Pivoted Patents (Class 173/185)
  • Patent number: 11230855
    Abstract: A side saddle slingshot drilling rig includes a left and right substructure including a left and right lower box. The side saddle slingshot drilling rig includes a drill rig floor mechanically and pivotably coupled to the left and right lower boxes such that it is pivotably movable from a lowered position to a raised position. The drill rig floor includes a V-door. The V-door is positioned on the V-door side of the drill rig floor. The V-door side of the drill rig floor is oriented to face the right substructure. A mast coupled to the drill rig floor may include an open side, defining a mast V-door side. The mast V-door side may be oriented to face the right substructure. The mast may pivot into its raised position or may be a bootstrap mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: NABORS DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES USA, INC.
    Inventors: Padira Reddy, Ashish Gupta
  • Patent number: 11142879
    Abstract: Post installation apparatuses are disclosed that decrease the length of a post subject to buckling so that more force can be applied when installing a post in the ground. In one embodiment, a post installation apparatus includes a frame that defines an elongated vertical passage configured to receive a post such that the post vertically extends through the elongated vertical passage when the elongated vertical passage receives the post. The frame provides the structural support so that a post secured to the frame does not buckle. To allow for easy removal of the post, the elongated vertical passage defines an elongated vertical opening in the frame such that the post is removable through the elongated vertical opening. The post installation apparatus also includes one or more securement devices that are configured to be positioned across the elongated vertical opening so as to secure the post in the elongated vertical passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventor: Howard Louis Lovell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10823709
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for realigning and re-adhering a hanging tool-equipped crawler vehicle with respect to a non-level surface of a target object. When the cable-suspended crawler vehicle with suction devices is adhered to a non-level surface of a target object, it is possible for the crawler vehicle to detach from the surface and be left hanging from the end of the cable in a state. While hanging from the end of the cable in a misaligned state and not in contact with the target object, the crawler vehicle is unable to carry out a planned maintenance operation. Before the maintenance operation is resumed, the crawler vehicle is realigned with the surface of the target object using a turret, a rotating arm or a cam-shaped roll bar provided as equipment on the crawler vehicle and then re-adhered to the surface by activation of the suction devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Joseph L. Hafenrichter, Gary E. Georgeson
  • Patent number: 10731375
    Abstract: A side saddle slingshot drilling rig includes a left and right substructure including a left and right lower box. The side saddle slingshot drilling rig includes a drill rig floor mechanically and pivotably coupled to the left and right lower boxes such that it is pivotably movable from a lowered position to a raised position. The drill rig floor includes a V-door. The V-door is positioned on the V-door side of the drill rig floor. The V-door side of the drill rig floor is oriented to face the right substructure. A mast coupled to the drill rig floor may include an open side, defining a mast V-door side. The mast V-door side may be oriented to face the right substructure. The mast may pivot into its raised position or may be a bootstrap mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: NABORS DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES USA, INC.
    Inventors: Padira Reddy, Ashish Gupta
  • Patent number: 10724306
    Abstract: In embodiments, a drilling rig system includes a rig unit having rig equipment and a rig electrical subsystem configured for electrical communication with the rig equipment and including a rig electrical subsystem input transformer, an electrical system including a primary power supply subsystem remote from the rig unit, and an intermediate electrical subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignees: Integrated Drive Systems, LLC, Orion Holdco LLC
    Inventors: Norman S. Myers, David Carroll
  • Patent number: 10494869
    Abstract: A drilling machine includes a self-propelled motor vehicle, a front drilling member, and a rear drilling member, wherein at least one of the front or rear drilling members has at least one drilling head suited to be oriented in any direction with respect to the advance direction of the machine, and wherein at least one of the front or rear drilling members has an integrated sliding system suited to stabilize the member on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventors: Pasqualino Comacchio, Renzo Comacchio, Patrizio Comacchio
  • Patent number: 10385614
    Abstract: A drilling system includes a control system that monitors operating parameters so as to protect the drilling machine from damage and increases drilling operation efficiency. A method of using a hydraulic system of a percussive drill as a sensing system includes sensing a drill bit blow-out event by measuring changes in the operating hydraulic fluid pressure in the hydraulic system used to operate the percussive drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Park Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James Peter Fuchs, Jessica Ann Juncewski
  • Patent number: 10253566
    Abstract: A rock drilling rig and method for rock drilling, the rock drilling rig having a first boom unit including a first rock drilling machine provided with a tool and drill bit at the distal end of the tool, and a second boom unit including at least one rack for accommodating at least one drill bit. The first boom unit and the first rock drilling machine therein are configured to collect a drill bit from the at least one rack in the second boom unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction Oy
    Inventors: Ilpo Nieminen, Johannes Valivaara
  • Patent number: 10214936
    Abstract: A side saddle slingshot drilling rig includes a left and right substructure including a left and right lower box. The side saddle slingshot drilling rig includes a drill rig floor mechanically and pivotably coupled to the left and right lower boxes such that it is pivotably movable from a lowered position to a raised position. The drill rig floor includes a V-door. The V-door is positioned on the V-door side of the drill rig floor. The V-door side of the drill rig floor is oriented to face the right substructure. A mast coupled to the drill rig floor may include an open side, defining a mast V-door side. The mast V-door side may be oriented to face the right substructure. The mast may pivot into its raised position or may be a bootstrap mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: NABORS DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES USA, INC.
    Inventors: Padira Reddy, Ashish Gupta, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10214976
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular handling system for maneuvering tubulars onto or off of a rig and including a tubular grip adapted to engage a variety of tubular sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Veristic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Chang, Brian Cunningham, Charles Vora
  • Patent number: 10174559
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively placing either an auger type or a ground rod or rod type anchor into the earth includes a machine frame that supports an elongated housing. The housing has upper and lower end portions. An anchor holder is positioned at the lower end of a tubular member rotatably mounted in the housing for holding an auger type anchor and rotating it during placement. If a ground rod or rod type anchor is selected, a drive that is offset from the housing central longitudinal axis drives the rod into the earth and without rotating the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventors: John Stewart Coast, John Burnett Coast
  • Patent number: 10086853
    Abstract: A movable cable loop descent system comprises a cable for forming into a loop, a receiver for attachment to a structure having a receiver pulley for engaging the cable loop, a brake assembly, having a drive pulley for being rotated by the cable loop, the brake assembly for slowing a rate of travel of the cable loop and a carriage supporting a load for attachment to the cable loop at a point and for movement between the structure and the ground. A rotor and substantially parallel conductive frame is mounted on an axle through the drive pulley. Magnets on a surface of the rotor and/or the frame induce eddy currents, as they are relatively rotated, which create a rotational braking force controlling descent of the carriage and load. The brake assembly may be removably positioned by a drive-on anchor. The cable is removable and the system may form a kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: RIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Hartman, Dan S. Smith
  • Patent number: 10041485
    Abstract: A piston for dual-directional hand inflator comprises a main body (1) having an internal hole (11) and an external hole (12). A plurality of spacers (17) are disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface of the main body (1) and divide a space into a gas-intake guide chamber (3) and a gas-exhaust guide chamber (5). The gas-intake guide chamber (3) communicates with the internal hole (11), and the gas-exhaust guide chamber (5) communicates with the external hole (12). A first cover plate (6) is disposed at an end of the gas-intake guide chamber to seal the gas-intake guide chamber. A second cover plate (7) is disposed at an end of the gas-exhaust guide chamber to seal the gas-exhaust guide chamber. There is only two cover plate to be adhered and fixed. The assembly is more convenient and the leakage probability is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Gri Leisure and Sport Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gaetano Medici
  • Patent number: 10041301
    Abstract: A mobile auger implement is used with an auger bit and a motor for driving the bit. The implement includes an adjustable base, a central articulating section having a double 4-bar linkage connected to the adjustable base and providing a range of movement, and an auger support and control section connected to the central articulating section and providing an operator handle for guiding the bit. The double 4-bar linkage includes central, base, and distal links and four bars each having a fixed length and being connected to the central link. The first and second bars are parallel to one another at all times, and the third and fourth bars are parallel to one another at all times. The base link is unable to tilt relative to the distal link, such that the auger maintains an angular orientation. Adjustment of the adjustable base affects the angular orientation of the auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Billy Goat Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kirk Jones
  • Patent number: 9844868
    Abstract: A manipulation cart system for manipulating a tool described herein includes a chassis subsystem, a locomotion subsystem, at least one manipulation subsystem, at least one attachment subsystem, and at least one control subsystem. The locomotion subsystem may include a turn pivot. The at least one manipulation subsystem may include at least one tilting subsystem. Preferably the cart system at least partially relieves the physical demands of manipulating the tool and at least partially protects from stress-induced injuries associated with manipulating the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventors: Kenneth Robert Abbey, Jennifer Carmel Swendsen
  • Patent number: 9702161
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a high-capacity drilling rig system that includes novel design features that alone and more particularly in combination facilitate a fast rig-up and rig-down with a single set of raising cylinders and maintains transportability features. In particular, a transport trailer is disclosed having a first support member and a drive member which align the lower mast portion with inclined rig floor ramps and translate the lower mast legs up the ramps and into alignment for connection. A pair of wing brackets is pivotally deployed from within the lower mast width for connection to the raising cylinder for raising the mast from a horizontal position into a vertical position. A cantilever is pivotally deployed from beneath the rig floor to a position above it for connection to the raising cylinder for raising the substructure from a collapsed position into the erect position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Trevithick, Darrell Jamison, Gus Rodriguez, Keith Orgeron
  • Patent number: 9587358
    Abstract: A mobile apparatus for the repair of potholes in an asphalt paved surface comprises first storage bin for the containment of recycled shingle particles or recycled asphalt or combinations thereof. A first conveyor is provided for conveying the particles from the first storage bin to an inlet of a radiant heated transport mixing conveyor. A second storage bin is provided for the containment of stone aggregate. A second conveyor conveys and pre-heats the stone aggregate to the inlet of the transport mixing conveyor. An oil reservoir has a pump at an outlet thereof for feeding a predetermined quantity of asphaltic oil at the inlet of the mixing conveyor. The mixing conveyor has vanes for displacing, mixing and heating the stone aggregate, the recycled asphalt particles or recycled asphalt and the asphaltic oil to produce an asphalt patch material and feeding same to a dispensing outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Andre Roy
  • Patent number: 8985238
    Abstract: A mobile drill rig includes a frame structure and a plurality of hinged outriggers that are adapted to be retractable to a substantially vertical position during a drilling operation and extendable to a substantially horizontal position during movement of the mobile drill rig. The frame structure is adapted to transfer a weight of the mobile drill rig through the plurality of hinged outriggers to a plurality of wheeled frame dollies during the rig movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Ron Sorokan, Kameron Wayne Konduc
  • Patent number: 8985239
    Abstract: An improved base structure for a derrick mast of a pivotal portable drilling rig structure provides at least two A-frame support members affixed to a rig side of the derrick mast, the drilling rig structure being elevated to a point slightly forward from vertical position towards a well side, with the A-frame support members held in a drilling position by respective support member stanchions which apply static force below the A-frame support members during use of the drilling rig structure applying enhanced drilling forces and stability applied during the drilling process. A rig side secondary locking support structure secured to an elevating drilling rig platform provides additional stability to the drilling rig structure when the drilling rig is in an operational position subsequent to the positioning of the A-frame support members and the support member struts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Steve Akerman
  • Patent number: 8967289
    Abstract: A valve tester suspension assembly for allowing one person to perform the tasks necessary to test underground valves includes an articulated arm attached to a mobile base such as a vehicle. The articulated arm may be biased such that the biasing assists in supporting the weight of a rotating assembly positioned at a distal end of the articulated arm. The articulated arm is pivoted to permit positioning of the rotating device in a substantially horizontal orientation at a desired position within a three dimensional space adjacent to the base to which the articulated arm is attached. A method of use is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hurco Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Lyndon J. Hurley
  • Patent number: 8834079
    Abstract: The present invention is a coring unit adapted to be engaged to an articulated arm, to reduce the labor necessary for on-site coring of sewage and water pipes. The coring unit includes a frame containing the components of the unit, which include a coring bit, a coring bit motor, a traverse mechanism, and a stabilizer for allowing ready orientation of the coring unit with respect to an object being cored. The unit may also be provided with a traverse motor for driving the coring bit into an object being cored, and for withdrawing the coring bit once a core has been formed. The coring unit may additionally be adapted to allow for remote operation of the coring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Exco, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew R. Ebert, Peter Ebert, Frederick Engel, Jr., Edward Lounsberry
  • Publication number: 20140151078
    Abstract: The method comprises the following operations: delivering a moving power to at least one linear actuator (1, 7) arranged to move a mast (5) mounted so as to swing with respect to a self-propelled structure (3) among a plurality of moving operating configurations; delivering an actuating power to a winch (8) which is supported by said self-propelled structure (3) and adapted to allow the winding or unwinding of a respective traction element which is constrained to a drilling assembly, in particular a bank of telescopic or kelly bars (12) to which a drilling tool can be associated; at least temporarily preventing a relative axial movement between said drilling assembly (12) and said mast (5) during the passage between at least two consecutive operating configurations; and automatically controlling the delivery of said moving power in a coordinated manner with the delivery of said actuating power when said axial movement is hindered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Bruno BETTINI, Massimo MORELLINI
  • Patent number: 8662199
    Abstract: A feed unit (105) to be used with a mining or construction machine (100), the feed unit (105) having a feeder holder (106) and a feed beam (111) able to move relative to the feeder holder (106), the feed unit (105) also having a supporting unit for a drilling machine (121), the supporting unit being arranged to support the drilling machine (121) moveably in relation to the feed beam (111), and the feed unit (105) having a driving device to move the feed beam (111) relative to the feeder holder (106) in operation. The supporting unit is attached to the feeder holder (106) such that, when the feed beam (111) moves relative to the feeder holder (106) by the driving device, the supporting unit is automatically moved at the same time along the feed beam (111). A rock drilling assembly and a rock drilling rig include the feed unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
    Inventor: Sven-Olov Nyström
  • Patent number: 8662198
    Abstract: An apparatus for driving piles or drilling holes includes a self propelled vehicle with a mounting platform supported by the vehicle. A lifting and positioning arm is provided having a mounting end and a remote end. The mounting end is mounted to the platform. The arm rotates about a vertical axis relative to the platform wherein the remote end of the arm is positioned in a selected radial orientation relative to the platform. The arm pivots about a substantially horizontal axis relative to the platform wherein the arm is moved up and down to position the remote end of the arm at a selected height above or below the platform. The arm extends and retracts wherein the remote end of the arm is positioned a selected distance from the platform. A pile driver or drill assembly is pivotally mounted to the remote end of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Jason Linley
  • Publication number: 20130341059
    Abstract: A traveling top drive sheave system includes in one embodiment a rig carrier, a mast assembly pivotally attached to the rig carrier comprising guide rails and a crown block, a top drive fixture, and a traveling sheave block. The mast assembly is moveable to a generally perpendicular position with respect to the rig carrier, providing the top drive access to a wellhead. The top drive is mounted within the mast assembly and is supported along guide rails to be vertically moveable along a same axis as the wellhead. In one embodiment, the traveling sheave block has an axis offset from the crown block to enhance the reeving of a drilling line between both blocks. In another embodiment, the system contains guide rails and rollers whereby at least one of the rollers or guide rails has a groove and the other is sized to mate with said groove for facilitating vertical movement along said mast assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Complete Production Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Flusche
  • Patent number: 8500207
    Abstract: A rock claw is provided for a demolition hammer. The rock claw may be a separate component attachable to the external surface of the hammer housing. The rock claw may include a first portion with a first distal end and a first proximal end and a second portion with a second distal end and a second proximal end. The first proximal end is joined to the second proximal end to form an elbow and the second distal end having a first leg spaced apart from a second leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Nickels, Tommie L Craven, Lauritz P. Pillers
  • Patent number: 8490716
    Abstract: A boom arrangement (202) and a drilling rig having the boom arrangement for use in a mining or construction machine (200) the boom arrangement having a first boom section (203) with a first and a second end, in which the first end is designed to be fastened to a carrier (201), and the second end is designed to carry a drilling machine (210), the boom arrangement (202) also having a first rotational linking element (205) with a first axis of rotation (B1) and a second rotational linking element (206) with a second axis of rotation (B2). The first rotational linking element (205) is arranged at the first end of said first boom section (203) and the second rotational linking element (206) is arranged at said second end of the first boom section (203) such that the axes of rotation (B1, B2) are fixed in relation to each other, and the axes of rotation (B1, B2) form angles with vertical direction of the carrier, the angles being in the interval of 0 to 45°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
    Inventor: Sven-Olov Nyström
  • Publication number: 20130098649
    Abstract: A Support frame for a jack hammer has an armature comprised of a riser member rotationally attached to a vertical support member. The vertical support member extends perpendicularly from a base having wheels, casters, and pods. Extending diagonally from the vertical support member is a joystick support member to which is movably attached a joystick. The joystick has a handle at one of its end and an attachment ring at its opposite end to attach the bottom of the jack hammer. The joystick runs through a sleeve which is rotationally attached to a cross beam. The sleeve allows for the joystick to slide therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Dominick Charbonneau, Richard Lauzon
  • Patent number: 8365838
    Abstract: A valve tester suspension assembly for allowing one person to perform the tasks necessary to test underground valves includes an articulated arm attached to a mobile base such as a vehicle. The articulated arm may be biased such that the biasing assists in supporting the weight of a rotating assembly positioned at a distal end of the articulated arm. The articulated arm is pivoted to permit positioning of the rotating device in a substantially horizontal orientation at a desired position within a three dimensional space adjacent to the base to which the articulated arm is attached. A method of use is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hurco Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Lyndon J. Hurley
  • Patent number: 8327950
    Abstract: An excavation apparatus includes a base structure mountable to a vehicle, and a first supporting member pivotally coupled to the base structure. The first supporting member is pivotable about a pivot axis that is generally parallel to a lateral direction between a retracted position and an advanced position. A second supporting member is rotatably coupled to the first supporting member. A rotary spindle is supported by the second supporting member and extends lengthwise along a cutting axis and is rotatable thereabout for driving a cutting element. When the first supporting member is in the advanced position, the second supporting member is rotatable about a rotation axis that is generally parallel to a longitudinal direction between a stowed position in which the cutting axis is generally parallel to the lateral direction and a deployed position in which the cutting axis is generally parallel to a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Utilicor Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Marshall Pollock, Andrew Leslie Pollock
  • Patent number: 8317430
    Abstract: A crawler-type and height adjustable drilling machine includes a crawler moving part, a temporary support, a lift cylinder, a cross beam, a roof anchor drill for setting roof anchor bolts and cables which that can turn left or right around 30°, a side-wall-anchor drill for setting side wall anchor bolts and cables that can turn toward one side around 90°, a platform for the drills, a hydraulic system and operation console, and a crawler driving motor. A coal pushing shovel is in front of the crawler moving part and below the platform. Double columns are provided on which a slipway is mounted for left and right moving of the roof anchor drill. The platform is also provided with a forward and backward slipways on which the side-wall-anchor drill is arranged so that a cylinder mounted on the platform pushes the side-wall-anchor drill forward and backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Zhendong Yan
  • Patent number: 8316960
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drop hammer assembly including a drop hammer configured with at least two end conditions, characterized in that the position of the end conditions can be reversed when required. Also claimed is a method of reversing the drop hammer with respect to the drop hammer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Terminator IP II SA
    Inventor: Angus Peter Robson
  • Patent number: 8267193
    Abstract: A valve tester suspension assembly for allowing one person to perform the tasks necessary to test underground valves includes an articulated arm attached to a mobile base such as a vehicle. The articulated arm may be biased such that the biasing assists in supporting the weight of a rotating assembly positioned at a distal end of the articulated arm. The articulated arm is pivoted to permit positioning of the rotating device in a substantially horizontal orientation at a desired position within a three dimensional space adjacent to the base to which the articulated arm is attached. A method of use is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Lyndon J. Hurley
  • Patent number: 8251616
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pile driver with a lead that is capable of receiving and supporting a pile in a substantially horizontal orientation and subsequently rotating the lead and received pile from the substantially horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation needed before the pile can be driven into the earth. In one embodiment of the pile driver, the chassis is of a relatively short length to be more maneuverable and the lead is capable of supporting a long and/or quite massive pile. To prevent the chassis, lead, and pile from tipping or being placed in an unstable condition, the pile driver further comprises a movable counterweight system. The method is also directed to methods of using such a pile driver to accomplish the driving of a pile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Flatiron Constructors, Inc.
    Inventor: Elie H. Homsi
  • Patent number: 8167519
    Abstract: The present invention is a coring unit adapted to be engaged to an articulated arm, to reduce the labor necessary for on-site coring of sewage and water pipes. The coring unit includes a frame containing the components of the unit, which include a coring bit, a coring bit motor, a traverse mechanism, and a stabilizer for allowing ready orientation of the coring unit with respect to an object being cored. The unit may also he provided with a traverse motor for driving the coring bit into an object being cored, and for withdrawing the coring bit once a core has been formed. The coring unit may additionally be adapted to allow for remote operation of the coring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: MECO Constructors, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew R. Ebert, Peter Ebert, Frederick Engel, Jr., Edward Lounsberry
  • Publication number: 20120012354
    Abstract: An apparatus for driving piles or drilling holes includes a self propelled vehicle with a mounting platform supported by the vehicle. A lifting and positioning arm is provided having a mounting end and a remote end. The mounting end is mounted to the platform. The arm rotates about a vertical axis relative to the platform wherein the remote end of the arm is positioned in a selected radial orientation relative to the platform. The arm pivots about a substantially horizontal axis relative to the platform wherein the arm is moved up and down to position the remote end of the arm at a selected height above or below the platform. The arm extends and retracts wherein the remote end of the arm is positioned a selected distance from the platform. A pile driver or drill assembly is pivotally mounted to the remote end of the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Jason LINLEY
  • Patent number: 7987923
    Abstract: A valve tester suspension assembly for allowing one person to perform the tasks necessary to test underground valves includes an articulated arm attached to a mobile base such as a vehicle. The articulated arm may be biased such that the biasing assists in supporting the weight of a rotating assembly positioned at a distal end of the articulated arm. The articulated arm is pivoted to permit positioning of the rotating device in a substantially horizontal orientation at a desired position within a three dimensional space adjacent to the base to which the articulated arm is attached. A method of use is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Hurco Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Lyndon J. Hurley
  • Patent number: 7896096
    Abstract: A hydraulic drilling machine has a metal chassis shaped as a rectangular parallelepiped, drilling resources located at the front of the chassis, a rotary motor to drive drilling rods, and a hydraulic circuit. An electrical circuit powers the various components of the drilling machine. The machine can be mounted on the arm of a hydraulic mini-digger and operate without an extra hydraulic unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: I.A.T.S.T.
    Inventor: Patrick Ferrand
  • Publication number: 20110036608
    Abstract: The invention concerns a boom arrangement (202) for use in a mining and/or construction machine (200), comprising a first boom section (203) with a first and a second end, wherein said first end is designed to be fastened to a carrier (201), and said second end is designed to carry a drilling machine (210), wherein said boom arrangement (202) furthermore comprises a first rotational linking means (205) with a first axis of rotation (B1) and a second rotational linking means (206) with a second axis of rotation (B2). Said first rotational linking means (205) is arranged at said first end of said first boom section (203) and said second rotational linking means (206) is arranged at said second end of said first boom section (203) such that said axes of rotation (B1, B2) are fixed in relation to each other, and said axes of rotation (B1, B2) make angles with the vertical direction of the carrier, said angles being in the interval of 0 to 45°. The invention also pertains to a rock drilling rig.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Sven-Olov Nyström
  • Patent number: 7870911
    Abstract: A pile driver includes a leader rotation/holding mechanism that can firmly hold a leader in a rotatable state and also reliably rotate the leader using a general-purpose, inexpensive hydraulic motor by keeping the hydraulic motor from action of a bending moment from the leader. The pile driver has a leader revolver that includes a mechanism for rotating a leader. The leader revolver includes an outer tube and an inner tube that is concentrically arranged inside the outer tube via a pair of tapered roller bearings provided at two upper and lower positions. A lower part of the leader is connected, in an integrally rotatable state, to an upper part of the inner tube protruding upward from an upper end opening of the outer tube. A hydraulic motor is placed in a lower part of the leader revolver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Nippon Sharyo, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigemitsu Yoshida, Nobuyuki Tomida
  • Patent number: 7836972
    Abstract: A mobile soil sampling device is mounted on the side of a vehicle such as an ATV or UTV and includes an upstanding frame member which is vertically movable with respect to the vehicle by means of a parallel arm linkage and actuator. A vertically disposed and rotatable auger is mounted on the frame member and is moved upwardly and downwardly with respect thereto through the use of a motor and pinion gear with the pinion gear engaging a gear rack on the frame member. The auger is rotated so as to dig into the ground to the desired depth with the soil sample being conveyed upwardly into a vacuum collection chamber with the soil sample being conveyed to a vacuum chamber mounted on the vehicle. A sample collection device is mounted beneath the vacuum chamber for receiving the desired soil samples. An auger flute cleaning apparatus is mounted on the device to remove soil from the flutes of the auger as the auger is raised from a soil penetration position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: John L. Pavlik
  • Patent number: 7828075
    Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating a target includes a base which may be secured to a trolley and a hydraulic arm mounted on the base arranged for being controlled remotely by a user. The arm includes at an end distal from the base a tool coupling which is arranged to receive a variety of tools for performing work on the target object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels PLC
    Inventors: Gerald A. Daniel, Brent Broadhurst, James Harken, Colin Robson
  • Patent number: 7828076
    Abstract: A valve tester suspension assembly for allowing one person to perform the tasks necessary to test underground valves includes an articulated arm attached to a mobile base such as a vehicle. The articulated arm may be biased such that the biasing assists in supporting the weight of a rotating assembly positioned at a distal end of the articulated arm. The articulated arm is pivoted to permit positioning of the rotating device in a substantially horizontal orientation at a desired position within a three dimensional space adjacent to the base to which the articulated arm is attached. A method of use is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Hurco Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Lyndon J. Hurley
  • Patent number: 7757780
    Abstract: An excavation apparatus includes a support structure mountable to a truck bed, the support structure defining a longitudinal direction extending front-to-back of the truck bed, and a lateral direction extending side-to-side of the truck bed. The apparatus further includes a rotary spindle pivotably supported by the support structure at a first pivot joint defining a generally horizontal first pivot axis, the spindle extending lengthwise along a spindle axis and rotatable thereabout for driving a cutting head; the spindle pivotable about the horizontal first pivot axis between a stowed position wherein the spindle axis is generally horizontal, and a deployed position wherein the spindle axis is generally vertical. The support structure includes a first adjustment device for adjusting the position of the spindle in the longitudinal direction when deployed, and a second adjustment device for adjusting the position of the spindle in the lateral direction when deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Utilicor Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Marshall Pollock, Jeffrey Haas, Patrick William Harbinson
  • Patent number: 7743852
    Abstract: An auger stabilizer includes a rigid elongated body having a first end and a second end. The length of the body is adjustable between a retracted transport position and an extended drilling position. A pair of spaced apart wheels are attached at the second end of the body. A split body with two halves connected by fasteners is used to pivotally attach the first end of the body to a handle of an auger. When the body is in the extended drilling position, the pair of spaced apart wheels roll along a ground surface away from the auger as the handle of the auger descends and the pair of spaced apart wheels act to stabilize the handle of the auger against reactive torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Stanley M. Paskar
  • Patent number: 7717195
    Abstract: An auger stabilizer includes a rigid elongated body having a first end and a second end. The length of the body is adjustable between a retracted transport position and an extended drilling position. A pair of spaced apart wheels are attached at the second end of the body. A split body with two halves connected by fasteners is used to pivotally attach the first end of the body to a handle of an auger. When the body is in the extended drilling position, the pair of spaced apart wheels roll along a ground surface away from the auger as the handle of the auger descends and the pair of spaced apart wheels act to stabilize the handle of the auger against reactive torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Stanley M. Paskar
  • Patent number: 7575069
    Abstract: A mobile soil sampling device is mounted on the side of a vehicle such as an ATV or UTV and includes an upstanding frame member which is vertically movable with respect to the vehicle by means of a parallel arm linkage and actuator. A vertically disposed and rotatable auger is mounted on the frame member and is moved upwardly and downwardly with respect thereto through the use of a motor and pinion gear with the pinion gear engaging a gear rack on the frame member. The auger is rotated so as to dig into the ground to the desired depth with the soil sample being conveyed upwardly into a vacuum collection chamber with the soil sample being conveyed to a vacuum chamber mounted on the vehicle. A sample collection device is mounted beneath the vacuum chamber for receiving the desired soil samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: John Pavlik
  • Patent number: 7556107
    Abstract: The invention relates to a construction machine, in particular a drilling and/or pile driving device, for foundation construction comprising a chassis and a leader arranged on the chassis for the longitudinally displaceable guidance of a drive head. Provision is made for the leader to be pivotable on the chassis by means of a pivot drive about a pivot axis that extends at least approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the leader. In accordance with the invention at least one locking element is provided which can be displaced between a first position, in which it fixes the leader around the pivot axis in a rotationally fixed manner on the chassis, and a second position, in which the leader is released. In addition, according to the invention a setting device is provided for the remote-controlled displacement of the locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Bauer Maschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Leonhard Weixler
  • Publication number: 20090032277
    Abstract: A hydraulic drilling machine has a metal chassis shaped as a rectangular parallelepiped, drilling resources located at the front of the chassis, a rotary motor to drive drilling rods, and a hydraulic circuit. An electrical circuit powers the various components of the drilling machine. The machine can be mounted on the arm of a hydraulic mini-digger and operate without an extra hydraulic unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: I.A.T.S.T
    Inventor: Patrick FERRAND
  • Patent number: 7478685
    Abstract: A hydraulic drilling machine has a metal chassis shaped as a rectangular parallelepiped, drilling resources located at the front of the chassis, a rotary motor to drive drilling rods, and a hydraulic circuit. An electrical circuit powers the various components of the drilling machine. The machine can be mounted on the arm of a hydraulic mini-digger and operate without an extra hydraulic unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: I.A.T.S.T.
    Inventor: Patrick Ferrand