Articulated Or Swinging Flow Conduit Patents (Class 137/615)
  • Patent number: 11667356
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for the transfer of cryogenic product from a first floating structure (800) for storage and transport of cryogenic product to a second fixed or floating structure (900) for storing cryogenic product, by means of a transfer pipe able to transport the cryogenic product. The system comprises a transfer pipe, itself comprising at least three rigid sections of pipe (12-17) fluidically connected each to the next by connection means (21 to 27) able to transport the cryogenic product, each of the two end sections of pipe (12, 17) having a free end configured as a tip for connection to a connection device of the first floating structure (800) and respectively of the second floating structure (900). The present invention also concerns a method of fluidically connecting a device for the transport of cryogenic product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Inventors: Raphaël Poichot, Stéphane Paquet
  • Patent number: 11557887
    Abstract: The present application relates to a cable laying device. The cable laying device is used for transporting and laying a cable, and comprises: a base section and an extension section with adjustable length, wherein the extension section and the base section are connected to each other at their longitudinal ends and are moveable relative to each other, the base section is configured to include one elongated cable carrier, and the extension section is configured to include at least one elongated cable carrier, wherein for the base section and the extension section, the cable carrier a carrying portion for holding the cables, wherein the carrying portion enables the cables to move along with the cable carriers of the base section and the extension section, and wherein the height of the base section and/or the extension section can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: YANTAI JEREH PETROLEUM EQUIPMENT & TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaolei Ji, Shouzhe Li, Yibo Jiang, Liang Lv, Sheng Chang, Shuzhen Cui, Jian Zhang
  • Patent number: 11506007
    Abstract: A modular fluid-carrying manifold apparatus is provided for use in hydraulic fracturing blenders and other devices. A manifold can include one or more interchangeable sections. Each section may have a flat front face with ports cut into the front face. Components such as valves and hammer unions are directly removably connected to the ports via bolts. This eliminates the need for welded-on piping. Removable, wear-resistant inserts can be located in the ports. The removable components may be considered consumable and replaced when worn out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Ty-Crop Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventors: James Ryan Brezden, Kevin Brent Thiessen, Brent Douglas Van Kleeck, Kevin James Standeven
  • Patent number: 11400327
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a discharge pressure adjustment cartridge that is combined with a fire hose pressure relief valve and, more particularly, to a discharge pressure adjustment cartridge that is combined with a fire hose pressure relief valve, the discharge pressure adjustment cartridge enabling a firefighter to easily control the discharge direction of firefighting water by removing upward force that is generated in the firefighting water in the opposite direction to gravity by discharge pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: FINO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ki Ryeok Um, Jin Rok Oh
  • Patent number: 11365551
    Abstract: A large manipulator includes an articulated boom that can be folded out. The articulated boom includes boom segments including a last boom segment having a boom tip. The articulated boom includes an end hose and end-hose holder. The end hose is flexible, arranged on the last boom segment, and can be removably coupled to the last boom segment by the end-hose holder. The end-hose holder includes a holding bracket arranged on the last boom segment. The holding bracket is configured to be pivotable into a first pivot position, a second pivot position, and a third pivot position relative to the last boom segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: SCHWING GMBH
    Inventors: Jörg Edler, Daniel Kriegl, Stefan Hörhan
  • Patent number: 11333011
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a manifold comprising a trailer and a piping system. The piping system is disposed on top of the trailer, wherein the piping system comprises a low-pressure system and a high-pressure system. The low-pressure system comprises a first set of conduits and a second set of conduits. The high-pressure system comprises a first conduit line disposed at a first side of the trailer, a second conduit line disposed at a second side of the trailer, wherein the second conduit line is fluidly isolated from the first conduit line, and a plurality of arms disposed along each of the first conduit line and the second conduit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Robert Bull, Timothy Holiman Hunter, George Melton
  • Patent number: 11242950
    Abstract: A pump connection point to a fracturing manifold includes a valve configured to isolate the fracturing manifold from an outside fluid source. A connector is attached to the valve opposite the well fracturing manifold. A guide is attached to the connector. The guide configured to align a fluid line to mate with the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Downing Wellhead Equipment, LLC
    Inventors: Austin C. Johnson, Tim Marvel, Kyle Schultz
  • Patent number: 11214970
    Abstract: A device includes a remote control apparatus with a control lever that is pivotably mounted to the remote control apparatus. The control lever is pivotable within an inner zero-position range, an outer travel range, and an oscillation damping range located between the inner zero-position range and the outer travel range. The remote control apparatus is configured to cause movement of a large manipulator, which has an active oscillation damping mode, switch on the active oscillation damping mode and cause movement of the large manipulator when the control lever is within the outer travel range, switch off the active oscillation damping mode when the control lever is located in the zero-position range, and switch on the active oscillation damping mode without causing movement of the large manipulator when the control lever is located within the oscillation damping range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: SCHWING GMBH
    Inventors: Johannes Henikl, Reiner Vierkotten
  • Patent number: 11199054
    Abstract: A well fracturing system is provided. The well fracturing system includes an adjustable well fracturing manifold coupled to a plurality of well fracturing trees. The adjustable well fracturing manifold has fracturing fluid control units to control fluid flow, and fracturing fluid conduits that enable adjustments to the position of the adjustable well fracturing manifold. Further, the fracturing fluid conduit is composed of offset pipe sections coupled by connectors. The offset pipe sections are adjustable, allowing the offset pipe sections of the fracturing fluid conduit to vary a dimension of the fracturing fluid conduit to facilitate coupling of the adjustable well fracturing manifold between the well fracturing trees. Additional mechanisms, systems, and methods are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Inventor: Scott Choate
  • Patent number: 11193257
    Abstract: An outlet structure of a faucet valve seat, has a valve seat and a sleeve pipe, wherein the valve seat forms a sleeve hole, the sleeve pipe is used to set an outlet pipe, and the sleeve pipe is sleeved in the sleeve hole. The sleeve pipe penetrates through a plug hole, and one end of the outlet pipe is inserted into the plug hole, such that a long axis is parallel to the central axis of the valve core, and a central axis of the plug hole forms an included angle with the long axis as ?. The valve seat can be selected by the sleeve pipe with the corresponding angle of the plug hole according to the needs of the outlet pipe, and meet the diversified demand of the outlet pipe elevation angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Inventor: Mei-Li Chen
  • Patent number: 11154891
    Abstract: An accumulator is added in-line with a valve on an agricultural machine and downstream of the valve. The valve is controlled to apply liquid material to a field over which the machine is traveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Grant J. Wonderlich, Kenneth Herrmann
  • Patent number: 11090700
    Abstract: A spraying system and method is provided for more efficiently accessing the interior of a container having an access opening to the container that is offset from or in angular relationship to the center and/or rotational axis of the container to contact the interior walls and surfaces of the container with a medium, such as a liquid, mixture, solution or suspension. The spraying system and method includes a non-linear boom that is elevated by a support structure, where the non-linear boom includes at its front end a plurality of spray nozzles. In one example, the support structure is a movable support structure that includes a guide mechanism where the guide mechanism is mounted on the moveable support structure at an angle relative to the surface supporting the moveable support structure to allow access to the interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Core Insight Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Anthony Camell
  • Patent number: 11035108
    Abstract: A faucet device includes a body, a water temperature regulating valve, a water flow guide, a control rod, an outlet hose and a positioning seat. The regulating valve and the flow guide are disposed in the body. The flow guide is disposed at a lower end of the regulating valve. The outlet hose is concealed in the outlet pipe of the body. The inner end of the outlet hose is fixed with a metal joint and the outer end is a water outlet. The metal joint is inserted into the outlet passage of the flow guide. The positioning seat has an external thread and a protruding shaft and is screwed into the screw hole of the outlet passage of the outlet pipe, and the protruding shaft is inserted into the outlet end of the water outlet of the outlet hose to fix a position of the water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: NCIP INC.
    Inventor: Rong-Chyan Tzeng
  • Patent number: 10974793
    Abstract: The invention concerns a vessel (1) for storing and/or producing hydrocarbons and a buoyant turret buoy (6) to be connected to the vessel (1). The outer surface of the bow (2) of the vessel (1) comprises a receiving structure (5) for connecting a buoyant turret buoy (6) to the bow (2). The main part of the receiving structure (5) protrudes from the lower part (4) of the bow (2) in the vessel's (1) direction of travel and an interface of the receiving structure (5) is complementary to an interface of a connecting section (17) of the buoyant turret buoy (6). Further the lower part (4) of the bow (2) is below the water line (w) during connection of the buoyant turret buoy (6) at sea. The invention also concerns a method for connecting the buoyant turret buoy (6) to receiving structure (5) of the vessel (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Seasystems AS
    Inventors: Arne Smedal, Jan Aarsnes, Kare Syvertsen, Torkjel Lisland
  • Patent number: 10968613
    Abstract: For a sanitary outlet piece (1), it is proposed to have at least two hose connection points (3, 4, 5), which are laterally offset to each other, formed on an inlet side (6) and are guided in the sanitary outlet piece (1) separate from one another from the inlet side (2) to an outlet side (6) of the sanitary outlet piece (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Neoperl GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander Stein
  • Patent number: 10919756
    Abstract: A loading assembly has a gas conduit that extends between a floating structure and another structure, to convey a pressurized gas stream between the two structures. An emergency disconnection coupler is configured in the gas conduit. A switching system is provided for controlling switching of an engagement mechanism in the emergency disconnection coupler between a locked position and an unlocked position (in either direction). The switching system is subject to two distinct fail-safe regimes: a fail-unlocked regime which inherently instructs for release of the emergency disconnection coupler, and a fail-closed regime which inherently precludes release of the emergency disconnection coupler when there is pressurized gas in the gas connection. The fail-unlocked regime is active when the gas pressure in the gas connection is below a predetermined override threshold value. The fail-locked regime overrides the fail-unlocked regime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Pablo Antonio Vega Perez, Serge Latil
  • Patent number: 10920520
    Abstract: A plug and pump system for routing pressurized fluid from a fluid source is disclosed. The system includes a platform and a docking station interface mounted on the platform and including multiple points of articulation. A wellhead interface is mounted on the platform and includes multiple points of articulation. The docking station interface and the wellhead interface are configured to route pressurized fluid from a fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William D. Kendrick
  • Patent number: 10850964
    Abstract: A system and method for filling containers with a precise amount of fluid is disclosed. The system and method use artificial neural network logic to sense conditions and to control the two-valve dispensing unit based on the sensed conditions to fill containers with a precise amount of fluid. Using neural network logic combined with sensors and controllers for equipment eliminates the significant human effort and human errors associated with manually filling containers with fluid. Furthermore, the neural network can log data quicker and with more accuracy than a human manually logging data. The system and method use a two-valve dispensing unit to precisely fill and to prevent and clear clogs caused by fluid solidifying within the dispensing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Accenture Global Solutions Limited
    Inventors: Dokiparti Vudaya Bhaskar, Ashish Bhatia, Prashant Sanghvi, Priyank Bajpai
  • Patent number: 10738931
    Abstract: An encasement for heat transfer fluid (HTF) conduits having an outer layer (1) of sheet metal and an intermediate layer (2) below the outer layer (1). The intermediate layer (2) is made of insulating material having a maximum thickness of 1.4 inches (35 mm). The heat transfer fluid (HTF) conduits are movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: AISLAMIENTOS SUAVAL, S.A.
    Inventor: José Guillemo Suarez-Valdes Suarez
  • Patent number: 10677384
    Abstract: A push pull coupler for hydraulic or other line that pivots about two axes in response to a predetermined tensile force exerted by a line connected to an adapter of the coupler, so that a face of the adapter is normal to the predetermined tensile force. A tensile force greater than the predetermined tensile force causes the disconnection of the line from the adapter. In one embodiment, a second push-pull coupler pivots around a third axis different from the first and second axes, responsive to a second predetermined tensile force that doesn't have to be parallel to the first predetermined tensile force. The faces of the couplers' adapters therefore become normal to the respective tensile forces exerted on them prior to disconnection of the lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Stucchi USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Rolston, Jay Prins
  • Patent number: 10645916
    Abstract: A spray boom includes a body having a length defined between a first end and a second end thereof. The body is formed by a plurality of layers of composite material adapted to be molded together to form an inner surface and an outer surface. An internal cavity is defined in the body internally of the inner surface. A light-emitting system is integrally formed in the body in an outer layer thereof or at a location between the inner surface and the outer surface. The light-emitting downsystem has an on state and an off state in which it is adapted to emit a light when in the on state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Patrick M. Murphy, Philip R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10464803
    Abstract: A loading arm includes a stand pipe, a coupler configured to be connected to a tank to deliver a product, and a pipe assembly having a first pipe end pivotally coupled to the stand pipe and a second pipe end pivotally connected to the coupler. The pipe assembly includes a pivot joint disposed between the first pipe end and the second pipe end such that the pipe assembly is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A linkage assembly has a first portion connected to the pivot joint and a second portion connected to the stand pipe. The linkage assembly is operable to allow for the positioning of the coupler at any of a plurality of points corresponding to the pipe assembly being positioned between the retracted position and the extended position. The linkage assembly is fully supported by the stand pipe such that movement of the pipe assembly does not require manipulating the weight of the linkage assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: EMCO WHEATON CORP.
    Inventors: Daniel Gheorghiu, Roelof van der Sleen, Mark Armstrong
  • Patent number: 10436368
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus for transporting fluids including a chassis having wheels and a hitch, the hitch arranged at a first end and the wheels arranged at a second end. The apparatus also includes a high pressure trunk line extending along a length of the chassis, the high pressure trunk line having high pressure inlets for coupling one or more lines directing high pressure fluids into the high pressure trunk line. The apparatus includes one or more low pressure lines, the one or more low pressure lines arranged proximate the high pressure trunk line and having suction outlets along the length of the chassis. The apparatus includes an inlet manifold positioned at the second end of the chassis, the inlet manifold being coupled to the one or more low pressure lines to supply a low pressure fluid to the one or more low pressure lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LP
    Inventors: Saurabh Kajaria, Jason Williams
  • Patent number: 10428811
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a reciprocating compressor and a method for assembling the same. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a reciprocating compressor includes: a shell to which a discharge pipe is coupled; a driving unit mounted inside the shell to generate a rotary force; a compression unit having a connecting rod configured to convert the rotary force to a straight driving force, a piston connected to the connecting rod, and a cylinder into which the piston is movably inserted; a discharge hose from which a refrigerant compressed in the cylinder is discharged, and disposed to abut an inner circumferential surface of the shell; and a connection member configured to connect the discharge hose to the discharge pipe, wherein at least a portion of the connection member is inserted into an inner portion of the discharge pipe, and another portion thereof is supported outside the discharge pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yongjin Yang, Jaeho Cho, Dowan Kim
  • Patent number: 10260215
    Abstract: A faucet with a rotatable outlet structure includes a main body, a valve assembly disposed in the main body, a connecting structure rotatably received in the main body, an outlet structure rotatably mounted onto the main body and a control lever connected to the valve assembly, wherein the outlet structure includes an outer tube and an inner tube received in the outer tube. The outer tube is engaged to the connecting structure and the inner tube is securely sleeved on the connecting structure. Consequently, the inner tube is rotated with the outer tube when the outer tube is rotated relative to the main body such that inner tube does not need to be twisted when the outer tube is rotated relative to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventors: Jui-Chien Chen, Jui-Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 10247033
    Abstract: A nozzle installation includes at least one nozzle configured for introducing cleaning media containing solids into a jet engine, and for a rotationally fixed connection to a shaft of a turbofan of a jet engine. The at least one nozzle has a swivel coupling to which a line connection is connectable. A flexible hose forms a connection of a nozzle-side outlet of the swivel coupling to an inlet of the at least one nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: LUFTHANSA TECHNIK AG
    Inventors: Holger Appel, Klaus Braeutigam
  • Patent number: 10233603
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling water flow from an irrigation ditch can include a first conduit connecting portion adapted to be coupled with a first conduit, the first conduit having an opening for receiving water from the irrigation ditch, a second conduit connecting portion adapted to be coupled with a second conduit, the first and second conduit connecting portions being adapted to be arranged for allowing passage of the received water from the first conduit to the second conduit. In a first operating configuration, the first conduit connecting portion is positioned for elevating the opening of the first conduit at an elevated position to prevent water from being received into the opening. In a second operating configuration, the first conduit connecting portion is positioned for lowering the opening of the first conduit to allow water to be received into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Smart Syphon Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Gavin Andrew Kelly
  • Patent number: 10190710
    Abstract: A foldable drain pipe for draining effluent from a decanter in a settling tank in a water treatment system, comprising a plurality of pipe sections sealingly connected together end to end by pivotable elbow coupling pairs to form an articulated drain foldable in a vertical direction. The drain pipe is attachable at an upper end to the decanter and at a lower end to a tank outlet in the tank wall. The drain pipe can support its own weight and cannot come into contact undesirably with any other portion of the tank wall. The pipe unfolds upward as needed when the decanter and effluent level are high, and folds compactly between the decanter and the tank outlet when the decanter and effluent level are low. Multiple hobble apparatus options may be selected as defined herein to prevent rotational hyperextension of any of the elbow coupling pairs to assure that the pipe folds correctly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: ClearCove Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Butler, Alfred Bertoni, Jonathan M. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 10181875
    Abstract: Control module(s) and safety link(s) for ship communications arranging for emergency shutdown ESD communication between an unloading storage facility for hazardous goods on either ship or shore and a loading storage facility for hazardous goods on either ship or shore, with at least one umbilical line, connectors for coupling the control module(s) with the lines, the lines using bidirectional communication between a ship type control module and a shore type control module, and a transfer switch to switch the communication mode of the concerning control module between ship type and shore type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE B.V.
    Inventors: Steven Anthonius Groenewold, Gerardus Antonius Jozef Mampaeij
  • Patent number: 10145070
    Abstract: A gangway comprising a fixed platform. A support structure is connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform. A releasable position locking assembly that inhibits rotation of the support structure in a raising direction is also provided. The releasable locking assembly includes a closed-loop fluid arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Safe Rack LLC
    Inventors: Jeff W. Reichert, Jeffrey David Scott
  • Patent number: 10100540
    Abstract: A boom for a working machine, in particular a concrete-distributing boom for guiding a concrete delivery line, with a plurality of boom arms which can be moved into a working position and which are composed at least partially as a box construction of a plurality of side walls delimiting a cavity region, and with a sealing bulkhead arrangement for sealing a cross section of the cavity region, wherein the sealing bulkhead arrangement has a bulkhead wall provided peripherally with an at least partially encircling sealing groove, and wherein the sealing groove has arranged therein an elastic seal which bears tightly on the inside against the adjoining side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Putzmeister Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Fügel, Christian Hahn, Matthias Braun
  • Patent number: 10086914
    Abstract: A system for transferring fluid between a ship and a facility has a mast with a proximal end pivotally mounted on a deck of the ship and a distal end, a fluid-transfer line extending along the mast, a flexible pipe with a first end connected to the fluid-transfer line and a second end connected to a manifold of the facility, the flexible pipe being equipped with a connecting device having an emergency cut-off comprising two elements which are capable of automatically separating in a separation direction, when a separating force which is above a threshold is exerted, and a guide element supported by the mast, and comprising a convex surface for guiding the flexible pipe which is capable of absorbing a pulling force of the flexible pipe such that this force is exerted on the connecting device having an emergency cut-off in the separation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: GAZTRANSPORT ET TECHNIGAZ
    Inventors: Guillaume Gelin, Patrick Englebert
  • Patent number: 10080482
    Abstract: A compliant surgical device such as a flexible entry guide employs tendons to operate or steer the device and attaches asymmetric or constant force spring systems to control tension in the tendons. As a result, the surgical device can be compliant and respond to external forces during a surgical procedure without rapidly springing back or otherwise causing a reaction that damages tissue. The compliance also permits manual positioning or shaping of the device during or before insertion for a surgical procedure without damaging the tendons or connections of the tendons within the device or to a backend mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Giuseppe M. Prisco, Eugene F. Duval, Theodore W. Rogers
  • Patent number: 10060104
    Abstract: A faucet that permits an installer to select any of a plurality of desired spout rotational ranges of the spout with respect to the faucet base. The faucet can include adjustable components that allow the installer to select a degree of rotation of the spout with respect to the base. The degree of rotation can be any suitable range between 0° and 360°, inclusive, in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. When the degree of rotation is 360°, the spout may rotate through multiple rotations of 360°. In some embodiments, the installer can choose between a preselected number of rotational ranges. In other embodiments, the selectable range of rotation is variable and the installer can select between a desired suitable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Elkay Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Chee Yeen Chong, René G. Laude, Raymond T. Hecker
  • Patent number: 10047878
    Abstract: A marine pipeline installation vessel and a method are provided for laying an offshore rigid pipeline in the sea, the vessel at least being adapted to carry out the rigid reel lay method. The vessel includes at least one vertical storage reel for the storage of a spooled rigid pipeline. A left and right reel support structure are provided to support the weight of the at least one storage reel. The left and right support structures are embodied to form a pivoting structure allowing an angular adjustment of the horizontal reel axis about a vertical axis to alter the angular position of the at least one storage reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: ITREC B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Terence Willem August Vehmeijer, Ronny Lambertus Waltherus Nouwens, Jeroen Adrianus Joseph Donkers
  • Patent number: 9920793
    Abstract: A variable stiffness structure configured to support a variable load, the variable stiffness structure including a shaft coupled to the variable load, a negative stiffness element, a clutch coupled to the negative stiffness element and configured to disengage and to engage the shaft, in response to a change in the variable load, while the structure supports the variable load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher B. Churchill, Guillermo A. Herrera, Jacob J. Mikulsky, Geoffrey P. McKnight, Andrew C. Keefe
  • Patent number: 9874033
    Abstract: An inventive boom arm for a concrete-distributing boom. The boom arm has an elongate box-profile support formed from two flanges and two webs connecting the flanges laterally. The boom arm has first and second articulation points spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the boom arm. A first flange opening is disposed at the first articulation point and a second flange opening is disposed at the second articulation point. A sealing-partition seals a cavity region of the box-profile support at least in a region of the first and second flange openings. The sealing partition can be provided in the form of a plate that continuously spans the cavity region between the first and second articulation points and is connected laterally to the webs. The first articulation point is located at the end of the boom arm and is arranged within the cavity region and is covered by the partition plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Putzmeister Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Hahn
  • Patent number: 9815530
    Abstract: A transfer arm for a fluid product includes a transfer pipe having sections linked by fluid-tight articulations and an end provided with a device for connecting the pipe to a target duct. A support structure for the pipe has an inner branch mounted on a base and an outer branch suspended from the inner branch by an articulation assembly. The articulation assembly enables rotation of the outer branch around vertical and horizontal axes and is positioned between first and second ends of the outer branch. The first end is provided with a counterweight for balancing parts of the outer branch that are situated on opposite sides of the horizontal rotational axis. The arm also has a disengageable device for actuating the rotations of the outer branch around the horizontal and vertical axes and a flexible link which suspends the pipe, upstream of the device, from the second end of the outer branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: FMC Technologies SA
    Inventor: Joël Fusy
  • Patent number: 9708040
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for transfer of a fluid product and its use, comprising at least one tubular arrangement for conveying the product between two locations and having two segments (2a, 2b) articulated to each other by a first of their ends, the opposite end of a first of the two segments being rotatably suspended from a support arm (1) adapted to be installed at one of the two locations and the opposite end of the second segment being able to be connected to a coupling means adapted to be installed at the second location, first means (13, 15) for turning the first segment (2a) relative to the arm, for the purpose of lowering its first end from a storage position on the same side as the support arm and second means (33,11) for pulling up the end of the second segment (2b) which end is adapted to be linked to the coupling means for the purpose of connecting that end to the coupling means (6) from underneath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, S.A.
    Inventors: Renaud Le Devehat, Eric Morilhat
  • Patent number: 9649898
    Abstract: An air chuck with variable angle swivel head, having a head, a handle having a front face having a manufactured angle, and a swivel mechanism, which includes a banjo bolt, an air chuck tip and a pin, which together provide an air passage, whereby the head is connected to the handle by the swivel mechanism, and the manufactured angle of the front face of the handle lies in the range of 15 degrees to 45 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Motion Pro, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Richard Scott
  • Patent number: 9644764
    Abstract: An offshore fluid transfer system comprising a boom (2100) and at least one movable fluid conveying pipe (3000) attached to the boom, said movable pipe (3000) comprising, starting from its anchorage point, a length for extension, then an outer valve (3210) for coupling to a third party loading pipe, a maneuvering cable called outer maneuvering cable (4100) maneuvered from the boom (2100) being furthermore linked to the free end of the movable pipe at a point referred to as cable anchorage point, characterized in that the anchorage point is rigidly connected to the outer valve (3210). The invention also relates to the corresponding method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: FMC Technologies S.A.
    Inventors: Orla Ann Kelly, Olivier Diana, Renaud Le Devehat
  • Patent number: 9637939
    Abstract: A boom vibration suppression method for concrete distributing apparatus is disclosed. The boom comprises a boom oil cylinder for respectively driving each section of the boom; the vibration suppression method comprises: detecting the variation of output force of the boom oil cylinder, and maintaining the variation of output force within the range of a preset threshold. The present invention further provides a vibration suppression controller, a vibration suppression device, and a concrete distributing apparatus that implement the method described above. The vibration of the boom is controlled directly with little time delay. The pressure of the boom oil cylinder is controlled directly and the variation of output force is maintained within a specific range; that control process is applicable to any boom posture since it has no direct relationship with the posture and dynamic characteristics of the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: ZOOMLION HEAVY INDUSTRY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Liang Wan, Shiyang Hua, Jiaqian Wang, Qianxing Luo
  • Patent number: 9631740
    Abstract: A faucet handle includes a fluid supply line, fluid return line, and valve cartridge. A first portion of the valve cartridge provides a connecting passage between fluid supply line and fluid return line and allows fluid flow when the valve cartridge is open. A valve body having first and second openings houses the first portion of the valve cartridge. A second portion of the valve cartridge extends through first opening and extends from first portion to second portion in a direction that is substantially parallel to a mounting surface. A control handle contacts second portion of the valve cartridge. When control handle is rotated in a first direction around an axis along which the valve cartridge extends the valve cartridge is opened allowing flow from supply line to return line, and when the valve cartridge is rotated around the axis in an opposing direction the valve cartridge is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Waterworks IP Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kevin Farinella, Robert Sallick
  • Patent number: 9604838
    Abstract: A coupling comprising a first body member and a second body member. The first and second body members are operative to releasably connect together. The first and second body members define a fluid flow path therein when the first and second body members are connected together. The first and second body members are operative to disconnect from one another in response to a predetermined tensile force. At least one valve member is disposed within at least one of the first and second body members and is movable from an open position to a closed position with respect to the fluid flow path upon disconnection of the first body member from the second body member. A sensor is disposed within one of the first and second body members and is operative to sense whether the first and second body members are connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Veeder-Root Company
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Cornett, Tim Campaigne, James C. Little, Niranjan Srinivasan, Andres Deogracias Viduya, Jeremy Baillargeon, Cameron D. Carmack
  • Patent number: 9598152
    Abstract: According to some aspects, a tug and barge arrangement is provided that is configured with an articulated conduit system for transferring fluid between the tug and the barge. In some embodiments, an articulated conduit system is provided that comprises a plurality of conduits fluidically interconnected by rotatable joints configured to permit positional alterations of the fluid conduits that result from differential movement between a tug and barge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Moran Towing Corporation
    Inventors: Sean Reiley Perreault, Curtis Leffers, Matthew William Roddy, Matthew Jacob Wichgers, Jeremy Paul Rice
  • Patent number: 9546649
    Abstract: A work device has a stationary or movable frame which has a substructure fixed to the frame, a rotating head rotatable about a vertical rotational axis on a bearing block of the substructure by a drive mechanism, and an extension arm mounted on a bearing point of the rotating head in a pivotal manner about a horizontal pivot axis. A hydraulic cylinder piston unit has ends fixed to the cylinder and to the piston rod and hinged to hinge points on the extension-arm side and on the rotating-head side with a horizontal hinge axis. The rotating head has a base section arranged on the bearing block and an adapter piece including the bearing point for the extension arm and the hinge point on the rotating-head side for the cylinder piston unit. The base section and the adapter piece can be removably coupled to each other via a separating point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Putzmeister Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Braun
  • Patent number: 9534987
    Abstract: An apparatus with a reduced dead volume associated with sampling, comprising: a sample container configured to store a fluid, a sample line configured to transport the fluid from a first sampling area to a second area in the sample container, at least one valve in the sample line, the valve configured to selectively range from a closed configuration to an open configuration, and a flow restrictor configuration placed in the sample line, the flow restrictor configured to minimize the dead volume for the sample container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Maxim Yushko, Ramon Hernandez Marti
  • Patent number: 9512628
    Abstract: A concrete dispensing boom for stationary and mobile concrete pumps has a plurality of boom arms, connected to one another at joints, and a concrete conveying line consisting of a plurality of pipe segments preferably connected to one another in an articulated manner via pipe bends and rotary couplings. Said pipe segments run along the individual boom arms and are attached to these boom arms. At least one of the boom arms has a hollow chamber profile which has at least two hollow chambers separated from one another by a separating wall, at least one of which chambers is a closed chamber and one is open at the periphery. The pipe segment allocated to the boom arm concerned is disposed on the opening side outside, partially inside or inside the open hollow chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Putzmeister Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Ciprian David, Michael Neubert, Peter Hasel
  • Patent number: 9476211
    Abstract: A working device has a substructure for receiving a supporting device for ground support and an elongated working boom. The one end of the working boom is mounted on a rotary head bearing block, which projects beyond the substructure, in a pivotal manner about a horizontal axis. Furthermore, the rotary head is mounted on a rotary bearing of the substructure in a rotatable manner about a vertical axis by a radially projecting bearing ring. The bearing block and the bearing ring of the rotary head are rigidly connected to each other via a base plate provided with a central opening. The rotary head has an annular reinforcing structure which points away from the mounting plate in the direction of the substructure and is concentric about the bearing ring, the reinforcing structure compensating for the non-roundness of the support structure of the bearing block in the circumferential direction of the bearing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Putzmeister Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Westermann
  • Patent number: 9447921
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon transfer arrangement for transfer of fluids between an offshore unit and a carrier which are placed in an offloading configuration, includes at least one transfer hose and a gas return hose, wherein the end of the at least one transfer hose is connected to a floating multi-function unit allowing for the transport of the transfer hose between the offshore unit and the carrier, wherein the floating multi-function unit can be lifted out of the water and can be held in a fixed position above water-level and is provided with connection elements for making a fluid connection between the transfer hose end and a manifold of the carrier and with emergency disconnect elements for the at least one transfer hose, placed at a distance from the connection elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: SINGLE BUOY MOORINGS INC.
    Inventors: Pieter Liem, Jean-Robert Fournier, Jean-Charles Rinaldi