Distribution Systems Involving Geographic Features Patents (Class 137/236.1)
  • Patent number: 11826594
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for remotely controlling and monitoring water supply systems in buildings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Tabor Mountain LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Schmitt, Michael Kramer, Ronak Desai, Randall Kurtz
  • Patent number: 11828124
    Abstract: A retrievable and retrofittable subsea hydraulic dump valve assembly for a subsea oil and gas production system including at least one hydraulic selector valve including a solenoid and a spring. The hydraulic selector valve converts a first hydraulic pressure supply line into a primary hydraulic pressure supply line and a second hydraulic pressure supply line into a pilot line and a backup hydraulic pressure supply line. In a first operating configuration the hydraulic selector valve channels a first flow of hydraulic fluid from the first hydraulic pressure supply line to the critical control valve actuators to maintain the critical control valve actuators in the open configuration. In a second operating configuration the hydraulic selector valve channels the flow of hydraulic fluid to the subsea environment at a local venting location to reconfigure the critical control valve actuators into a closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventor: Marlon J. Tesla
  • Patent number: 11624259
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a secure shutdown system to control a surface valve and a subsurface valve that are mounted to a wellbore. A housing is provided in which is mounted a manual hydraulic pump, a reset panel control switch, and a hydraulic switch controlled by a programmable logic controller. The reset switch is normally operable to move the hydraulic switch to a position to allow the manual hydraulic pump to open the subsurface valve. The programmable logic controller being configured to be responsive to a security shutdown signal to prevent operation of the reset panel control switch. The programmable logic controller is programmed to normally operate with less than ten microamperes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Inventor: Ramesh Rao
  • Patent number: 11313179
    Abstract: This invention relates to oil and gas exploration and comprises a direct connection system referred to as a Lower Riser Termination Assembly (LRTA), between risers made of composite material and horizontal lines installed on the seabed (flowlines). The system is applicable to a hybrid riser and its construction method allows cost reduction and system assembly/installation time optimization. The LRTA connection system is applicable to both rigid and flexible flowlines without need for any intermediate connection section/equipment between these and the risers. The construction of the system allows free vertical expansion of the risers along the entire structure. In addition, in the construction method developed for this system, the required area is significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Odebrecht Oleo E Gas S.A.
    Inventor: Rafael Machado Guigon De Araujo
  • Patent number: 11299951
    Abstract: A retrievable and retrofittable subsea hydraulic dump valve assembly for a subsea oil and gas production system including at least one hydraulic selector valve including a solenoid and a spring. The hydraulic selector valve converts a first hydraulic pressure supply line into a primary hydraulic pressure supply line and a second hydraulic pressure supply line into a pilot line and a backup hydraulic pressure supply line. In a first operating configuration the hydraulic selector valve channels a first flow of hydraulic fluid from the first hydraulic pressure supply line to the critical control valve actuators to maintain the critical control valve actuators in the open configuration. In a second operating configuration the hydraulic selector valve channels the flow of hydraulic fluid to the subsea environment at a local venting location to reconfigure the critical control valve actuators into a closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Inventor: Marlon J. Tesla
  • Patent number: 11231728
    Abstract: A flood control system for remotely and automatically controlling flooding and water storage on reservoirs. The flood control system generally includes a central computer that controls the water level by controlling or communicating with flow control gates positioned near a number of culverts, wherein each flow control gate typically includes: (a) a control unit communicatively coupled to the central computer, the control unit capable of sending local condition data to the central computer via a wireless connection and further capable of receiving control commands from the central computer; (b) an input/output interface capable of receiving signals or data regarding physical conditions proximate the flow control gate, the input/output interface coupled to the control unit; and (c) a water shutoff valve controllable by the control unit and positioned to selectively allow or block the flow of water through each culvert, wherein each control unit controls each water shutoff valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Inventor: Kevin N. Biffert
  • Patent number: 11109584
    Abstract: The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a method for application of products in liquid or semiliquid state, such as chemicals for agricultural use and the like, using a rotating atomizer device, in such a way that the drops shall fall downwards in the form of fog over the crops due to the action of the force caused by its mass and gravity, in addition to the eventual momentum that centrifugal effect of the rotating parties that generate the drops may provide, wherein the method includes the following steps: individually regulate the voltage for the speed of the engines of each rotating atomizer device, modifying the parameter of the power supply of the engine to ensure that the speed of each rotating atomizer device is the correct one, measure the speed of the engine under its control and correct any deviation or separation from the programmed operating values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventor: Mercedes Bonamico
  • Patent number: 11015411
    Abstract: A retrievable and retrofittable subsea hydraulic dump valve assembly for a subsea oil and gas production system including at least one hydraulic selector valve including a solenoid and a spring. The hydraulic selector valve converts a first hydraulic pressure supply line into a primary hydraulic pressure supply line and a second hydraulic pressure supply line into a pilot line and a backup hydraulic pressure supply line. In a first operating configuration the hydraulic selector valve channels a first flow of hydraulic fluid from the first hydraulic pressure supply line to the critical control valve actuators to maintain the critical control valve actuators in the open configuration. In a second operating configuration the hydraulic selector valve channels the flow of hydraulic fluid to the subsea environment at a local venting location to reconfigure the critical control valve actuators into a closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventor: Marlon J. Tesla
  • Patent number: 10955862
    Abstract: An apparatus to distribute pressurized fluid from one or more sources to multiple wellbores. The apparatus includes a manifold having at least two inlets and at least two outlets. Pressurized fluid is brought into the manifold from opposing directions so that the fluid from one inlet will impinge upon the fluid from the other inlet thereby deenergizing the fluid. Additionally, the manifold is configured such that the cross-sectional area of the inlets is less than the cross-sectional area of the manifold thereby decreasing velocity minimizing the kinetic energy available to erode or otherwise damage equipment, while providing a pressure decrease as the fluid enters the manifold. The outlets are configured such that the cross-sectional area of the outlets providing fluid to a single wellbore is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the inlets such that no pressure increase occurs within the manifold or the outlets as the fluid exits the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: COMMANDO PRESSURE CONTROL LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Mark Boyd, Richard Allen Thibodeaux
  • Patent number: 10894660
    Abstract: An underwater energy storage system includes a tank for storing a compressed gas that is adapted to be stored underwater. The tank includes at least one water opening through which water from surrounding environment can flow into and out of the tank, and at least one gas opening through which the compressed gas is received. The underwater energy storage system further includes at least one duct communicating between the at least one opening for gas flow and a source of compressed gas and a compartment constructed over a roof of the tank, wherein said compartment is adapted for receiving weights at a sinking site of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Yehuda Kahane Ltd
    Inventor: Ron Elazari-Volcani
  • Patent number: 10895637
    Abstract: A method for mapping an object buried in a subterranean surface includes receiving a first input data set. The first input data set is based on a GNSS signal, a SAR signal, and a GPR signal. The method further includes generating a raw image based on the first input data set, comparing the raw image to a calibration data set, identifying an object based on the raw image compared to the calibration data set, transmitting object data to a ground-based post-processing unit, and displaying the object data to a graphic user interface. The calibration data set may be based on material calibration data. The object data may be based on the object identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: BGA Technology LLC
    Inventors: Saikumar Padmanabhan, Srinivas Sridhar
  • Patent number: 10865547
    Abstract: A distributed integrated water management system includes water source supply lines capable of being placed in fluid communication with a separate water source, water discharge lines capable of being placed in fluid communication with a separate water discharge destination, a water source and destination control manifold to allow selected water source supply lines to be placed in fluid communication with selected water discharge lines, and a storm water collection and distribution system which includes a storm water collection conduit to collect storm water runoff, and a plurality of sumps to receive storm water runoff from the storm water collection conduit. The storm water collection and distribution system further includes a collected storm water discharge line in fluid communication with the sumps, and the collected storm water discharge line can be placed in fluid communication with the plurality of water discharge lines via the water source and destination control manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Inventor: Matthew F. Russell
  • Patent number: 10851805
    Abstract: An actuator assist apparatus for use with an actuator has a housing and a piston member slidably disposed in the housing. The piston member divides the interior of the housing into a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber. The actuator assist apparatus is configurable between a first, primed, configuration and an activated configuration. A force applicator is configured to store energy when the apparatus is in the primed configuration and release the energy to move the piston member relative to the housing. Movement of the piston member applies a force which assists in urging the actuator towards an extended configuration, thereby reducing the minimum operating pressure of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: GE OIL & GAS UK, LTD.
    Inventors: Graeme Alexander Thomson, Peter John Davey
  • Patent number: 10851627
    Abstract: A system for extracting landfill gas from a landfill is provided. According to some embodiments, a control system for landfill gas extraction is provided. The control system uses a throttle to control flow of landfill gas extracted from the landfill. The throttle is actuated in use to vary the flow of gas between a well and a gas collection system, in accordance with a control algorithm that adjusts flow as a parameter in controlling gas extraction. The throttle is configured to ensure that there is at least some flow of landfill gas from the landfill to a gas output throughout operation. The extraction system provides an efficient system for landfill gas extraction, while mitigating a risk of creating undesired or unpleasant conditions and/or of violating regulations during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Loci Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Hale, Keith Hale, Melinda Sims
  • Patent number: 10767784
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward a second pneumatic actuator configured to couple to a gate valve, wherein the second pneumatic actuator is configured to apply a supplemental force to a gate of the gate valve, wherein the supplemental force supplements an actuating force of a first actuator of the gate valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Loc Gia Hoang
  • Patent number: 10753058
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to containment and control of an oil spill caused by a damaged or broken riser in deep water. More specifically, the present invention relates to a reusable unit that will contain oil spills to a specific location and will also allow oil to be harvested as it flows to the top of the unit while minimizing or even eliminating any environmental clean-up impact or cost. The unit of the present invention is dropped over a damaged or broken riser in a closed position, the unit is released and stabilized in sections until the surface is reached and the containment unit is completely erected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Marquix, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Cook
  • Patent number: 10753488
    Abstract: An example valve includes: a housing having a first longitudinal cavity therein; a sleeve disposed, at least partially, in the first longitudinal cavity, where the sleeve has a second longitudinal cavity therein, and includes a first seat formed as a protrusion from an interior peripheral surface of the sleeve; a poppet mounted within the second longitudinal cavity and configured to move axially therein; and a bushing mounted, at least partially, in the second longitudinal cavity, such that the bushing is floating and is allowed to move axially in the second longitudinal cavity, where the bushing is hollow and defines a first port at a distal end of the bushing and defines a second seat at a proximal end of the bushing, and where the sleeve defines a second port and a third port disposed on an exterior peripheral surface of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Sun Hydraulics, LLC
    Inventor: Chad Lampton
  • Patent number: 10750734
    Abstract: An agricultural machine for discharging liquid includes a boom, a frame to which the boom is fixed such that the boom can be rotated about an axis of rotation pointing in the direction of travel, an actuating cylinder for rotating the boom about the axis of rotation, and a measurement and control system for the actuation of the actuating cylinder, wherein the actuating cylinder is mechanically connected to the frame on one side. The actuating cylinder is mechanically connected to the boom on the other side for the direct introduction of force. The actuating cylinder is formed as a double-acting actuating cylinder having a piston, to which pressure can be applied on both sides in order to move the boom in opposite directions of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignees: Amazonen Werke H. Dreyer GmbH & Co. KG, Hydac Systems & Services GmbH
    Inventors: Friedrich Oberheide, Frank Grosse Prues, Timo Kiefer, Peter Kohl, Heinz-Peter Huth, Georg Komma, Martin Piechnick
  • Patent number: 10730739
    Abstract: Fuel management systems for a fuel dispensing facility including a fuel delivery system are disclosed. The fuel delivery system includes at least one storage tank configured to contain a fuel, at least one dispenser configured to receive the fuel from the at least one storage tank, and a fuel handling system which is configured to one of (1) deliver the fuel to the at least one storage tank, (2) receive the fuel from the at least one storage tank, (3) monitor for a leak within the fuel delivery system, and (4) monitor for a fuel inventory within the fuel delivery system. The fuel management system may include installation records of the fuel handling components. The fuel management system may monitor cameras positioned in sumps of the fuel delivery system. The fuel delivery system may include a camera positioned to monitor an interior of a sump, the interior of the sump being provided by a sump basin and a sump cover. The sump cover may be a sump lid. The sump cover may be a dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Jerard Walsh, Lisa Marie O'Leary, Bill Nelson
  • Patent number: 10612694
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a positioning system for service lines. Generally, the invention relates to a mechanism for the deployment, retraction, and transportation of fixed-length service lines such as electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and communication resources necessary to the operation of a drilling rig used for subterranean exploration. More particularly, the invention provides an extendable cable positioning system for use with drilling rigs where pad drilling will require relatively short distance movements of the drilling rig, and it is desirable to leave the energy resource systems stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Keith J. Orgeron, Darrell D. Jamison, Mark W. Trevithick
  • Patent number: 10570682
    Abstract: The invention concerns a modular system for controlling subsea operations. The modular system comprises a control room structure at a top side location, the control room structure is provided with a fixed modular connection assembly. The interior of the control room structure is prepared for accommodation f a set of replaceable control modules comprising at least one dedicated control module provided for controlling a corresponding operational well tool. The said set of replaceable control module(s) is selected in accordance with a chosen subsea operation for accommodation in the control room structure. The said set of replaceable control module(s) accommodated in the control room structure is connected to the fixed modular connection assembly for establishing communication between the at least one dedicated control module and its corresponding operational well tool. The invention also concerns a method for controlling subsea operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventors: Frode Sand, Ole Thomas Enge, Idar Lindanger, Inge Magne Sekkingstad, Stein Slettum, Thomas Dypevik, Helge Drønen
  • Patent number: 10558228
    Abstract: A device that detects fluid flow may include a housing member that couples to a conduit and an apparatus that outputs the fluid. The device may also include a flow mechanism that detects the fluid flow through the conduit and the apparatus and a transmitter that transmits a signal indicative of the fluid flow to a computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Carlos JP Chavez, Eric Schroeder, Manfred Amann
  • Patent number: 10509378
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic irrigation for a micro-climate areas and subterranean soil modeling are provided herein. Some methods include receiving collection of micro-climate data having weather data from a weather station that is proximate a target area, canopy imaging for the target area, depth-specific soil data for the target area, plant health data that includes stomatal conductance and evapotranspiration for plants in the target area, and selectively adjusting operation of an irrigation system so as to increase or decrease water applied to the target area based on analysis of the micro-climate data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: FarmX Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Jennings, Zachary Gentry
  • Patent number: 10496113
    Abstract: In an agricultural product storage system, product is stored in a bin having a condition sensor associated therewith and a conditioning device for conditioning the stored product when activated, for example an aeration fan. A controller in communication with the sensor and the conditioning device, operates the condition device in response to the sensed condition of the product according a selected one of a plurality of different control functions defining different control parameters of the conditioning device. The controller selects among the different control functions based upon the changing state of the of the storage bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventor: Calvin Dale Boisjoli
  • Patent number: 10459461
    Abstract: An apparatus to distribute pressurized fluid from one or more sources to multiple wellbores. The apparatus includes a manifold having at least two inlets and at least two outlets. Pressurized fluid is brought into the manifold from opposing directions so that the fluid from one inlet will impinge upon the fluid from the other inlet thereby deenergizing the fluid. Additionally, the manifold is configured such that the cross-sectional area of the inlets is less than the cross-sectional area of the manifold thereby decreasing velocity minimizing the kinetic energy available to erode or otherwise damage equipment, while providing a pressure decrease as the fluid enters the manifold. The outlets are configured such that the cross-sectional area of the outlets providing fluid to a single wellbore is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the inlets such that no pressure increase occurs within the manifold or the outlets as the fluid exits the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: COMMANDO PRESSURE CONTROL LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Mark Boyd, Richard Allen Thibodeaux
  • Patent number: 10400410
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to containment and control of an oil spill caused by a damaged or broken riser in deepwater. More specifically, the present invention relates to a reusable unit that will contain oil spills to a specific location and will also allow oil to be harvested as it flows to the top of the unit while minimizing or even eliminating any environmental clean-up cost. The unit of the present invention is dropped over a damaged or broken riser in a closed position, the unit is released and stabilized in sections until the surface is reached and the containment unit is completely erected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Marquix, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Cook
  • Patent number: 10392881
    Abstract: A filtration and testing device integral thereon, for simultaneously performing cleaning of fluid used in the oil and natural gas industry for completions, workovers, and commissioning of wells while simultaneously pressure testing of two separate groups of pressurized equipment using fluid cleaned by the filtration and testing device. A support structure has a cleaning cycle assembly and a pressure testing cycle assembly connected in parallel to a controller for cleaning fluid and regulating pressure by comparing fluid pressures to preset limits. The controller regulates cleaning of first and second dirty hydraulic fluids and regulates pressure of cleaned hydraulic fluids and secondary fluids for pressure testing of the two different groups of pressurized equipment simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: DVZ HYDRAULICS LLC
    Inventor: Jason Davies
  • Patent number: 10316504
    Abstract: A vacuum sewage system includes a collection station, a vacuum pump, a sewage pump, a collection tank, a control system, a valve pit, a first conduit extending from the collection station to the valve pit, a second conduit extending from the valve pit and terminating in a closed end, a valve located in the valve pit for selectively permitting sewage and waste water to flow from the valve pit toward the collection station upon activation of the valve, an electric air admission controller or a solenoid for selectively opening and closing the valve, a first sensor associated with the electronic air admission controller or the solenoid and a second sensor located adjacent the closed end of the second conduit. The system may be utilized to monitor and remedy various undesirable operating conditions in the system and to perform routines to increase operating efficiency of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Aqseptence Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Jones, Clint Hawn
  • Patent number: 10309374
    Abstract: Offshore airborne wind turbine systems with an aerial vehicle connected via a tether to an adjustably buoyant body. The tether may be coupled to an underwater mooring through which it may move, or it may be coupled to a floating platform through which it may move. The buoyancy of the buoyant body may be adjusted to change the tension in the tether or for other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Makani Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Robert Nelson, Brian Hachtmann
  • Patent number: 10309544
    Abstract: A valve includes a cage having at least one fluid inlet proximate a first end of the cage and a fluid outlet proximate a second end of the cage. The valve also includes a spool configured to move axially within the cage between an open position in which the spool enables fluid flow from the at least one fluid inlet to the fluid outlet and a closed position in which the spool blocks fluid flow from the at least one fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The valve further includes an annular seal supported within an annular groove formed in one of the cage or the spool. The annular seal is configured to seal a radial gap between the cage and the spool while the spool is in the closed position and is positioned between the first end of the cage and the at least one fluid inlet along an axial axis of the valve to block fluid flow from the at least one fluid inlet to the fluid outlet while the spool is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Matteucci, Kody Carrillo
  • Patent number: 10240410
    Abstract: A floating vessel with a filtration and testing device integral thereon, for simultaneously performing cleaning of fluid used in the oil and natural gas industry for completions, workovers, and commissioning of wells while simultaneously pressure testing of two separate groups of pressurized equipment using fluid cleaned by the filtration and testing device. The floating vessel having a hull with a support structure mounted thereto which contains a cleaning cycle assembly and a pressure testing cycle assembly connected in parallel to a controller for cleaning fluid and regulating pressure by comparing fluid pressures to preset limits. The controller regulates cleaning of first and second dirty hydraulic fluids and regulates pressure of cleaned hydraulic fluids and secondary fluids for pressure testing of the two different groups of pressurized equipment simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventor: Jason Davies
  • Patent number: 10219448
    Abstract: A rover includes a base having wheels and a propulsion system coupled to the wheels to propel the rover around a field. A tower is coupled to the base and extends over the base. Sensors are set on the tower and the base and are configured to sense environmental conditions around the rover at different elevations. A computing system includes a processor and memory. The memory is configured to receive measured data from the sensors and determine an amount and manner of water to be dispensed on plant life in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sergio A. Bermudez Rodriguez, Levente Klein, Alejandro G. Schrott, Theodore G. van Kessel
  • Patent number: 10215153
    Abstract: The Buoyancy Mill is a machine that has the ability to convert buoyant energy into useful mechanical energy using a double, parallel set of wheels three feet apart that supports and guides a double, parallel set of cable loops. Attached to the cable loops, at a distance of six feet apart are carriages on crossbars that capture floats as they buoyantly ascend, setting into motion the cable loop and the set of wheels. Once in motion, the Buoyancy Mill begins its conversion of buoyant energy into useful mechanical energy. Because the mill can be located anywhere energy is needed, costly mechanisms for delivering the energy are unnecessary. The mill is a closed system and uses a limited amount of water which is continually recycled with only minimal waste from splash or evaporation. This clean energy produced could be used, among other things, to create pollution-free electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Inventor: Jorge (George) Bishara Mufdi
  • Patent number: 10201132
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high growth, high density, closed environment growing system and methods thereof. A method of accelerating plant cell growth in a growing system may include adjusting the lighting in accordance with an identified plant growth stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Crop One Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: James G. Wilson
  • Patent number: 10165736
    Abstract: A rover includes a base having wheels and a propulsion system coupled to the wheels to propel the rover around a field. A tower is coupled to the base and extends over the base. Sensors are set on the tower and the base and are configured to sense environmental conditions around the rover at different elevations. A computing system includes a processor and memory. The memory is configured to receive measured data from the sensors and determine an amount and manner of water to be dispensed on plant life in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sergio A. Bermudez Rodriguez, Levente Klein, Alejandro G. Schrott, Theodore G. van Kessel
  • Patent number: 10139034
    Abstract: A pipe liner for lining a fluid-carrying pipe, the pipe liner comprising an elongated flexible conduit and a flexible flange. The flexible conduit includes an outer wall forming an open-ended central channel for allowing fluids to be pumped therethrough. The flexible flange extends radially from one end of the elongated conduit and includes a number of fastener holes. The flexible conduit and the flexible flange are configured to be collapsed and pulled through the pipe such that the flexible flange can be connected to a rigid flange of the pipe via the fastener holes. The pipe liner is less prone to leak and is easier to transport and install.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Lindsay Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Korus
  • Patent number: 10091956
    Abstract: A subsurface irrigation system is provided that includes a plurality of subsurface irrigation sleeves defining an area that has a first side and a second side. At least one of the first side and the second side is configured to be hydrophilic. The plurality of subsurface irrigation sleeves each include a tunnel. Tubing connects a first sleeve of the plurality of subsurface irrigation sleeves to a second sleeve of the plurality of subsurface irrigation sleeves. The tubing is configured to pass through the tunnels of the plurality of irrigation sleeves. An emitter is disposed on the tubing within the tunnel, the emitter emitting fluid to the area of the plurality of subsurface irrigation sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventors: Jutta M. Gietl, Adelheid Putze
  • Patent number: 10048673
    Abstract: A BOP system for use in a high pressure subsea environment, including a BOP stack including a lower marine riser package and a lower stack portion, the lower stack portion having a plurality of BOP rams attached to a subsea wellhead. The system also includes a riser subsystem extending from a drilling vessel to the BOP stack and providing fluid communication therebetween, a ship board subsystem electronically, mechanically, and hydraulically connected to the BOP stack and the riser subsystem to control the functions of the BOP stack and the riser subsystem, and a safety instrumented system having a surface logic solver and at least one subsea logic solver, the safety instrumented system in communication with at least a portion of the BOP rams to act as a redundant control system in case of failure of the ship board subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: HYDRIL USA DISTRIBUTION, LLC
    Inventors: John Steven Holmes, Douglas Milliman, Luis E. Huerta, Eric Dale Larson, Gregory Ronald Gillette, Robert Arnold Judge, Viral Shah
  • Patent number: 10041513
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic device for driving an actuator to be hydraulically controlled or actuated, comprising a motor arranged in a motor housing, a compensating tank (31) for accommodating hydraulic fluid, and a hydraulic pump, which is arranged in a pump housing and driven by the motor, wherein the hydraulic pump is designed in such a way that the hydraulic pump permits conveyance of hydraulic fluid in two directions, namely in the forward direction and in the backward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: BÖHNER-EH GMBH
    Inventor: Christian Böhner
  • Patent number: 9975091
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices related to removing fluids from a patient are provided. In one instance, fluid is removed from the patient and delivered to a canister using reduced pressure. Reduced pressure is supplied to the canister via a reduced-pressure delivery conduit that includes a moisture processing device and a hydrophobic filter. The moisture processing device condenses moisture from the air to prevent condensation from occluding the hydrophobic filter. The moisture processing devices includes an expanded volume and one or more liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable membranes. The liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable membrane allows vapor to egress the moisture processing device. Other systems, methods, and devices are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson, Aidan Marcus Tout
  • Patent number: 9943046
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of optical sensors located along at least one pipe segment of a rotating arm that pivots around an irrigation area of a field, the plurality of optical sensors continuously monitors soil and vegetation conditions and transmits sensed data to a central computer, and a plurality of in-ground sensors scattered in the irrigation area of the field, the plurality of in-ground sensors continuously monitors soil conditions and transmits sensed data to a plurality of gateway devices located in the rotating arm, the plurality of gateway devices transmits data from the plurality of in-ground sensors to the central computer where data from the plurality of optical sensors and the plurality of in-ground sensors is integrated with external data to determine water and fertilizer needs based on which an irrigation schedule is created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sergio A. Bermudez Rodriguez, Hendrik F. Hamann, Levente Klein, Fernando J. Marianno
  • Patent number: 9913429
    Abstract: The locations of flowers on a plant, rather than the locations of agricultural products produced from such flowers, are used to facilitate the performance of harvesting and other agricultural operations in robotic agricultural applications. In some implementations, the identified location of a fruit-producing flower may be used by a robotic device to apply an indicator tag to a flowering plant proximate the flower for later identification when performing various types of directed and automated agricultural operations. In other implementations, the identified location of a fruit-producing flower may be used by a robotic device to anchor a stem of a flowering plant to a predetermined location such that the location of the flower, and of any fruit(s) later produced by such flower, are controlled and/or known when performing subsequent agricultural operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: X DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Mark Adrian Stubbs, Kevin James Fleming McCloskey
  • Patent number: 9889395
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for drafting or transferring water from a water supply to a fire pump in fire service include a strainer, the strainer having a hood member with an open bottom inlet having an inlet aperture, an outlet having an outlet aperture, a suctioning structure extending away from the open bottom inlet of the hood member, and the suctioning structure having a base offset from the open bottom inlet. Method of using the strainer including immersing a strainer in a water supply, fluidly connecting the outlet to a suction side of a pumping apparatus, activating the pumping apparatus, transferring water through the hood member, directing the strainer toward the bottom of the water supply and maintaining the strainer at the bottom of the water supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: Larry F. Reber
  • Patent number: 9844760
    Abstract: An aerator for aerating water comprises a distribution system for distributing air below the water surface and a compressor with an air inlet and at least one air outlet. The compressor is configured to be placed below the water surface. The infiltration of water at the air inlet is prevented by an intake pipe with one open end above the water surface and the other open end has a watertight connection to the compressor. The distribution system has a watertight connection to the air outlet and, due to its nature or by at least one valve, can hold back water. The housing is in thermal contact with the water to cool the compressor. The compressor is a centrifugal compressor that comprises an impeller that is driven by a shaft that it is mounted on air bearings, magnetic bearings or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: ATLAS COPCO AIRPOWER, NAAMLOZE VENNOOTSCHAP
    Inventor: Erik Paul Fabry
  • Patent number: 9840886
    Abstract: An apparatus including a robotic manipulator coupled to an oilfield device to facilitate support operations. The robotic manipulator can include a tool for interacting with components of the oilfield device, and the robotic manipulator can provide three translational degrees of freedom of the tool with respect to the oilfield device. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: ONESUBSEA IP UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Brent David Gable, Andrea Paulina Rubio, Diana Kathryn Grauer
  • Patent number: 9835764
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for calibration of a towed line array. In a low frequency band, calibration is performed using an acoustic field observed by reference standard hydrophones. The observations form a model of a complex acoustic field throughout a space occupied by a measurement apparatus. The array sensitivities are computed by comparing output voltages of the array with the acoustic field estimated at the locations occupied by hydrophones of the array. Variations in the acoustic field that cannot be accounted for by free field propagation theory are included in the calculation of array channel sensitivities. The method extends the low frequency limit for the calibration to less than the minimum frequency at which free field propagation conditions can be approximated. Boundary reflections and spatial variations in the acoustic field are recognized. The spatial distribution of acoustic energy is used to provide low frequency calibration with improved precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Steven E. Crocker, Daniel C. Casimiro, Robert F. Cutler, Ronald R. Smalley
  • Patent number: 9784386
    Abstract: This large flexible submarine conduit system (10) for a platform floating at sea includes: a flexible conduit (12) including a plurality of sheets (26A, 26B, 26C) linked together by a sliding closure (28) on each of the lateral sides of the sheets, the conduit (12) including elements for maintaining a circular cross-section of the conduit (12) that are both flexible and flattenable; and a device capable of being placed on the platform at the upper end of the conduit (12), allowing winding and unwinding of each of the sheets (26A, 26B, 26C) of the conduit (12), this device including a drum (14A, 14B, 14C) for each of the sheets (26A, 26B, 26C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: DCNS
    Inventor: Raphael Vambre
  • Patent number: 9745059
    Abstract: A system usable to adapt an optical device to calculate a condition value. The system utilizes data from an optical device about a field of vision to calculate a condition value such as temperature for a target within the field of vision. The system makes use of an adapter connected to the optical device for transmitting adapter output data and a converter that accesses the adapter output data to calculate the condition value. The adapter components can weigh less than 3 ounces, and encompass a volume of less than 4 cubic inches, making it suitable for deployment on a drone, or remotely operated vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: INFRARED CAMERAS, INC.
    Inventor: Gary Eugene Strahan
  • Patent number: 9719234
    Abstract: Certain aspects direct to systems and methods for preventing water pipe freeze. A water supply system includes a water pipe and an Internet of Things (IoT) tap device switchable between an open state and a closed state. An IoT temperature sensor is disposed on the water pipe to detect an environmental temperature of the water pipe and generate a corresponding temperature signal. The IoT tap device is communicatively connected to the at least one IoT temperature sensor. In operation, the IoT tap device requests and receives the temperature signal from the temperature sensor, and determines the environmental temperature based on the temperature signal. When the environmental temperature is at or below a threshold temperature, such as a freezing point of water, the IoT tap device controls its tap to switch to the open state such that water flows or drips out from the tap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: AMERICAN MEGATRENDS, INC.
    Inventors: Samvinesh Christopher, Joseprabu Inbaraj, Chandrasekar Rathineswaran
  • Patent number: 9720421
    Abstract: A subsea production system for producing fluids from a subsea well in a subsea field. The production system includes a production facility and a production umbilical connecting the subsea well with the production facility. The production system also includes a control system for controlling production from the subsea well. The control system includes a first redundant master control station system (redundant MCS) at a first location, the redundant MCS capable of controlling production from the subsea well. The control system also includes a second redundant MCS at a second location, the second redundant MCS capable of controlling production from the subsea well. The redundant MCSs are synchronized to keep the same electronic data at both locations and to prevent conflicts in control signals from the redundant MCSs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Ulrich Kleine, Roger Seeck, Björn Wiegert