(12) United States Patent
`Palmer
`
`III iiiIII iii II0 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 iII 0I II
`US006405992BI
`(lo) Patent No.:
`US 6,405,992 Bi
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Jun. 18, 2002
`
`(54) PREGROUTED BASEPLATE FOR
`SUPPORTING ROTATING MACHINERY
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor: Kermit L. Palmer, 908 Town &
`County Blvd., Suite 550, Houston,
`Harris County, TX (US) 77024
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/665,143
`(22) Filed:
`Sep. 19, 2000
`(51) Int. Cl.' .................................................. F16M 5/00
`(52) U.S. Cl .................... 248/679; 52/742.16; 52/745.2;
`52/292; 29/DIG. 26; 264/267; 264/268;
`264/271.1
`(58) Field of Search ................................. 248/678, 679;
`108/51.11; 29/DIG. 26, 527.1, 888, 897,
`898.07; 52/742.12, 742.15, 742.16, 745.2,
`292; 264/267, 268, 271.1
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2,802,632 A * 8/1957 Byers
`2,916,233 A
`12/1959 Ecker .......................... 248/19
`3,334,850 A * 8/1967 Jackson et al.
`4,050,659 A * 9/1977 McCannon et al.
`
`4,134,562 A * 1/1979 Paakkinen et al.
`4,505,449 A * 3/1985 Turner et al.
`4,572,474 A * 2/1986 Derlich
`4,670,208 A * 6/1987 Koblischek et al.
`4,826,127 A
`5/1989 Koblischek et al. ........ 248/679
`
`5 ,016 338 A * 5/1991 Rowan ,
`5,037,022 A
`8/1991 Rossi .......................... 228/47
`5,149,050 A
`9/1992 Smith et al . ................ 248/679
`5,277,395 A
`1/1994 Smith et a!.................248/679
`4/1999 Alesi et al . ................. 248/678
`5,895,025 A
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner—Robert Canfield
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm Jackie Lee Duke
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A pregrouted base plate and the method of its use and
`construction with rotating machinery such as pump and
`electric motor assemblies that are coupled together by a pair
`of shafts and require precise alignment of those shafts for a
`long and dependable service life is disclosed. The pre-
`grouted base plate is formed as a generally rectangular
`parallelepiped structure with one side open. The novel
`method of its use includes pregrouting the baseplate before
`installation, curing the grout and machining the mounting
`surfaces for the rotating machinery before field installation
`to ensure precise alignment of the pump and motor shafts. A
`second embodiment is shown with an open frame having
`two sides open.
`
`14 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
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`PREGROUTED BASEPLATE FOR
`SUPPORTING ROTATING MACHINERY
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`1. Field of the Invention
`This invention relates to a pregrouted baseplate for sup-
`porting rotating machinery commonly used in industrial
`processing and the method of its use and manufacture. This
`rotating machinery usually takes the form of pumps, com-
`monly referred to as driven equipment, that is powered by
`electric motors or steam turbines, commonly referred to as
`drivers.
`Typically, industrial processing plants use large quantities
`of pumps for moving materials, usually in a liquid or
`gaseous form, through the processing procedures. These
`pumps are powered by electric motors or steam turbines as
`noted above that are mounted adjacent to the pump and
`coupled thereto by drive couplings. These drive couplings
`allow for a small amount of misalignment between the
`output or driving shaft of the drivers, i.e., electric motor or
`steam turbine, and the input or driven shaft of the driven
`equipment. Precise alignment between these shafts is critical
`for the pump and motor assemblies to have a reasonable
`service life. A critical aspect of maintaining this precise
`alignment is that the pump and motor are mounted to a
`mounting base or baseplate as they are commonly referred
`to in the industry.
`These baseplates have mounting pads or surfaces that are
`precisely machined to help ensure proper alignment between
`the pump and motor shafts discussed above. The mounting
`surfaces include threaded holes machined to accept mount-
`ing bolts that secure the pump and electric motor to the
`baseplate. The baseplates are then prepared for installation
`on a foundation in the plant. It is this preparation process that
`causes problems with the baseplates.
`The aforementioned baseplates typically have been a
`substantially rectangular parallelepiped configuration with
`one of the large sides missing to form an open box. The
`interior of this box forms a large cavity that has been the
`bottom side of the baseplate with the mounting surfaces
`previously described formed on the top side. In order to add
`stiffness to the baseplate and reduce vibration from the pump
`and motor operation, the cavity on the bottom of the
`baseplate was filled with a grout material such as epoxy or
`a cementitious material. The baseplate was then installed on
`a foundation in the plant and the motor and pump reattached.
`The problem with such a procedure is that the baseplate thus
`formed was distorted by the shrinkage of the grout material
`and the aforementioned precisely machined mounting sur-
`faces were often out of tolerance. This resulted in increased
`vibration of the pump and motor assembly during operation
`and a shortened service life. The typical solution to date has
`been to try to remachine the mounting surfaces of the
`baseplate after the baseplate is installed on the foundation.
`This has produced less than desirable results as the machines
`used in the field cannot produce the desired tolerances and
`the cost of transporting and setting up these machines is
`prohibitive.
`Therefore, there exists a need for a baseplate and the
`method of its use that will allow the use of epoxy or
`cementitious grouts while maintaining the required toler-
`ances for the pump and motor mounting surfaces after
`installation. It is the construction and method of use of such
`a baseplate to which the present invention is directed.
`2. Description of Related Art
`U.S. Pat. No. 2,916,233 to M. F. Ecker discloses a pump
`base that is grouted in place.
`
`US 6,405,992 B1
`
`2
`A machinery base pad for vibrating machinery is dis-
`closed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,050 to D. Smith et al. A
`plurality of channels and drains are provided to minimize
`environmental pollution from the lubricants vibrated out of
`the machine.
`U. S. Pat. No. 5,277,395 to D. Smith et al. is a continu-
`ation of U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,050 and describes a machinery
`base pad with a plurality of I beams and tie down fastener
`subassemblies with a cementitious filler.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The pregrouted base plate of the present invention and the
`method of its use and construction is designed for use with
`rotating machinery such as pump and electric motor assem-
`15 blies that are coupled together by a pair of shafts and require
`precise alignment of those shafts for a long and dependable
`service life. The pregrouted base plate is formed as a
`generally rectangular parallelepiped structure of suitably
`thick steel with one side open. The closed or top side of the
`20 pregrouted baseplate has a plurality of machined surfaces to
`which the pump and motor assemble will be bolted. This top
`surface may have a plurality of vent and grout holes formed
`therein also. The bottom or open side of the baseplate forms
`a large cavity into which the grouting material will be
`25 poured. This cavity may also have a number of stiffening
`members or ribs welded in place to minimize distortion of
`the baseplate. In a typical application of the novel method,
`the baseplate has the pump and motor assembly removed
`therefrom and the baseplate is inverted, i.e., the lower cavity
`30 is facing upward. If the baseplate has any vent or grout holes
`as mentioned previously, these are closed off. The surface of
`the baseplate that will be in contact with the grout material
`is prepared and cleaned by suitable means as sanding,
`sandblasting or solvent cleaning to ensure proper adhesion
`35 with the grout material. The grout material, either epoxy or
`cementitious, is prepared and poured into the cavity. The
`grout material is then allowed to cure. In the case of
`cementitious grout,. this can be up to five days. If epoxy
`grout is used and it is desired to accelerate the curing
`40 process, the baseplate with grout in place is postcured by
`maintaining an elevated temperature for a specified time
`period according to the grout manufacturer's instructions.
`After the grouting material is completely cured, the base-
`plate is then placed on a table such as that of a horizontal
`45 boring mill and secured thereto. The mounting surfaces of
`the top of the baseplate are then checked for specified
`tolerances for levelness and flatness. The horizontal boring
`mill is then used to machine the mounting surfaces as
`required to bring the mounting surfaces into tolerance. Thus,
`a pregrouted baseplate is formed with the required grout
`material in position, properly cured and the mounting sur-
`faces for the pump and motor assembly machined within
`tolerance. The pregrouted baseplate can then be installed on
`a foundation in the conventional manner.
`One object of the present invention is to provide a method
`for producing a pregrouted baseplate that ensures the mount-
`ing surfaces for the pump and motor assembly are within
`tolerance after the grouting material is installed and cured.
`60 Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`baseplate with a grouting material previously installed that
`is distortion free.
`A further object of the present invention is to produce a
`baseplate free of air pockets or voids in the grout material.
`65 Other objects and advantages of the present invention are
`pointed out in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of
`this disclosure. A full and complete understanding of the
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`3
`invention may be had by reference to the accompanying
`drawings and description of the preferred embodiments.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`These and other objects and advantages of the present
`invention are set forth below and futher made clear by
`reference to the drawings, wherein:
`FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a typical pump and motor
`assembly mounted on a pregrouted baseplate that is attached
`to a foundation.
`FIG. 2 as a perspective view of a baseplate with the pump
`and motor assembly removed.
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a baseplate showing the
`first step in producing the pregrouted,baseplate.
`FIG. 4 perspective view of the pregrouted baseplate
`showing the grouting material in place and curing.
`F1G. 5. is a perspective view showing the pregrouted
`baseplate in place on a machining center and the mounting
`surfaces being machined to bring them into tolerance.
`FIG. 6. is a perspective view showing the pregrouted
`baseplate completed with the pump and motor assembly
`attached and ready for field installation.
`FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment
`of a pregrouted baseplate with the pump and motor assembly
`removed.
`FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment
`of a pregrouted baseplate showing the grouting material in
`place and curing.
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`With reference to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1,
`an elevational view of a typical pump and motor assembly
`mounted on a baseplate that is attached to a foundation is
`shown. The pregrouted baseplate of the present invention is
`denoted generally by numeral 10. Pregrouted baseplate 10
`has rotating machinery such as typical pump and motor
`assembly 12 mounted thereon. Pump and motor assembly 12
`includes electric motor 14 connected to pump 16 by cou-
`pling shaft 18. Pregrouted baseplate 10 is secured to foun-
`dation or concrete slab 20 by suitable securing means such
`as anchor bolts 22 and nuts 24 cooperating with jack screws
`25 in a manner to be described hereinafter. Foundation 20 is
`positioned on ground 26 at a suitable location within the
`customer's plant. Grouting material 28 is seen on the under-
`side of pregrouted baseplate 10.
`Grouting material 28 may be inorganic, i.e., cementitious
`or organic, i.e., epoxy or a combination of both. Typically
`one or the other is used for a particular job. The novel
`method of creating pregrouted baseplate 10 will now be
`shown. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, pregrouted baseplate
`10 consists of frame 30 of a generally rectangular parallel-
`epiped configuration. A plurality of mounting surfaces or
`pads 32 are shown on the top side of pregrouted baseplate
`10. Mounting surfaces 32 are adapted to receive rotating
`machinery such as pump and motor assembly 12 (not
`shown) with drilled and tapped holes 34 receiving bolts to
`secure pump and motor assembly 12 thereto. Frame 30 is
`shown to be of fabricated welded steel construction although
`other suitable materials such as fiberglass or high strength
`plastic could be used without departing from the scope of the
`current invention. Frame 30 also includes grout fill holes 35
`and vent holes 36 for reasons to be discussed hereinafter.
`Frame 30 also includes anchor bolt holes 37 and jack
`screw holes 38 positioned at each corner. These are used in
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`US 6,405,992 B1
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`n
`leveling and securing pregrouted baseplate 10 to foundation
`20. Anchor bolts 22 are positioned in foundation 20 when it
`is poured to align with anchor bolt holes 37. When it is
`desired to secure pregrouted baseplate 10 to foundation 20,
`5 pregrouted baseplate 10 is placed over foundation 20 as
`shown in FIG. 1. Anchor bolts 22 pass through anchor bolt
`holes 37 and then jack screws 25 are threaded through jack
`screw holes 38 until they contact foundation 20. Jack screws
`25 are then used to level pregrouted baseplate 10. Once
`10 pregrouted baseplate 10 is leveled nuts 24 are tightened on
`anchor bolts 22to secure pregrouted baseplate 10 and pre-
`vent any vertical movement. Wooden form 23 well known to
`those of ordinary skill in the art, is placed around foundation
`20. Low viscosity epoxy grout 21 is then poured into the
`1s space between pregrouted baseplate 10 and foundation 20.
`Jack screws 25 will have been previously coated with a
`suitable material, such an grease, to ensure jack screws 25 do
`not stick to epoxy grout 21. After epoxy grout 21 is cured,
`jack screws 25 are removed and pregrouted baseplate 10 is
`20 bonded to foundation 20.
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of frame 30 in an inverted
`position showing the first step in producing pregrouted
`baseplate 10. Frame 30 is open on the back or bottom side
`to form cavity 39 into which a grouting material will be
`25 poured. Support members or ribs 40 are welded into cavity
`39 to aid in stiffening and supporting frame 30. At this first
`step, frame 30 is supported on suitable supports 42 and
`inspected for levelness, and overall dimensional tolerances.
`After the dimensional tolerances are checked frame 30 is
`30 ready to be pregrouted.
`As shown in FIG. 4, grouting material 44 has been
`prepared and poured into cavity 39 of frame 30. Grouting
`material 44 is poured until it is approximately level with the
`top of frame 38 and the excess is then "screened" off as is
`35 done in cement finishing and well known to those of
`ordinary skill in the art. Vent holes 36 and grout holes 35 are
`covered as noted above to prevent grouting material 44 from
`escaping. Frame 30 is typical of the frames used today and
`vent holes 36 are usually provided because the frames 30 are
`4o typically grouted in the field with frame 30 in the position of
`FIG. 2. Applicant's novel method does not require vent
`holes 36 as any entrapped air from the curing grouting
`material 44 is vented on the open side of frame 30. Vent
`holes 36 and grout holes 35 are shown solely for the purpose
`45 of demonstrating that applicant's method is equally suitable
`for use with or without vent holes. Grouting material 44 may
`be an epoxy or cementitious composition as required.
`If it is desired to accelerate the curing process and reduce
`the curing time, frame 30 with grouting material 44 in place,
`so is maintained at an elevated temperature for a period of time
`as per the grouting material manufacturer's instructions. The
`elevated temperature at which the post curing will take place
`depends on the ambient conditions. If the ambient tempera-
`ture is above 60° F., the elevated temperature typically will
`ss be 100 to 20° above the ambient temperature. When the
`ambient temperature is below 60° F., the elevated tempera-
`ture will typically be in the range of 80° to 100° F. This step
`is important in applicant's novel method as it allows a faster,
`i.e. shorter, production time for pregrouted baseplate 10.
`The next step in applicant's novel method of producing a
`pregrouted baseplate is shown in FIG. 5. After a complete
`curing of grouting material 44 is achieved, pregrouted
`baseplate 10 is mounted in a suitable fixture 46 on a suitable
`machining center such as horizontal boring mill 48. Mount-
`65 ing surfaces 32 are then checked for dimensional tolerances
`such as flatness and parallelness. If required, cutting head 50
`can then be used to "true" mounting surfaces 32 by machin-
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`ing the surfaces as required. The reason this is required is the
`stresses imposed by the shrinking of grouting material 44
`during curing can cause frame 30 of pregrouted baseplate 10
`to distort and move mounting surfaces 32 out of flatness. It
`is this checking and truing of mounting surfaces 32 after the
`grouting of cavity 39 that is essential to applicant's inven-
`tion.
`The final step in producing pregrouted baseplate 10 is
`shown in FIG. 6. Pregrouted baseplate 10 is returned to its
`normal upright position and: pump and motor assembly 12
`is reattached to mounting surfaces 32. Thus a pregrouted
`baseplate is produced with the grout in place and cured and
`the mounting surfaces of the baseplate "trued" after the
`grouting material is in place. This ensures that pregrouted
`baseplate 10 will not require additional machining after
`installation and that pump and motor assembly 12 are
`precisely aligned.
`An alternate embodiment of the present invention in
`shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 that allows the use of an open frame.
`Pregrouted baseplate 100 consists of outer frame 102 of a
`generally rectangular configuration that is open on the top
`and bottom to form an open cavity therein. Outer frame 102
`is shown constructed of channel 104 welded together to
`form outer frame 102. Although shown constructed of
`channel 104, it will understood by those of ordinary skill in
`the art other suitable structural shapes such as I beam or
`wide flange beam could be used in the construction of outer
`frame without departing from the scope of the present
`invention. Support members or ribs 106 are welded into
`place to further stiffen and strengthen outer frame 102.
`Aplurality of mounting surfaces or pads 108 are shown on
`the top side of pregrouted baseplate 100. Mounting surfaces
`108 are adapted to receive rotating machinery such as pump
`and motor assembly 110 (not shown) with drilled and tapped
`holes 112 receiving bolts to secure pump and motor assem-
`bly 110 thereto. Outer frame 102 is shown to be of fabricated
`welded steel construction although other suitable materials
`such as fiberglass or high strength plastic could be used
`without departing from the scope of the current invention.
`Outer frame 102 also includes anchor bolt holes 114 and jack
`screw holes 116 positioned along each side of outer frame
`102. Anchor bolt holes 114 and jack screw holes 116
`function to level and secure pregrouted baseplate 100 to
`foundation 20 as in the first embodiment. As best seen in
`FIG. 8, when it is desired to pregrout pregrouted baseplate
`100, outer frame 102 is supported on suitable supports 118
`and inspected for levelness, and overall dimensional toler-
`ances. After the dimensional tolerances are checked outer
`frame 102 is ready to be pregrouted. A suitable grout
`retaining means secured as waxed plywood sheet 120 is
`secured to outer frame 102 by bolts 122 to form cavity 124.
`Waxed plywood sheet 120 is used to ensure grouting mate-
`rial 126 does not stick to sheet 120 while curing. Grouting
`material 126 is prepared and poured into cavity 124 of outer
`frame 102. Grouting material 126 is poured until it is
`approximately level with the top of outer frame 102 and the
`excess is then "screened" off as is in the previous embodi-
`ment. If it is desired to accelerate the curing process and
`reduce the curing time, outer frame 102 with grouting
`material 126 in place, is maintained at an elevated tempera-
`ture for a period of time as per the grouting material
`manufacturer's instructions. Once a full cure of grouting
`material 126 is reached, waxed plywood sheet 120 is
`removed and pregrouted baseplate 100 can then be trued and
`machined as in the first embodiment.
`The novel method of use and construction of my pre-
`grouted baseplate will be readily understood from the fore-
`
`6
`going description and, it will be seen that I have provided a
`novel method of producing a pregrouted baseplate that
`ensures the rotating machinery attached to the pregrouted
`baseplate will be properly aligned after installation and
`5 curing of the grouting material. Furthermore, while the
`invention has been shown and described with respect to
`certain preferred embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent
`alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in
`the art upon the reading and understanding of the specifi-
`10 cation. The present invention includes all such equivalent
`alterations and modifications, and is limited only by the
`scope of the appended claims.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for
`supporting rotating machinery, comprising sequentially the
`15 steps of:
`(a) preparing and pouring a grouting material into a cavity
`in a baseplate;
`(b) curing said grouting material to achieve desired physi-
`cal properties for said grouting material;
`(c) checking the mounting surfaces adapted for supporting
`a piece of rotating machinery on said baseplate for
`specified tolerances;
`(d) placing said baseplate in a fixture to allow machining
`of said mounting surfaces;
`(e) machining said mounting surfaces adapted for sup-
`porting a piece of rotating machinery on said baseplate
`to a specified tolerance; and,
`(f) installing a piece of rotating machinery on said
`machined mounting surfaces.
`2. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for
`supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 1, includ-
`ing the step of:
`accelerating the curing of said grouting material by main-
`taming said baseplate at an elevated temperature for a
`specified time period.
`3. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for
`supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 2, further
`including sequentially the steps of:
`(a) securing said baseplate to a foundation;
`(b) leveling said baseplate;
`(c) placing a form around said baseplate and said foun-
`dation; and,
`(d) pouring a grouting material into the void between said
`baseplate and said foundation.
`4. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for
`supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 3,
`wherein:
`said grouting material is an organic grout.
`5. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for
`supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 1, includ-
`ing sequentially the step of:
`ensuring the curing of said grouting material by curing
`said grouting material for a specified time period.
`6. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for
`supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 5, further
`including sequentially the steps of:
`(a) securing said baseplate to a foundation;
`(b) leveling said baseplate;
`(c) placing a form around said baseplate and said foun-
`dation; and,
`(d) pouring a grouting material into the void between said
`baseplate and said foundation.
`7. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for
`supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 6,
`wherein:
`
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`said grouting material is an inorganic grout.
`8. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate
`having an open frame configuration for supporting rotating
`machinery, comprising sequentially the steps of:
`(a) securing a grout retaining means to a baseplate to form
`a cavity therein;
`(b) preparing and pouring a grouting material into said
`cavity in said baseplate;
`(c) curing said grouting material to achieve desired physi-
`cal properties for said grouting material;
`(d) removing said grout retaining means from said base-
`plate;
`(e) checking the mounting surfaces adapted for supporting
`a piece of rotating machinery on said baseplate for
`specified tolerances;
`(f) placing said baseplate in a fixture to allow machining
`of said mounting surfaces;
`(g) machining said mounting surfaces adapted for sup-
`porting a piece of rotating machinery on said baseplate
`to a specified tolerance; and,
`(h) installing a piece of rotating machinery on said
`machined mounting surfaces.
`9. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for
`supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 8, includ-
`ing the steps of:
`accelerating the curing of said grouting material by main-
`taining said baseplate at an elevated temperature for a
`specified time period.
`10. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for
`supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 9, further
`including sequentially the steps of:
`
`8
`(a) securing said baseplate to a foundation;
`(b) leveling said baseplate;
`(c) placing a form around said baseplate and said foun-
`dation; and,
`(d) pouring a grouting material into the void between said
`baseplate and said foundation.
`11. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for
`supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 10
`to Wherein:
`said grouting material is an organic grout.
`12. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for
`supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 8, includ-
`ing the steps of:
`ensuring the curing of said grouting material by curing
`said grouting material for a specified time period.
`13. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for
`supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 9, further
`20 including sequentially the steps of:
`(a) securing said baseplate to a foundation;
`(b) leveling said baseplate;
`(c) placing a form around said baseplate and said foun-
`dation; and,
`(d) pouring a grouting material into the void between said
`baseplate and said foundation.
`14. A method for preparing and installing a baseplate for
`supporting rotating machinery, according to claim 12,
`30 wherein:
`said grouting material is an inorganic grout.
`
`25
`
`Page 9 of 11
`
`

`

`1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Iii
`(12) EX PARTE REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE (6381st)
`US 6,405,992 Cl
`United States Patent
`(lo) Number:
`Palmer
`(45) Certificate Issued: Aug. 19, 2008
`
`(54) PREGROUTED BASEPLATE FOR
`SUPPORTING ROTATING MACHINERY
`
`(75) Inventor: Kermit L. Palmer, 908 Town & County
`Blvd., Suite 550, Houston, Harris
`County, TX (US) 77024
`
`(73) Assignee: Kermit L. Palmer, Sugarland, TX (US)
`
`Reexamination Request:
`No. 90/007,474, Mar. 24, 2005
`
`Reexamination Certificate for:
`6,405,992
`Patent No.:
`Jun. 18, 2002
`Issued:
`09/665,143
`Appl. No.:
`Sep. 19, 2000
`Filed:
`(51) Int. Cl.
`F16M 5/00
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(52) U.S. Cl . .................... 248/679; 52/742.16; 52/745.2;
`52/292; 29/DIG. 26; 264/267; 264/268; 264/271.1
`(58) Field of Classification Search ................... 248/679
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2,802,632 A
`8/1957 Byers
`2,916,233 A
`12/1959 Ecker
`3,334,850 A
`8/1967 Jackson
`4,050,659 A
`9/1977 McCannon
`4,134,562 A
`1/1979 Paakkinen
`4,505,449 A
`3/1985 Turner
`4,572,474 A
`2/1986 Derlich
`
`6/1987 Koblischek
`4,670,208 A
`5/1989 Koblischek
`4,826,127 A
`5/1991 Rowan, Jr.
`5,016,338 A
`8/1991 Rossi
`5,037,022 A
`9/1992 Smith
`5,149,050 A
`5,277,395 A * 1/1994 Smith et al .................. 248/679
`5,895,025 A
`4/1999 Alesi
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`"Electronic Machinery Grouting Handbook," Escoweld
`Epoxy Grout Systems, IT Philadephia Resins, May 1999,
`downloaded from www.escoweld.com on Jun. 27, 2006,
`including the Tutorial, "Building a Better Foundation, Base-
`plate Pre—Grouting and Field Epoxy Grouting Tech-
`niques". *
`Donald M. Harrison, Pre—Grounding of API Pump Base-
`plates, Epoxy Grout Specifications (Manual), 1992, pp. 1,
`ITW Philadelphia Resins, USA.
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner Matthew C. Graham
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A pregrouted base plate and the method of its use and con-
`struction with rotating machinery such as pump and electric
`motor assemblies that are coupled together by a pair of
`shafts and require precise alignment of those shafts for a
`long and dependable service life is disclosed. The pre-
`grouted base plate is formed as a generally rectangular par-
`allelepiped structure with one side open. The novel method
`of its use includes pregrouting the baseplate before
`installation, curing the grout and machining the mounting
`surfaces for the rotating machinery before field installation
`to ensure precise alignment of the pump and motor shafts. A
`second embodiment is shown with an open frame having
`two sides open.
`
`18
`
`0
`
`16
`25
`21
`23
`
`P
`
`12 14
`28
`.10
`—22
`—24
`
`
`
`
`
`20
`
`Page 10 of 11
`
`

`

`US 6,405,992 Cl
`
`1
`EX PARTE
`REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE
`ISSUED UNDER 35 U.S.C. 307
`NO AMENDMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO
`THE PATENT
`
`2
`AS A RESULT OF REEXAMINATION, IT HAS BEEN
`DETERMINED THAT:
`
`The patentability of claims 1-14 is confirmed.
`
`Page 11 of 11
`
`