Dispensing Fluent Material While Withdrawing Dispenser Patents (Class 405/240)
  • Patent number: 11613864
    Abstract: A pile shoring wall includes tangent concrete piles that are formed in the ground at an excavation site. The tangent concrete piles include a plurality of a first type of concrete piles in the ground at depths wherein the average depth is d1 and a plurality of a second type of concrete piles. The second type of concrete piles includes 10% and less than 50% of the tangent concrete piles, and each have a shaft of a helical pile secured therewithin. Each helical pile has a bottom portion with helical flights for screwing the helical pile into the ground, and each helical pile is set into the ground to a depth of at least about 2 m below d1. The helical flights of each helical pile are exposed to the surrounding soil and increase resistance below an excavation depth when the site is excavated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: HC Properties Inc.
    Inventor: John Martin Halliwell
  • Patent number: 11268255
    Abstract: Soil-displacement drill (1) for soil-displacing drilling in a surface (10) in order to form a foundation pile (2), comprising a drill pipe (3), a drill head (4) at an end of the drill pipe (3) with several flap leaves (5) which are pivotable between a closed position for closing off the end of the drill pipe (3) and an open position for making this end freely accessible and one or several closing elements (6) to keep these flap leaves (5) in their closed position and prevent pivoting of the flap leaves (5) which are configured to fail during drilling into the surface (10) in such a way that these closing elements (6) do not impede pivoting of the flap leaves (5). In addition, the present invention relates to an assembly of a drill head (4) and one or several closing elements (6) for such a soil-displacement drill (1), a method for soil-displacing drilling and a method for converting a soil-displacement drill (1) to form such a soil-displacement drill (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Inventors: Gerdi Vankeirsbilck, Dimitry Vankeirsbilck
  • Patent number: 10914046
    Abstract: A method for installing a pile in a cavity of a soil layer is disclosed. The method includes drilling the cavity in the soil layer using a drilling assembly, applying pressure with the drilling assembly during drilling to an interface portion of the soil layer that is adjacent to the cavity, sensing pressure data of the interface portion during drilling, and transferring the pressure data to a controller during drilling. The method also includes determining pile capacity data of the pile with the controller during drilling based on the pressure data, transferring the pile capacity data during drilling, and controlling the drilling assembly based on the pile capacity data during drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventors: Jamal Nasir, Haidar Jamal
  • Patent number: 10889954
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a vibrating pile driver when driving a pile element (4) into a ground (6), wherein the vibrating pile driver includes a vibration unit (2) connected with the same and is attached to a carrier machine (5, 1), the method comprising the following steps: detecting at least one first status parameter of the carrier machine (5, 1) and detecting at least one second status parameter of the vibration unit (2). The method is characterized in that with reference to the at least one first status parameter and the at least one second status parameter a statistical ground model is generated, and individual operating parameters of the carrier machine (5, 1) and the vibration unit (2) are adapted to the statistical ground model, in order to optimize the energy consumption and/or an advance rate when driving in the pile element (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Nenzing GmbH
    Inventors: Patrick Jussel, Gerhard Kaufmann, Andreas Schwarzhans
  • Patent number: 10655892
    Abstract: A heat transfer pipe embedded in a prefabricated pipe pile including a plurality of prefabricated pipe piles, a heat transfer pipe component and a pump assembly; the prefabricated pipe pile sealed by closing the bottom thereof and sides of which are provided with inclined holes; a locking pin provided at an inner wall of the pipe pile; a steel plate provided on the locking pin, and a steel bar structure bound on the steel plate; the heat transfer pipe component comprises a horizontal heat transfer pipe communicated with a vertical heat transfer pipe with both pipes communicated with the pump assembly, the horizontal pipe embedded and fixed via the steel bar structure, the vertical heat transfer pipe passes through the inclined holes and fixed in the pipe pile via a steel bar bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: HOHAI UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Gangqiang Kong, Yang Zhou, Xu Huang, Huaifeng Peng, Chunhong Li
  • Patent number: 10161097
    Abstract: A hybrid foundation structure includes a first perforation hole formed in the ground, at least one second perforation hole formed adjacent to the first perforation hole on a side surface of the first perforation hole, and a first pile and a second pile formed by mixing and injecting soil and soil solidifying agent into the first perforation hole and the second perforation hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: EXT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ki Yong Song
  • Patent number: 9988845
    Abstract: A vibrating soil is provided for locating one or more underground utility conduits. The vibrating soil probe includes a handle, an elongate rigid probe body attached to the handle at a proximal end of the probe body, a probe head attached to a distal end of the probe body, a drive shaft attached to a motor at a first end of the drive shaft, the driveshaft disposed within the elongate rigid probe body, and a vibration mechanism disposed within the probe head, the vibration mechanism attached to a second end of the drive shaft. The vibration mechanism induces a vibration in the probe head of the soil probe to enable the probe head to penetrate the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventor: Jack D. Pierce
  • Patent number: 9816245
    Abstract: A filling tube for producing a column of filling material in the ground with a tube body. A closing device has at least one support element, which is arranged in a central region at a lower end of the tube body, and, in a closed position, closing flaps rest against the at least one support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: BAUER Spezialtiefbau GmbH
    Inventor: Jens Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 9546465
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a foundation structure vertically installed on the ground, and comprising: an upper support layer 10 formed on the ground in the vertical direction; and a lower support layer 20 formed so as to extend downward from the upper support layer 10 and such that the width thereof is less than that of the upper support layer 10. The disclosed upper support layer 10 and the lower support layer 20 are structures formed from soil solidified by means of feeding and mixing an earth and soil-solidifying agent therein, and therefore are efficient and prevent overload due to boring equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: EXT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ki Yong Song
  • Patent number: 9022696
    Abstract: A device for introducing a filling material into a hole in the ground, with a channel-like filling section which can be introduced into the hole and has an upper feed opening for feeding in the filling material and a lower discharge opening for discharging the filling material in a lower area of the hole. The filling section includes an upper feed section and a flexible hose section arranged below. During the filling of the hole with the filling material the flexible hose section can be moved upwards along the feed section. During upward movement of the flexible hose section a severing device severs an upper area of the hose section in a longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for introducing a filling material into a hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Bauer Spezialtiefbau GmbH
    Inventor: Ulli Wiedenmann
  • Publication number: 20140314497
    Abstract: A polymer grouting method for constructing gravel pile for reinforcing the soft and special soil foundation includes steps of: (1) pile-position-pore-forming; (2) installing a grouting pipe; (3) putting graded stones; (4) polymer lifting grouting; and (5) pile-forming. By pile-position-pore-forming, putting graded stones, polymer lifting grouting in the reinforcement site and other steps, the injected two-component expansive polymer material expands rapidly after a chemical reaction, and then is solidified with the graded stones for filling in the pile hole from below to above, the blast hole wall rock-soil is expansive compacted and fully integrating with the surrounding rock-soil, thus forming the polymer gravel pile. The present invention can rapidly reinforce the soft and special soil foundation, thereby providing an advanced, highly efficient, safe and practical method for reinforcing the soft and special soil foundation. It has great economic and social benefits and broad development prospects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Henan Polytech Infrastructure Rehabilitation LTD.
    Inventors: Fuming Wang, Yanhui Zhong, Mingsheng Shi, Bei Zhang, Xiaolong Li, Haizhou Zhao, Liang Dong
  • Publication number: 20140056651
    Abstract: A primary earth penetrating mandrel formed of a hollow shell steel plate has an upper end and an open lower end joined by an upwardly and outwardly tapered wall. The mandrel is driven downwardly in the earth to simultaneously form a vertical cavity while compacting the sidewall of the cavity to provide structural integrity. The mandrel is then moved upwardly from the bottom of the cavity and aggregate is deposited in the bottom of the cavity following which the mandrel is lowered so that its lower end engages the deposited aggregate and densifies the aggregate by vertical vibratory action and static force with these steps being repeated until the pier top is near the surface of the earth. A second embodiment includes a conduit in the primary mandrel for injecting concrete or grout into aggregate previously deposited in the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kord J. Wissmann, Alan L. Moxhay, Nathaniel S. Fox
  • Publication number: 20130177359
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming compact aggregate columns. The apparatus includes an aggregate materials hopper; a hollow mandrel adapted to be driven into the ground; a plurality of rubber bearing isolators disposed between the mandrel and the hopper for reducing transmission of vibratory energy between the mandrel and the hopper, and a rubber seal encircling and moulded to the outer circumference of the mandrel for preventing aggregate leakage from the hopper; flow control means comprising a stone gate or hinged tip convertible between an open position and a closed position for controlling aggregate flow, one or more collars encircling the mandrel disposed along the length of the mandrel, each collar having an outer circumference greater than the mandrel circumference; a vibratory hammer attached to a vehicle for inserting and removing the mandrel into the ground; and a monitoring and control system in the cab of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: NORTH AMERICAN PILE DRIVING INC.
    Inventor: NORTH AMERICAN PILE DRIVING INC.
  • Patent number: 8380461
    Abstract: A system and method of determining lift deflection during construction of aggregate columns allows for real time monitoring of construction to ensure meeting defined parameters. The amount of deflection of a tamper head during tamping is determined multiple times for each lift. When the amount of deflection matches a predetermined value, tamping is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignees: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc., University of North Carolina at Charlotte
    Inventors: Kord J. Wissmann, John Hildreth, Barry Sherlock
  • Publication number: 20120163922
    Abstract: A tamper device including a shaft for driving a tamper head, and a shield. A tamper head is attached to the end of the shaft for tamping a lift of aggregate in a cavity formed in a ground surface. A shield attached to the tamper device and spaced a predetermined distance above a top surface of the tamper head, the shield having a predetermined length extending upwardly above the tamper head sufficient to prevent sidewalls of a cavity in soft soil in which the tamper device is used from failing and collapsing into the cavity. Methods of constructing aggregate columns with thicker lifts are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: GEOPIER FOUNDATION COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Kord J. Wissmann, Gale M. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8155919
    Abstract: A system and method of determining lift deflection during construction of aggregate columns allows for real time monitoring of construction to ensure meeting defined parameters. The amount of deflection of a tamper head during tamping is determined multiple times for each lift. When the amount of deflection matches a predetermined value, tamping is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Geopler Foundation Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kord J. Wissmann, John Hildreth, Barry Sherlock
  • Patent number: 8152415
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a support aggregate pier having compacted aggregate lifts in a soil matrix, includes an elongate, hollow tube with a bulbous leading end bottom head element that is forced or lowered into the soil matrix. The hollow tube includes a mechanism for releasing aggregate from the lower head element of the tube as the tube is lifted in predetermined increments. The same hollow tube is then lowered or pushed in predetermined increments to vertically compact the released aggregate in thin aggregate lifts, while forcing a portion of the compacted aggregate transaxially into the soil matrix at the sidewalls of the cavity. The process may be repeated to form a series of compacted aggregate lifts comprising an aggregate pier or the process may include forming only a single lift for the aggregate pier while densifying adjacent matrix soils and imparting lateral stress in these soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Fox, Lorenz Weppler
  • Patent number: 8079780
    Abstract: A slotted mandrel is used in displacement pier construction. Longitudinal slots are formed in the sides of the hollow mandrel which allow for the introduction of aggregate efficiently into the mandrel from a hopper through which the mandrel passes while being driven into the ground. Water may also be employed with the aggregate. Once in the ground the mandrel is raised to release the aggregate (and water if present) into the formed hole in lifts and a mandrel head then compacts the aggregate in the hole. This apparatus and method obviates the need for complicated and expensive hoppers that are raised with the mandrel or the use of expensive aggregate delivery systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kord J. Wissmann, Gale M. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8002502
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for drilling a hole and installing a geothermal transfer apparatus. A sonic drilling apparatus is positioned at a desired location. The sonic drilling apparatus includes a rotating and vibrating apparatus for rotating and vibrating a hollow drill string into the ground, the hollow drill string having an inner space. The hole is drilled to a desired depth by rotating and vibrating the hollow drill string into the ground while discharging fluid into the inner space of the hollow drill string. A geothermal transfer apparatus is lowered into the inner space of the hollow drill string following the drilling of the hole to the desired depth. The drill string is then removed from the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Raymond J. Roussy
  • Patent number: 7901159
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a support pier having a single or multiple compacted aggregate lifts in a soil matrix, wherein the apparatus includes a vertical, hollow tube with a bulbous leading end or head element that is forced into the soil matrix. The hollow tube includes a mechanism for releasing aggregate from the lower head element of the tube as the tube is lifted incrementally. The same hollow tube is then utilized to compact the released aggregate. The process may be repeated to form a series of compacted lifts comprising a pier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathaniel S. Fox
  • Patent number: 7748932
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for use in stabilizing different types of soils and/or creating anchorage and more particularly, to a system and method for injecting various types of solidifying material into a subsurface through a drilling apparatus during the drilling operation. The drilling apparatus may be removable and reusable used to create a micro or mini pile for soil stabilization, or alternatively it can be left in place to be used in conjunction with grout and similar materials for forming an anchor or load carry pier. A solidifying material swivel, a drive connector and a drilling apparatus, in combination are attached to a power drive unit. In one preferred embodiment, the drilling apparatus remains within the soil subsurface, encased in solidifying material. In another preferred embodiment, the drilling apparatus is removed leaving a homogenous pile of solidifying material behind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Russell Lindsey
  • Patent number: 7726913
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a method for casting a cementitious or stone pile into the ground. The present invention comprises an exterior driving casing and an interior mandrel acting in cooperation to hold and deliver the pile forming material. A retrievable driving driving shoe is also disclose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: David Sjogren
  • Publication number: 20100124462
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for drilling a hole and installing a geothermal transfer apparatus. A sonic drilling apparatus is positioned at a desired location. The sonic drilling apparatus includes a rotating and vibrating apparatus for rotating and vibrating a hollow drill string into the ground, the hollow drill string having an inner space. The hole is drilled to a desired depth by rotating and vibrating the hollow drill string into the ground while discharging fluid into the inner space of the hollow drill string. A geothermal transfer apparatus is lowered into the inner space of the hollow drill string following the drilling of the hole to the desired depth. The drill string is then removed from the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventor: Raymond J. ROUSSY
  • Publication number: 20100028087
    Abstract: A tamper device includes a shaft for driving a tamper head. A tamper head is attached to the end of the shaft for tamping a lift of aggregate in a cavity formed in a ground surface. A shield extends upwardly a predetermined height from the tamper head an amount sufficient to prevent sidewalls of the cavity from failing and collapsing. Methods of constructing aggregate columns with thicker lifts are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: GEOPIER FOUNDATION COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: Kord J. Wissmann
  • Publication number: 20090279960
    Abstract: This invention deals with a device and a method for an improved concrete pile casting in swelling soils by substantially lowering or eliminating heave forces created in active soils from affecting said piles by surrounding selectable parts of the pile by an easily deformable material for lowering the horizontal and the vertical soil movement effect, and by providing a low friction surface for further lowering vertical forces effect. This inventive device and method further facilitates subsequent operations by permitting an easy and seamless casting of columns and by ensuring a clean and smooth pile surface for a better adhesion of new concrete to an old one, as well as preventing cement dough seepage to surrounding soil and concrete segregation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Basem Hazzan
  • Patent number: 7604437
    Abstract: A system and method for installing aggregate piers is provided. A cylindrical hollow mandrel is driven to a desired depth. Aggregate is fed through the mandrel in steps. The mandrel is raised and driven to tamp the aggregate. Physical members in a tamping head of the mandrel allow aggregate to remain in a cavity formed by the mandrel, and prevent aggregate from entering the mandrel during driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kord J. Wissmann, Brian C. Metcalfe
  • Patent number: 7429148
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for arranging a foundation pile in the ground using a ground displacement drill, wherein a hollow drill pipe with a ground displacement drill attached thereto are jointly introduced as a foundation pile, with the aid of a pile cap coupled to the hollow drill pipe, into the ground under axial pressure, whilst rotating, and wherein during the introduction into the ground, via a liquid supply extending through the pile cap and the foundation pile, a liquid medium is supplied through the ground displacement drill to the ground, and wherein, after the foundation pile has been arranged sufficiently deep in the ground, the pile cap is thereupon uncoupled from the foundation pile and retracted from the ground, leaving the foundation pile behind, wherein during retraction of the pile cap, liquid is supplied via the pile cap to the space formed between the pile cap and the foundation pile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Funderingstechnieken Verstraeten B.V.
    Inventor: Alexander Julien Verstraeten
  • Patent number: 7413385
    Abstract: In this invention, after a hole has been drilled or excavated, injection probe(s) are placed at appropriate depth(s), the excavated native materials are replaced with appropriately sized crushed rock or other natural or synthetic materials, and then a polymeric resin is injected through the probe(s) to encapsulate and bind the fill material, whereby upon curing the polymeric resin and fill material forms a foam friction pile. Such friction piles drilled or excavated adjacent to each other will form a foam sheet piling system. The foam piles can also be re-enforced using nylon, polypropylene, fiberglass, other synthetic or non-synthetic materials or combinations of these materials. The polymeric resin typically would comprise a high density closed cell, water resistant expanding two component polyurethane foam system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Casey Moroschan
  • Patent number: 7390144
    Abstract: A method for installing a pre-cast/pre-stressed concrete and steel pile used in the construction of pile foundations and the resulting installed pile that has its distal end anchored to bedrock is disclosed. After the pile is located on bedrock, a first hole is drilled into bedrock that is of sufficient depth to accommodate a lower portion of the steel pipe that extends below the concrete pile and contains a plurality of orifices. A second hole is drilled into bedrock that is below and concentric to the first hole and has a diameter than that is usually less than that of the first hole. The second hole forms an anchoring socket to accommodate an anchoring anchor. Grout is injected into the steel pile and anchoring socket until the grout fills the voids in the interior of the steel pipe. Grout also seeps through the orifices in the lower end of said steel pipe and fills the second hole, and an annular space between the outer circumference of the steel pipe and the walls of the first hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Nova Group Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald M. Fedrick
  • Patent number: 7341405
    Abstract: A method to make an in-situ piling in which a dry binder and water are injected into the situs of an intended piling. A rotary tool is inserted into the soil which as it descends into the situs and exits it, mixes the soil, binder and soil along with the air used to inject the binder, reducing the size of binder particles and rendering the resulting mixture sufficiently fluid that much of the air can percolate from it. The water is supplied in such amount as to reduce the unit strength of the ultimate cured piling, but sufficiently strong and reliably consistent in its physical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Johan M. Gunther
  • Patent number: 7226246
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a support pier having a single or multiple compacted aggregate lifts in a soil matrix, wherein the apparatus includes a vertical, hollow tube with a bulbous leading end or head element that is forced into the soil matrix. The hollow tube includes a mechanism for releasing aggregate from the lower head element of the tube as the tube is lifted incrementally. The same hollow tube is then utilized to compact the released aggregate. The process may be repeated to form a series of compacted lifts comprising a pier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Geotechnical Reinforcement, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathaniel S. Fox
  • Patent number: 7192220
    Abstract: Method and apparatus to produce in-situ pilings, controllably injecting binder and water into soil formation in which the piling is to be formed, the quantities of water and binder being respective to strength demands for the piling, and to demand for water to supplement existing water to react (hydrate) with the binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Johan M. Gunther
  • Patent number: 7097388
    Abstract: A grout injecting/structure anchoring system has a support bracket with a horizontal portion and a pair of threaded recesses and a sleeve there between. A grout tube has a plurality of apertures along its length. A lower cross brace is positioned above the sleeve and guide tube and grout tube with unthreaded holes axially aligned with the threaded recesses of the support bracket. The lower cross brace has associated there with threaded cylinders with lower ends coupled to the threaded recesses and upper ends extending through the unthreaded holes. Nuts are received by the upper ends of the threaded cylinders above the lower cross brace. The nuts are adapted to be rotated for raising the support bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: GeoJect, Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia J. Mansour, Ramzy Moumneh
  • Patent number: 7090436
    Abstract: A method of forming in-situ pilings in clay soil. An auger stirrer is rotatably and axially forced into the ground. Water, dry binder (cement/or lime), and air are injected to lubricate the tool, and liquify the mix of clay soil, binder and air to form a uniform structure, most of the air percolating from the mix before it hardens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Johan M. Gunther
  • Patent number: 7004684
    Abstract: Apparatus and an associated method for forming a pier in a soil matrix includes a hollow tube with a restricted expansion section connected to and adjacent a soil penetrating bottom head element which is configured to facilitate discharge of pier forming material such as grout. An expansion device in the form of an expandable bladder or expandable mechanical device is positioned along a section of the length of the restricted expansion section. The hollow tube structure is inserted into a soil matrix with the expansion device in the retracted condition. Subsequently, the expansion device is expanded to enlarge the formed cavity in the soil matrix. Then grout or other pier forming material is injected into the cavity as the expansion device is retracted or deflated and as the hollow tube structure is raised incrementally to form a pier with one or more uniquely shaped lifts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Geotechnical Reinforcement, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathaniel S. Fox
  • Patent number: 6988855
    Abstract: Installation of support piers for a structure comprises the steps of positioning a hollow tube in a soil matrix followed by removal of soil from the hollow core, filling the core with an aggregate, subsequent raising and lowering of the hollow tube, compacting the aggregate by means of a mechanical device affixed to the bottom of the hollow tube to and also applying lateral forces to the aggregate against the walls of the cavity formed in the soil matrix, thereby pushing a portion of the aggregate laterally into the soil matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Geotechnical Reinforcement Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Fox, Gale M. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6988856
    Abstract: A method is provided for centering and guiding a large diameter soil processing tool. A sacrificial guide is formed by using a small diameter soil processing tool to form a soil-cement column having a relatively hard outer section and a relatively soft center section. The relatively hard outer section is utilized to guide the large diameter soil processing tool. In one embodiment, the soft central region of the sacrificial guide is left in place and the pilot of the large tool carries an auger that simply drills through the central portion of the sacrificial guide. In a second embodiment, the sacrificial guide is hollow and the large tool need not have an auger at the tip of its pilot. The large tool advances downwardly through the sacrificial guide and, as it advances downwardly, the large tool breaks up the sacrificial guide and the sacrificial guide particles ultimately form a portion of the soil-cement column formed by the large soil processing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Verne L. Schellhorn
  • Patent number: 6957930
    Abstract: Apparatus to install small diameter columns of granular material in soil which includes rotating hollow shaft mandrel with external projections to aid mandrel advance into the soil and define the size of the cavity formed in the soil, the cavity being filled with granular material to form the column as the mandrel is withdrawn. The apparatus includes a storage hopper in the vicinity of its base, with the hopper sized to hold material to form more than one column, from which material is incrementally conveyed or pumped to a feed tank system which supplies granular material to the cavity along a flow path extending through the hollow shaft mandrel to produce the column. When a group of columns is required, as in a sand drain grid, the columns can be completed sequentially with reasonable continuity in the multiple column formation cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Richard E. Landau
  • Publication number: 20040258486
    Abstract: A sand pile driving method for making a sand pile which does not cause trouble in terms of strength even at a soft point in the actual ground, and enables secure limitation of the increase in total construction time and total amount of sand. A compaction procedure is a procedure for compacting a granule pile 15 by pressing and rotating the casing pipe 13 downward. This is performed based on thrust force P by which the casing pipe presses a granule pile and a driving torque T for rotating the casing pipe against a granule pile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Makoto Otsuka, Osamu Ishida, Hiroki Yoshitomi
  • Publication number: 20040104049
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a support column in soil using a reverse circulation down-the-hole hammer apparatus. The method includes drilling a hole with a reverse circulation down-the-hole hammer apparatus having a drill string with a return outlet and a down-the-hole hammer, and forming a column of mortar-like substance by pumping a mortar-like substance down the return outlet while lifting the apparatus out of the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Federighi, James Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040105728
    Abstract: The invention describes a boring device for producing tubed bored piles, in which during sinking, simultaneously a tubing-with inside auger is introduced into the ground using the rotary boring method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Ludwig Schmidmaier, Wolfgang Harttig
  • Publication number: 20040037652
    Abstract: The invention relates to a boring appliance for producing a concrete element in the ground with a vehicle on which are located a tower, a concrete pump and a boring tool, which is installed for introduction in the ground at the tower. By means of a concrete pump and a delivery line concrete is pumped into a cavity formed by the boring tool for forming the concrete element. According to the invention, the concrete pump is detachably held on the rear region of the vehicle, which is opposite a front area with the tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Ludwig Schmidmaier, Wolfgang Harttig
  • Patent number: 6688815
    Abstract: A method and mechanical apparatus for installation of support pier for structure comprises positioning a hollow tube apparatus in a soil matrix wherein the hollow tube apparatus has a hollow core and is susceptible to lateral and longitudinal movement, removing soil from the hollow core and then filling that core with an aggregate followed by raising and lowering of the hollow tube apparatus by way of a bottom mechanical device in a manner which compacts the aggregate and also applies lateral forces to the aggregate against the walls of the cavity in the soil matrix, pushing a portion of the aggregate into the soil matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Fox, Gale M. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6672408
    Abstract: A system and method for removing contaminated pilings is provided, the system including a casing to enclose the piling and a pressurized air system for excavating soil and contaminated materials from around the piling and material from the piling itself, capturing the excavated soil and contaminated material as it rises within the piling by action of the pressurized air, and a closure mechanism at the bottom of the casing for enclosing and removing the piling without spreading contamination to the surrounding environment. Clean fill material, such as sand, can be injected through the air nozzles or optional sand ports on the casing to fill the void left from the removed piling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Anthony F. Frantz
  • Patent number: 6663321
    Abstract: A process for producing a pile in the earth with a pipe is provided. The pipe is provided internally with a conduit, which emerges on the bottom side of the pipe, for feeding pile-forming, hardening material into the earth. The pipe is introduced into the earth, and the pipe is removed from the earth while a space created by the removal of the pipe is simultaneously filled with the pipe-forming, hardening material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Voorbij Groep B.V.
    Inventor: Adrianus Theodorus Maria Bisschops
  • Patent number: 6592300
    Abstract: A concrete pile construction method and an apparatus used for improving soft earth ground by constructing reinforced bar concrete pile structures in the earth. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a process for securing firm concrete piles having a reinforced bar core with uniform concrete by a pile apparatus in which projections are radially formed and a conical-shaped bit is formed pointedly on the pile apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: C. S. Kim and Associates
    Inventors: Won-Hoi Yang, Ho-Sang Lee
  • Publication number: 20030044241
    Abstract: A monitoring device (14) for a continuous flight auger is connected between a continuous flight auger (11) and a drive mechanism (12) and rotates with the auger. A strain measurement arrangement provides strain signals for use in deriving the rotational torque and axial force of the auger. The axial strain and rotational torque information are used to build up a model of the ground. In particular, the shear strength of the soil can be determined which enables the maximum pile capacity to be calculated without a detailed site investigation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Norman Mure, Jason Scott
  • Patent number: 6517292
    Abstract: An apparatus to install multiple small diameter columns in soil which includes a hollow shaft element to form a cavity in soil, a storage hopper to contain granular material at or near the base unit of the apparatus from which an elongated conveyor moves the granular material to a feed tank at the top of the hollow shaft element through which granular material passes as it is withdrawn from the soil to form each column of granular material. The storage hopper, the conveyor, the feed tank and the cavity forming element are arranged and move to successive column locations in a manner to permit granular material to be conveyed from the storage hopper to the feed tank without interrupting the advance and removal of the hollow shaft element from soil without rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Richard E Landau
  • Patent number: 6478512
    Abstract: A machine for making bored piles. The machine includes a vertical guide mast; a rotary drive head that is movable relative to the mast; and an auger having a hollow core and at least one helical blade. An extender tube has a bottom end that is secured to the top end of the auger, the drive head co-operating with the extender tube to rotate both the extender tube and the auger. A dip tube is slidably mounted in the hollow core of the auger and the extender tube, the dip tube having a top end connected to a concrete feed pipe. An annular actuator has a first end secured to the top end of the extender tube and a second end secured to the top end of the dip tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Compagnie du Sol
    Inventor: David Sherwood
  • Patent number: 6425713
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for installation of a support pier for a structure comprises positioning a hollow tube apparatus in a soil matrix wherein the hollow tube apparatus has a hollow core and is susceptible to lateral and longitudinal movement, removing soil from the hollow core and then filling that core with an aggregate followed by raising and lowering of the hollow tube apparatus by a bottom mechanical device in a manner which compacts the aggregate and also applies lateral forces to the aggregate against the walls of the cavity in the soil matrix, pushing a portion of the aggregate into the soil matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Geotechnical Reinforcement Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Fox, Gale M. Peterson