# US 10,246,944 B1 · Method and apparatus for emplacing columns > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,246,944 B1 - Document ID: US10246944B1 - Status: Granted - Kind: B1 - Application number: 15/946,091 - Filed: 2018-04-05 - Granted: 2019-04-02 - Earliest claimed: 2017-11-20 - Applicants: John Powers, III - Inventors: John Powers, III - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10246944B1 ## CPC - E21B 7/24: Drilling using vibrating or oscillating means, e.g. out-of-balance masses (percussion drilling E21B1/00) - E04H 12/2215: {driven into the ground (ground anchors E02D5/80)} - E04H 12/34: Arrangements for erecting or lowering towers, masts, poles, chimney stacks, or the like - E04H 12/347: {Arrangements for setting poles in the ground} - E21B: EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS - E04H: BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL (foundations E02D) ## Abstract A sonic drilling apparatus with adapter for emplacing columns includes a sonic drilling apparatus generating vibrational waves and having a fitting. An adapter is coupled to the fitting for removably attaching a column to the sonic drill apparatus. A centering assembly is positioned below the adaptor for receipt of a column therethrough. ## Claims ### Claim 1 Sonic drilling apparatus with adapter for emplacing columns comprising: a sonic drilling apparatus generating vibrational waves and including a fitting; an adapter coupled to the fitting for removably attaching a column to the sonic drill apparatus; and a centering assembly positioned below the adapter for receipt of a column therethrough, the centering assembly comprising: a track carried by the sonic drill apparatus; a carriage carried by and reciprocally moveable along the track; and a centering frame including a base coupled to and extending from the carriage. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) Sonic drilling apparatus with adapter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the adapter includes a base having a coupling fixture extending upwardly therefrom and coupled to the fitting, and a coupling mechanism for attachment to the column extending downwardly from the base. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) Sonic drilling apparatus with adapter as claimed in claim 2 wherein the coupling mechanism includes a pair of parallel plates extending from the base for engaging opposing sides of the tubular polygonal column. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) Sonic drilling apparatus with adapter as claimed in claim 2 wherein the coupling mechanism includes a socket for receiving the end of an I-beam therein. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) Sonic drilling apparatus with adapter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the centering frame comprises: a first portion having an end pivotally coupled to the base; a second portion having an end pivotally coupled to the base in opposition to the first portion; wherein the first portions and the second portion are each pivotally movable between an open position and a closed position. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) Sonic drilling apparatus with adapter as claimed in claim 5 wherein the first portion and the second portion include distal ends which abut in the closed position and a closure mechanism coupleable between the distal ends to retain them in the closed position. ### Claim 7 Sonic drilling apparatus with adapter for emplacing columns comprising: a sonic drilling apparatus generating vibrational waves and including a fitting; an adapter coupled to the fitting for removably attaching a column to the sonic drill apparatus; and a centering assembly positioned below the adapter for receipt of a column therethrough, the centering assembly comprising: a track carried by the sonic drill apparatus; a carriage carried by and reciprocally moveable along the track; and a centering frame including a base coupled to and extending from the carriage. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) Sonic drilling apparatus with adapter as claimed in claim 7 wherein the adapter includes a base having a coupling fixture extending upwardly therefrom and coupled to the fitting, and a coupling mechanism for attachment to the column extending downwardly from the base. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) Sonic drilling apparatus with adapter as claimed in claim 8 wherein the coupling mechanism includes a pair of parallel plates extending from the base for engaging opposing sides of the tubular polygonal column. ### Claim 10 (depends on 8) Sonic drilling apparatus with adapter as claimed in claim 8 wherein the coupling mechanism includes a socket for receiving the end of an I-beam therein. ### Claim 11 (depends on 7) Sonic drilling apparatus with adapter as claimed in claim 7 wherein the centering frame comprises: a first portion having an end pivotally coupled to the base; a second portion having an end pivotally coupled to the base in opposition to the first portion; and wherein the first portions and the second portion are each pivotally movable between an open position and a closed position. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) Sonic drilling apparatus with adapter as claimed in claim 11 wherein the first portion and the second portion include distal ends which abut in the closed position and a closure mechanism coupleable between the distal ends to retain them in the closed position.