaft such that when the motor rotates the central shaft, the plurality of teeth oscillate inwards and outwards to interact with teeth in the outer element and thereby cause rotation of a fin shaft connected to the outer element or to the gear having the oscillating teeth. A controller receives sensor readings to determine control signals to send to the motor(s) to impart rotation of the fin.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2020Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Naiad Maritime Group, Inc.Inventors: John D. Venables, Steven J. Venables, Cameron Costen, Ryan W. Knapp
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Publication number: 20230192249Abstract: A vessel hull stabilization system includes a housing having a rotatable shaft mounted thereto, the shaft configured to connect to a fin such that the fin is located on an outside of the vessel hull and the housing is located on an inside of the vessel hull. A drive system is mounted to the housing and includes a motor and a drive element. The motor is connected to a central shaft of the drive element. The drive element includes a plurality of teeth positioned between the outer element and the central shaft such that when the motor rotates the central shaft, the plurality of teeth oscillate inwards and outwards to interact with teeth in the outer element and thereby cause rotation of a fin shaft connected to the outer element or to the gear having the oscillating teeth. A controller receives sensor readings to determine control signals to send to the motor(s) to impart rotation of the fin.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2023Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: John D. Venables, Steven J. Venables, Cameron Costen, Ryan W. Knapp
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Publication number: 20220234699Abstract: A fin stabilizer is provided for a vessel and includes a fin which is supported by a shaft that extends below the waterline. The shaft is fixed in rotation along its elongate axis relative to the vessel and the fin includes an actuator mechanism which causes the fin to rotate around the shaft to counteract roll of the vessel. In some cases, the actuator may be hydraulic and the shaft may include passages therethrough to transfer hydraulic fluid/pressure from the vessel's interior hydraulic system through the shaft and into the actuator to cause the fin to rotate. The fin may also be able to pivot into a storage position where, for example, the shaft is folded into a cavity in the vessel hull.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2022Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventors: John D. Venables, Steven J. Venables, Ryan W. Knapp
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Patent number: 11325816Abstract: A lifting apparatus and controller therefore, where the lifting apparatus includes independently driven lifting columns and independently driven wheels that are controlled by a controller having a number of sensors such as limit sensors, position sensors, rotation sensors, laser sensors, torque sensors and the like. The independent motors for lifting and driving may also be removed easily to provide for improved servicing and maintenance. The various sensor signals are used to calculate, coordinate and calibrate the apparatus for precise and safe movement by the motors in order to perform lifting and positioning operations, for example rail car repair and service.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2019Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: BBM Railway Equipment, LLCInventors: Ryan W. Knapp, Peter McGonagle, Mark O'Donnell
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Publication number: 20220024736Abstract: Provided is a system and method for positioning a load including an apparatus having a plurality of columns. Each column has a first support and a motor adapted to move the first support along an axis of the column. A second support is connected to at least two of the first supports and a track member for receiving a portion of a vehicle is connected to the second support. Load and position sensors are coupled to the apparatus for transmitting load and position signals. A controller is in communication with the columns and receives the load and position signals to compare the load and position signals to generate at least one control signal that is sent to at least one of said motors for controlling the position of at least one of said first supports.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2021Publication date: January 27, 2022Applicant: BBM Railway Equipment, LLCInventors: Ryan W. Knapp, Peter McGonagle, Mark O'Donnell
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Patent number: 11161724Abstract: Provided is a system and method for positioning a load including an apparatus having a plurality of columns. Each column has a first support and a motor adapted to move the first support along an axis of the column. A second support is connected to at least two of the first supports and a track member for receiving a portion of a vehicle is connected to the second support. Load and position sensors are coupled to the apparatus for transmitting load and position signals. A controller is in communication with the columns and receives the load and position signals to compare the load and position signals to generate at least one control signal that is sent to at least one of said motors for controlling the position of at least one of said first supports.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2017Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: BBM Railway Equipment, LLCInventors: Ryan W. Knapp, Peter McGonagle, Mark O'Donnell
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Publication number: 20200361582Abstract: A vessel hull stabilization system includes a housing having a rotatable shaft mounted thereto, the shaft configured to connect to a fin such that the fin is located on an outside of the vessel hull and the housing is located on an inside of the vessel hull. A drive system is mounted to the housing and includes a motor and a drive element. The motor is connected to a central shaft of the drive element. The drive element includes a plurality of teeth positioned between the outer element and the central shaft such that when the motor rotates the central shaft, the plurality of teeth oscillate inwards and outwards to interact with teeth in the outer element and thereby cause rotation of a fin shaft connected to the outer element or to the gear having the oscillating teeth. A controller receives sensor readings to determine control signals to send to the motor(s) to impart rotation of the fin.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2020Publication date: November 19, 2020Inventors: John D. Venables, Steven J. Venables, Cameron Costen, Ryan W. Knapp
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Patent number: 10730727Abstract: A lifting apparatus having two rails spaced apart at a distance and two lifting mechanisms, each lifting mechanism supporting one of the two rails. A platform is disposed between the two rails such that movement of the lifting mechanisms causes the rails to displace relative to the platform. A base has the two lifting mechanisms connected thereto and the platform is connected to the base. The base moves horizontally along a floor. Further, the floor may be disposed in a pit and the travel of the rails between minimum and maximum rail heights may be greater than 62.5% of the depth of the pit. The minimum rail height may be less than 50% of the depth of the pit.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2014Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: BBM Railway Equipment, LLCInventor: Ryan W. Knapp
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Patent number: 10662044Abstract: A lifting apparatus and controller therefore, where the lifting apparatus includes independently driven lifting columns and independently driven wheels that are controlled by a controller having a number of sensors such as limit sensors, position sensors, rotation sensors, laser sensors, torque sensors and the like. The independent motors for lifting and driving may also be removed easily to provide for improved servicing and maintenance. The various sensor signals are used to calculate, coordinate and calibrate the apparatus for precise and safe movement by the motors in order to perform lifting and positioning operations, for example rail car repair and service.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2017Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: BBM Railway Equipment, LLCInventors: Ryan W. Knapp, Peter McGonagle, Mark O'Donnell
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Publication number: 20190389704Abstract: A lifting apparatus and controller therefore, where the lifting apparatus includes independently driven lifting columns and independently driven wheels that are controlled by a controller having a number of sensors such as limit sensors, position sensors, rotation sensors, laser sensors, torque sensors and the like. The independent motors for lifting and driving may also be removed easily to provide for improved servicing and maintenance. The various sensor signals are used to calculate, coordinate and calibrate the apparatus for precise and safe movement by the motors in order to perform lifting and positioning operations, for example rail car repair and service.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2019Publication date: December 26, 2019Applicant: BBM Railway Equiipment, LLCInventors: Ryan W. Knapp, Peter McAGonagle, Mark O'Donnell
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Publication number: 20190010033Abstract: A lifting apparatus having at least one column. The column includes a drive that rotates a screw, the drive having a first width in a first area, and a nut housing having a support connected to a nut, the nut threaded around the screw such that rotation of the screw moves the nut and support along a first axis. The support including two parallel walls spaced apart a distance larger than the first width such that when the support is positioned at a bottom end of the screw, the two parallel walls fit over the first area. A minimum height of the support is measured from a base of the column to a lowest point of the support. The minimum height is between zero and a width between the two parallel walls.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2018Publication date: January 10, 2019Inventors: John England, Peter Gerard McGonagle, Ryan W. Knapp
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Patent number: 10000221Abstract: Disclosed is a pit cover and method of installing the same. The pit cover includes a plate having a hole defining an area. A block having a threaded hole may be affixed to a bottom surface of the plate such that the threaded hole aligns with the area. A support is associated with the foundation and a groove is defined by one of the pit cover or the support. A protrusion is defined by the other one of the pit cover or the support. The groove narrows from a first width towards a second width. The first width is disposed relative to the second width such that insertion of the protrusion into the groove causes an end of the protrusion to pass the first width prior to passing the second width. The protrusion interacts with the groove to align the pit cover at a predetermined position relative to the foundation.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2014Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: Macton CorporationInventors: Ryan W. Knapp, Mark O'Donnell, Stephen Schumacher, Thomas Taylor
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Publication number: 20180022589Abstract: A lifting apparatus and controller therefore, where the lifting apparatus includes independently driven lifting columns and independently driven wheels that are controlled by a controller having a number of sensors such as limit sensors, position sensors, rotation sensors, laser sensors, torque sensors and the like. The independent motors for lifting and driving may also be removed easily to provide for improved servicing and maintenance. The various sensor signals are used to calculate, coordinate and calibrate the apparatus for precise and safe movement by the motors in order to perform lifting and positioning operations, for example rail car repair and service.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2017Publication date: January 25, 2018Inventors: Ryan W. Knapp, Peter McGonagle, Mark O'Donnell
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Publication number: 20180002149Abstract: Provided is a system and method for positioning a load including an apparatus having a plurality of columns. Each column has a first support and a motor adapted to move the first support along an axis of the column. A second support is connected to at least two of the first supports and a track member for receiving a portion of a vehicle is connected to the second support. Load and position sensors are coupled to the apparatus for transmitting load and position signals. A controller is in communication with the columns and receives the load and position signals to compare the load and position signals to generate at least one control signal that is sent to at least one of said motors for controlling the position of at least one of said first supports.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2017Publication date: January 4, 2018Inventors: Ryan W. Knapp, Peter McGonagle, Mark O'Donnell
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Patent number: 9764933Abstract: Provided is a system and method for positioning a load including an apparatus having a plurality of columns. Each column has a first support and a motor adapted to move the first support along an axis of the column. A second support is connected to at least two of the first supports and a track member for receiving a portion of a vehicle is connected to the second support. Load and position sensors are coupled to the apparatus for transmitting load and position signals. A controller is in communication with the columns and receives the load and position signals to compare the load and position signals to generate at least one control signal that is sent to at least one of said motors for controlling the position of at least one of said first supports.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2013Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Macton CorporationInventors: Ryan W. Knapp, Peter McGonagle, Mark O'Donnell
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Patent number: 9764934Abstract: A lifting apparatus and controller therefore, where the lifting apparatus includes independently driven lifting columns and independently driven wheels that are controlled by a controller having a number of sensors such as limit sensors, position sensors, rotation sensors, laser sensors, torque sensors and the like. The independent motors for lifting and driving may also be removed easily to provide for improved servicing and maintenance. The various sensor signals are used to calculate, coordinate and calibrate the apparatus for precise and safe movement by the motors in order to perform lifting and positioning operations, for example rail car repair and service.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2014Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Macton CorporationInventors: Ryan W. Knapp, Peter McGonagle, Mark O'Donnell
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Patent number: 9295324Abstract: A turntable assembled from a plurality of flat sheet metal parts where the sheet metal parts include a series of voids and/or protrusions. The protrusions insert into the voids so that some flat sheet parts are disposed in a vertical orientation and some in a horizontal orientation, the vertical parts substantially perpendicular to the horizontal parts. The flat sheet parts are welded together to create a support structure with the voids and protrusions interacting to align the flat sheet parts within required manufacturing tolerances. One of the horizontally disposed parts has holes therein for attaching the support structure to a hub to create a rotating turntable.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: THE MACTON CORPORATIONInventors: Ryan W. Knapp, Peter McGonagle, Timothy Gonsowski
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Patent number: 9267258Abstract: An assembly for supporting machinery and a method for installing the same is disclosed. A frame module including: a base with at least one attachment location, the attachment location for receiving the machinery; and a plurality of frame members affixed to the base, wherein at least one of the frame members defines a plane corresponding to a wall. A foundation has first and second sections and is disposed around the frame module. A portion of the frame module is at least partially submerged within the foundation. The machinery has at least one flange for affixing the machinery to the foundation at the attachment location. The first section of the foundation is disposed below an outside surface of the base and the second section of the foundation defines the wall of the foundation.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2013Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: THE MACTON CORPORATIONInventors: Ryan W. Knapp, Peter McGonagle, Mark O'Donnell