Underground Passageway, E.g., Tunnel Patents (Class 405/132)
  • Patent number: 10801323
    Abstract: A mine stopping and associated components and methods. The stopping can include one or more columns or other vertical supports and a plurality of elongate panels extending horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Jack Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 10309142
    Abstract: Double door system (1) comprising an understriking door leaf (2), an overstriking door leaf (3) and a mechanical brake arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400), wherein the mechanical brake arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) comprises a braking means (101, 102, 201, 202, 301, 302, 401, 402) arranged to brake the movement of the overstriking door leaf (3), and a first controlling means (103, 203, 303, 403) and a second controlling means (104, 204, 304, 404), which are mechanically operated, wherein the first controlling means (103, 203, 303, 403) is arranged to control the braking of the braking means (101, 102, 201, 202, 301, 302, 401, 402) in relation to the position of the understriking door leaf (2). Mechanical brake arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) for controlling the movement of one of the door leafs of the double door system. A door operator system (10) comprising the mechanical brake arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY ENTRANCE SYSTEMS AB
    Inventor: Sven-Gunnar Söderqvist
  • Patent number: 10294707
    Abstract: Double door system (1) comprising an understriking door leaf (2), an overstriking door leaf (3), a first door operator (11) adapted to move the understriking door leaf (2) between an open and a closed position, a second door operator (12) adapted to move the overstriking door leaf (3) between an open and a closed position and a mechanical brake arrangement (400), wherein the understriking door leaf (2) should be closed before the overstriking door leaf (3) to close the double door, and wherein the mechanical brake arrangement (400) is arranged to brake the movement of the overstriking door leaf (3). Mechanical brake arrangement (400) for controlling the movement of one of the door leafs of a double door system. Door operator system (10) comprising a first door operator (11), a second door operator (12) and a mechanical brake arrangement (400).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY ENTRANCE SYSTEMS AB
    Inventor: Sven-Gunnar Söderqvist
  • Patent number: 10286993
    Abstract: A pressure bulkhead for an aircraft comprising a fuselage. The pressure bulkhead comprises an inflatable element, suitable for being filled with air, which in turn comprises a cover which delimits an inner zone. The pressure bulkhead further comprises a seal suitable for providing an airtight seal between the cover and the fuselage of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.L.
    Inventors: Jesús Javier Vázquez Castro, Fernando Pereira Mosqueira
  • Patent number: 10287884
    Abstract: A mine stopping panel for installation between opposing first and second mine surfaces of a mine passage includes a panel member. The panel member has a channel shape and a web, side flanges at opposite sides of the web, an upper end, and a lower end. An end cap is attached to the panel member adjacent one of the upper and lower ends of the panel member in a position between the side flanges of the panel member adjacent an inside surface of the web of the panel member. The end cap defines a cavity for receiving an injectable foam material and an injection inlet for injecting said foam material into the first cavity. In a method of the invention and injectable foam material is injected into the cavity through the injection inlet during a process of sealing the mine passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Jack Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 10145241
    Abstract: A roadway conduit system includes a roadway conduit section that includes a floor portion with roadway surface configured to receive traveling vehicles, a ceiling portion, and at least one sidewall portion coupled to the floor portion and the ceiling portion such that the floor, ceiling, and at least one sidewall portions define a roadway conduit volume through which the traveling vehicles traverse the roadway conduit section. The roadway conduit section includes at least two fixedly connected preformed segments. The roadway conduit system also includes a roadway conduit ingress coupled to a first location of the roadway conduit section; a roadway conduit egress coupled to a second location of the roadway conduit section; and at least one air mover configured to circulate an airflow in the roadway conduit volume in a direction of at least one of the traveling vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Electricwaze LLC
    Inventor: Ross Tessien
  • Patent number: 9759065
    Abstract: A mine ventilation structure including a support structure, a plurality of side panels and ceiling panels mounted on the support structure, and a cementitious sealing composition applied over at least one surface of the side or ceiling panels. A method of assembling an overcast in an intersection within a mine is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: GMS MINE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE, INC.
    Inventors: Courtland Joshua Helbig, Timothy Dale Beeman, David William Lantz, III
  • Patent number: 9702094
    Abstract: A method of forming tunnels(6), and tunnels formed thereby, said tunnels in one embodiment being of a form to carry transport routes (1) such as rail and road transport therealong. The method allows the tunnel to be formed from one or more access points (2) by allowing the tunnel structure (6) to be progressively extended out from the tunnel by advancing deck structures (24) along guide means (20) which are formed as part of a base structure (18). The deck structures (24) can also be used to support excavation equipment (28) and/or act as transport routes for access to the leading edge of the tunnel as it is formed. This greatly reduces the need for separate access and works to be provided adjacent to the tunnel as it is formed and therefore reduces the level of reinstatement works required after the tunnel has been formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventor: James Crawford Thomson
  • Patent number: 9647607
    Abstract: A solar power system is mounted to a solar power componentry support structure suspended above a pre-existing surface by a collective of solar collector suspension base supports. Suspended solar power system row support structure members and suspended solar power system column support structure members may for a solar component position lattice to which a matrix of individual solar power components such as solar panels can be attached. Solar module quick-fasten assemblages may serve also as solar componentry emergency releases and may include loose axis retainers and firm axis fasteners such as dual component, single point operative emergency releases and fasteners. Slide-in retainers and corner slot tabs can be included as well as frame alignment notches. Fulcrum pivot fasteners and slide wedge releases can aid in installation and release. Pre-sealed roof base supports such as semidome base supports can include a sandwiched membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Sustainable Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Patton, YangLin Li, ZhengXue Zhang, Eric L. Hafter
  • Patent number: 9617705
    Abstract: A retainment wall for underground horizontally extending mine shafts wherein a spaced vertical series of horizontal support ribs are secured to one or more upright supports that are secured in the mine shaft between the side walls thereof. Porous material covers and is secured to the forward retaining face of the wall structure. If the retainment wall structure is to be used as a fill retainment barrier the porous material is spray coated with a settable sealant which covers the forward face of the wall structure and the perimeter thereof to seal off the mine shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Sturda, Inc, Heintzmann Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Breedlove, Erik Denver, Tyler Proffitt, Robert Lamond
  • Patent number: 9479110
    Abstract: A solar power system is mounted to a solar power componentry support structure suspended above a pre-existing surface by a collective of solar collector suspension base supports. Suspended solar power system row support structure members and suspended solar power system column support structure members may for a solar component position lattice to which a matrix of individual solar power components such as solar panels can be attached. Solar module quick-fasten assemblages may serve also as solar componentry emergency releases and may include loose axis retainers and firm axis fasteners such as dual component, single point operative emergency releases and fasteners. Slide-in retainers and corner slot tabs can be included as well as frame alignment notches. Fulcrum pivot fasteners and slide wedge releases can aid in installation and release. Pre-sealed roof base supports such as semidome base supports can include a sandwiched membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Sustainable Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Patton, YangLin Li, ZhengXue Zhang, Eric L. Hafter
  • Patent number: 9303400
    Abstract: A kit for forming a wall comprises at least one building block having an exterior surface adapted to be closely stacked with a plurality of corresponding adjacent blocks and having at least one hollow in at least one surface thereof. A plurality of connecting ties each extending between first and second ends and having an enlarged portion located at at least one end thereof are utilized to connect and tie the building blocks together. The enlarged portions are adapted to be received within the hollows so as to span a pair of adjacent building blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Richard Maeers
  • Patent number: 9044628
    Abstract: A fire suppression system includes a volume reduction system having a seal member. The seal member is selectively deployable between a first position and a second position to seal an opening in a confined space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Kidde Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dharmendr Len Seebaluck, Terry Simpson, Robert Glaser
  • Patent number: 9022689
    Abstract: A pumpable mine ventilation stopping wall structure comprised of a pumpable bag having spaced walls of generally parallel nonporous and flexible sheets with the sheets retained in spaced relationship with spaced flexible cross ties. The perimeter of the spaced walls are closed off with a permeable mesh having a mesh size which will permit restricted flow of cementitious grout therethrough for sealing the wall structure to surrounding rough mine faces. The bag is provided with at least one grout fill port for filling the bag by pumping cementitious grout into the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignees: Heintzmann Corporation, ABC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Bower, John J. Breedlove, Erik Denver, Steven S. Fleagle, Tyler Proffitt
  • Publication number: 20150110561
    Abstract: A structure for reducing a tunnel micro pressure wave is provided. The structure includes a hood structure formed in front of an entry of a railroad tunnel; and an air pipe section in which at least one air pipe is provided along the circumference of the hood structure, wherein the air pipe comprises a horizontal introduction section formed to be extended from an internal side of the hood structure toward a longitudinal direction of the hood structure, an outlet section formed on an external side of the hood structure, and an intermediate section connecting the horizontal introduction section and the outlet section through each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Dong Hyeon Kim
  • Patent number: 9011043
    Abstract: A method for designing and fabricating a mine seal includes determining an initial thickness for a mine seal based on a predetermined underground opening, developing and solving a numerical model for response of the mine seal upon application of a blasting pressure, and determining whether the mine seal meets predetermined design criteria. A mine seal having a minimum seal thickness may be fabricated after determining the mine seal meets the predetermined design criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: FCI Holdings Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Stankus, Jinrong Ma, Lumin Ma
  • Patent number: 8960419
    Abstract: A conveyor belt box check for installation in a mine is disclosed. The box check includes first and second generally parallel spaced-apart walls extending across a mine passage. Each of the walls has a conveyor belt aperture sized for receiving the conveyor. In some embodiments, access doors are provided in the first and second walls, and a partition extends between the first and second walls for separating the access doors from the conveyor belt apertures and for forming an air lock between the walls. A method of installing the box check is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20140314490
    Abstract: A pumpable mine ventilation stopping wall structure comprised of a pumpable bag having spaced walls of generally parallel nonporous and flexible sheets with the sheets retained in spaced relationship with spaced flexible cross ties. The perimeter of the spaced walls are closed off with a permeable mesh having a mesh size which will permit restricted flow of cementitious grout therethrough for sealing the wall structure to surrounding rough mine faces. The bag is provided with at least one grout fill port for filling the bag by pumping cementitious grout into the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicants: ABC Industries, Inc., Heintzmann Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph P. Bower, John J. Breedlove, Erik Denver, Steven S. Fleagle, Tyler Proffitt
  • Patent number: 8795777
    Abstract: A liner plate structure, system and method is provided for lining of mine shaft bores, tunnels and the like. The liner plate structure includes a primary plate portion and at least one flange disposed at a side edge of the primary plate portion. A polymer seal element extends along a recess within an exterior surface of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventors: Darrell J. Sanders, Vernon B. Cameron, Mark J. Swarny
  • Patent number: 8562253
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting communication equipment in an underground mine includes a pair of vertically extending laterally spaced and substantially parallel elongate members, a pair of horizontally extending members, each depending from and extending outwardly from proximate a lower end of a respective elongate member a distance approximately equal to a thickness of a power supply, an upper shield member attached to and extending outwardly from proximate an upper end of the pair of elongate members in the same direction as the pair of horizontally extending members, extending a distance approximately equal to a depth of power supply and having a width approximately equal to a width of the power supply, and a flexible sheet of material disposed over the pair of elongate members from below the upper shield to above the pair of horizontally extending members that is held in place by the communication node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Rickey V. Shiner
  • Publication number: 20130264420
    Abstract: An environmentally-friendly airport with renewable energy sources. The environmentally-friendly airport includes a security zone encompassing the land area of the airport, and a plurality of runways across the land area. There are one or more terminals within the security zone encompassing the land area of the airport. Further, a plurality of power generator systems are disposed within the land area for generating renewable, clean energy, and an industrial zone is placed within a boundary formed by the runways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Bickelmeyer
  • Publication number: 20130243528
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the formation of underground structures. The method includes the provision of the formation of at least two spaced support structures which are provided to include a slide track thereon to receive and allow the sliding movement therealong of a roof structure which is moved into position once the support structures are formed to form the underground structure. The support structures can include piled foundations and include a series of units in which the slide tracks are formed. Further articles can be provided to allow the excretion of lubricant to allow the movement of the structure units into position to be improved. Said articles can also be used subsequently to receive a filler material to allow any spaces between the structure and surrounding soil or rock to be filled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: James Thompson
  • Patent number: 8444108
    Abstract: A mine seal comprising two spaced apart walls, at least one electrically non-conductive tie extending between the walls and holding them in place against forces tending to separate the walls, and a filler material filling the space between the walls. A form for making such a mine seal is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20120319452
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method of mining underground coal and recovering coal seam gas, the method including locating a seam of coal; digging a mine shaft to reach the seam of coal; constructing a ventilated underground control center which includes a computerized control panel, wherein the computerized control panel controls the movement of a drill head, a hollow drill shaft, a movable hydraulic shield, a movable resin roof bolting machine, and a movable waste extrusion device; providing mining personnel to the ventilated underground control center; and allowing the mining personnel to operate the computerized control panel wherein they perform the tasks of moving the drill head into the seam of coal to obtain aggregate coal and coal seam gas; extruding waste material into mined-out space of the coal seam; and transferring the aggregate coal and coal seam gas to the surface of the earth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: George Anthony Aulisio, Leander F. Aulisio
  • Publication number: 20120294680
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for anchoring a cable bolt in a ground formation using a multi-part resin system and an injection adaptor for use in the anchoring method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Richard Stanton McClellan, Horst-Peter Simon
  • Patent number: 8162569
    Abstract: A high-strength anchor system for anchoring a support to mine strata is disclosed. The system includes an anchor plate and a connecting member on the anchor plate for connection of the support to the anchor plate. Anchor bolts extend through bolt holes in the anchor plate into bore holes in the mine strata. Load-spreading devices extend from respective bolt holes in the anchor plate into the bore holes. The load-spreading devices have outside diameters larger than outside diameters of the anchor bolts for spreading shear loads exerted on the anchor bolts over larger areas of the mine strata. A method of installing such a system and a safe room bulkhead using such a system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7967974
    Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume having substantially permeable side walls and a substantially impermeable cap. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom without contamination or substantial leaching of materials outside of the impoundment. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Dana, James W. Patten
  • Patent number: 7906014
    Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a stationary permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom within a temperature range which is sufficient to substantially avoid formation of carbon dioxide or non-hydrocarbon leachates. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Dana, James W. Patten
  • Patent number: 7862706
    Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from water-containing hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A mined or separately collected water-containing hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to initially remove water therefrom as a water vapor. The water vapor can be removed from the infrastructure via an outlet which can be controlled or shut off when the permeable body is sufficiently dewatered. The dewatered permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Dana, James W. Patten
  • Publication number: 20100319563
    Abstract: A transportation system comprising means for evacuating personnel from at least one area of activity (16) under a surface (13, 14), where the transportation system comprises at least one transport access passage (17) to the area of activity (16), at least one evacuation access passage (18, 28) to the area of activity (16) and in addition at least one transport conveyance (21) for evacuation through the evacuation access passage (18, 28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Acona Goup AS
    Inventors: Kjell-Are Vassmyr, Martin Ivar Aaserod, Torkel Gjerstad, Robert Schumacher
  • Publication number: 20100189512
    Abstract: Described herein are apparatus, systems and methods useful in forming underground vertical structures. Methods are described for constructing an underground vertical structure, comprising the steps of excavating soil to a sufficient depth to create a circular void to accommodate a plurality of segments; assembling a ring shaped structure comprising the plurality of segments; connecting the outside surface of the ring shaped structure with the soil in said circular void, thereby securing the ring shaped structure to the soil; excavating earth beneath the ring shaped structure to accommodate a second ring shaped structure; and repeating steps b-d thereby forming one or more additional ring shaped structures downward into the earth below already formed ring shaped structures until a predetermined depth is reached; thereby forming the underground vertical structure. Systems to perform the above methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Darin R. Kruse
  • Publication number: 20100098496
    Abstract: Railway tunnel of circular section with two lines, constructed with tunnel boring machine, having a separating wall, disposed at the middle of the tunnel, and a slab, placed slightly over the bottom of the tunnel, forming two independent and isolated railway galleries, disposed side by side, one for each line, and a service gallery. The separating wall is resistant to fire and to the piston effect of the trains, and disposes of large openings, provided with fire doors, regularly spaced along the length of the tunnel. The slab disposes of openings, placed close to the circular wall, on both sides and regularly spaced and protected with fire devices of box type. The service gallery is provided with emergency vehicles of shuttle type, which may circulate suspended from the slab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Silvino Pompeu Santos
  • Patent number: 7686542
    Abstract: The surface of rock or soil, newly-exposed, for example, by tunnelling, and having the tendency to become friable on exposure to the atmosphere, can be protected by forming thereon a film by the process of combining on the surface at least one coagulable material and a coagulating agent therefor. The preferred coagulable material is an aqueous polymer dispersion, preferably one which has some degree of elastomeric properties, and preferably one which additionally is anionically stabilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Construction Research & Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Ellenberger
  • Patent number: 7677336
    Abstract: A portable drilling device for use in horizontal boring through a substrate beneath an impediment includes a motor mounted on an inclined stabilizer bar. The inclined stabilizer bar includes a handle for use by the operator of the drilling unit which allows the operator to guide the unit during operation. A shaft is operatively mounted on the motor and is rotatably carried by the stabilizer bar. The shaft is in turn attached to an auger which is rotatably carried within a bearing housing assembly that is attached to the inclined stabilizer bar at a predetermined angle. A skid shoe is mounted underneath the shaft-auger attachment point and is attached to both the housing and the inclined stabilizer bar, whereby, when the motor is engaged the shaft and the auger are rotated in order to bore a horizontal opening through the substrate beneath an impediment such as a sidewalk or driveway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Brent J. Gent
  • Patent number: 7665930
    Abstract: A hydraulic system has a hydraulic actuator for moving a door leaf of a door installation between open and closed positions thereof. A reservoir has a volume for containing a hydraulic fluid. A fluid circuit provides fluid communication between the hydraulic actuator and the reservoir. The system also has a pump for pumping hydraulic fluid from the reservoir into the fluid circuit to operate the actuator. A fluid circuit flushing system of the hydraulic system operates to flush a volume of hydraulic fluid from the fluid circuit back to the reservoir without moving any door leaves of the door installation. The hydraulic system may be part of a mine door installation installed in a mine passageway and having at least one door leaf. The hydraulic actuator is connected to the door leaf for driving movement of the door leaf between its open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20090136299
    Abstract: The tunnel supported on bearing blocks is a tunnel to be executed in weak soils, which is constituted by two tubes: an exterior tube, formed by precast elements, which are mounted by a tunnel boring machine, and an interior tube, which is built using the exterior one as the exterior formwork and constitutes the resistant element of the tunnel, both being supported by bearing blocks, regularly spaced along the axis of the tunnel. The bearing blocks are extended downwards until the stiff soil through resistant elements with great horizontal flexibility in order to resist vertical loads, while allowing for horizontal movements of the tunnel during an earthquake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Santos Silvino Pompeu
  • Publication number: 20090074513
    Abstract: An ocean water drawing system includes: a well; a working tunnel disposed underground and having an end segment distal from the well; a pipeline unit including a primary pipeline disposed in the working tunnel, and having one end extending sealingly into the well and the other end extending through the end segment of the working tunnel and into an ocean so as to permit ocean water to flow into the well through the primary pipeline; and an access tunnel isolated from the well and extending downwardly from a ground surface to intersect the working tunnel so as to communicate spatially with the working tunnel and so as to permit access into the end segment of the working tunnel for operation and maintenance of the primary pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Yeh-Huei KUO, Bing-Sheng YU
  • Patent number: 7490440
    Abstract: A support device (8) for a rib (14) between a floor (18) and a roof (16). The device includes an expansion means (10) and a pair of resilient members (12a, 12b). Each of the resilient members (12a, 12b) have a proximal end (27a, 27b) adapted for connection to the expansion mean (10) and a distal end (28a, 28b) curved away from the expansion means (10) and adapted for engagement with the floor (18) and roof (16) respectively. When the device (8) is positioned towards or against the rib (16) and the expansion means (10) is activated to drive the members (12a, 12b) apart, the member's distal ends (28a, 28b) are driven substantially vertically into engagement with the floor (18) and the roof (16) and a portion of the device (8) is driven substantially laterally (32) into abutment against the rib (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Derrek William Batty
  • Publication number: 20080205989
    Abstract: There is provided a method of constructing a section of a half-tunnel in a slope (10) of a mountain or hill (12), including the steps of forming a lock block (18) along the section (16) above the upper edge of the half-tunnel to be excavated, inserting lock elements (22) traversing the lock block and extending into the mountain, excavating portions of the mountain beyond and below the lock block defining roof and bottom portions of the half-tunnel, and repeating the excavating procedure until the entire section of the half-tunnel is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Mordechai Yuger, Shlomo Liberman
  • Patent number: 7267505
    Abstract: A panel system for making mine ventilation structures. The panel system comprises a plurality of elongate metal panels having flanges along sides thereof configured for overlapping one another when the panels are placed in side-by-side relation. When the panels are secured together they form a unitary load-bearing structure. Related methods and equipment for installing the panels are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7232368
    Abstract: A mine air crossing includes opposite side walls and a deck extending from side wall to side wall. Each side wall includes a plurality of sections assembled side-by-side and interconnected by quick-connections. Similarly, each deck may include deck sections assembled side-by-side and interconnected by quick-connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Jack Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7217064
    Abstract: A method for controlling deformation of a cut end region of an erected arch-type structure for use in underpass construction and the like where the cut end region has at least one extended leg portion. The method comprises building progressively at least one layer of mechanically-stabilized earth adjacent the extended leg portion by alternately layering a plurality of compacted layers of fill with interposed layers of reinforcement. Each layer of reinforcement is secured to the extended leg portion during the progressive building. The securement of the layers of reinforcement to the extended leg portions provide support in controlling deformation of the cut end region during backfilling and regular service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Michael W. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7156582
    Abstract: An inspectable tunnel comprises two opposite, vertical trays (1), whereof one is equipped with pallets (2) used to hold cables or conduits whilst the other has supports (26) whereon a plurality of hinged lids (15) can rest. The latter are connected to the pallets (2) and can have two positions; an appreciably vertical one to form an independent compartment joined to the two adjacent pallets, and the other position is appreciably horizontal and resting on the supports (26), so that the compartment thus defined is accessible from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Angel Garcia Ballesteros
  • Patent number: 6918447
    Abstract: A fire protection apparatus includes a plurality of bladders that are substantially filled with a non-flammable liquid via a manifold that is coupled to a source of non-flammable liquid and includes one or more nozzles that discharge the non-flammable liquid into each of the plurality of bladders. In one specific embodiment, the apparatus is initially in a substantially collapsed state at or near a ceiling. When fire or smoke is detected, the non-flammable liquid flows into the manifold. As the plurality of bladders begin to fill with non-flammable liquid, the weight of the filling bladders causes the fire protection apparatus to deploy, spanning from ceiling to floor. The bladders may include one or more discharge orifices that allow the non-flammable liquid to flow out of the bladder and down the exterior of the bladder once the bladder is filled to the level of its discharge orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Edward L. Robinson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6846132
    Abstract: A mine stopping installed in a mine passageway includes a plurality of elongate panels extending generally vertically in side-by-side relation from a floor to a roof of the passageway to at least partially close the passageway. A generally horizontal elongate brace extends generally between the walls of the passageway adjacent to the panels. A generally vertical column extends from the floor to the roof and is adapted for reinforcing the brace. Braces and anchor beams for stoppings are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Jack Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20040175238
    Abstract: A form installed in a mine for making a permanent mine stopping or seal of pourable and hardenable material includes first and second form walls in spaced, generally parallel relation to one another. Each of the first and second form walls includes a portable wall section including a plurality of elongate upright panels secured together in general parallel, side-by-side relation. Each panel includes a lower panel member having a lower end and an upper panel member extending from the lower panel member and having an upper end in substantial engagement with a roof of the mine passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: Jack Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6715961
    Abstract: A method of supporting opposite first and second walls of a mine passageway includes providing an elongate beam having opposite first and second ends and a longitudinal axis. The beam is configured to have substantial columnar strength for bearing a substantial longitudinal load applied to the beam generally longitudinally of the beam and substantial bending strength for bearing a substantial transverse load applied to the beam generally transversely of the beam. The method further includes selecting first and second locations on the first and second walls, respectively, providing suitable areas for supporting the first and second walls, and positioning the first end of the beam at the first location and the second end of the beam at the second location so that the beam extends between the first and second walls of the mine passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Jack Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6697710
    Abstract: A gas pipe explorer formed of a plurality of connecting elements, and an articulation element between the connected elements. The connected elements include drive capabilities, and the articulation element allows the connected elements to traverse gas pipes of arbitrary shapes and sizes. A sensor may sends the characteristics of the gas pipe, and the communication element may send back those sends characteristics. The communication can be wired, over a tether connecting the device to a remote end. Alternatively, the connection can be wireless, driven by either a generator or a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Brian Wilcox
  • Patent number: 6688813
    Abstract: A portable wall section for incorporation in a mine stopping or for use as a mine permanent stopping or seal form, comprising vertically extensible panels secured in side-by-side relation, a stopping installed in a mine, a stopping system utilizing one or more of said sections, and methods of installing the stopping and form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Jack Kennedy Metal Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6682263
    Abstract: A mine stopping installed in a mine passageway includes a lower tier of elongate panels extending generally vertically in side-by-side relation from a floor of the passageway. Each panel of the lower tier has a lower end adjacent the floor and an upper end spaced from a roof of the passageway. An upper tier of elongate panels extends generally vertically in side-by-side relation from the lower tier of panels to the roof. An upper end of each upper tier panel is adjacent the roof and a lower end of each upper tier panel abuts the upper end of respective lower tier panels. An elongate brace is connected to at least one of the lower and upper tiers for reinforcing the stopping against deflection and for inhibiting lateral movement of the lower tier panels relative to the upper tier panels. A method of installing a multiple tier stopping is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Jack Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy