Patents by Inventor Samuel B. Smith

Samuel B. Smith 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).

  • Method and apparatus for drilling ports in utility access shafts or manholes
    Patent number: 10092962
    Abstract: An apparatus for drilling a manhole includes a drill comprising a first motor and a drill bit. A rail extends longitudinally away from an exterior surface of the manhole. A carriage is movably engaged with the rail and is coupled to the drill. A mounting device supports the rail on an exterior of the manhole. The mounting device comprises features to transfer axial loading on the drill bit to the manhole. A method for drilling an opening in a manhole includes suspending a drill from a rail coupled to an exterior of the manhole. The rail extends laterally outwardly from the manhole. A drill bit forming part of the drill is rotated while moving the drill longitudinally along the rail toward the manhole. Axial reactive force generated by the drill is transferred to the manhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventor: Samuel B. Smith
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DRILLING PORTS IN UTILITY ACCESS SHAFTS OR MANHOLES
    Publication number: 20160207117
    Abstract: An apparatus for drilling a manhole includes a drill comprising a first motor and a drill bit. A rail extends longitudinally away from an exterior surface of the manhole. A carriage is movably engaged with the rail and is coupled to the drill. A mounting device supports the rail on an exterior of the manhole. The mounting device comprises features to transfer axial loading on the drill bit to the manhole. A method for drilling an opening in a manhole includes suspending a drill from a rail coupled to an exterior of the manhole. The rail extends laterally outwardly from the manhole. A drill bit forming part of the drill is rotated while moving the drill longitudinally along the rail toward the manhole. Axial reactive force generated by the drill is transferred to the manhole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventor: Samuel B. Smith