Topic leaderboard
Shafts, tunnels & galleries
Ranked by the PatentIndex Score — a 1–99 percentile within E21D · public-visibility date · generated 2026-07-19
top 25 per window · public-visibility date
Rising· last 2 yrs
Inventors whose newest E21D patents became public in the last 2 years — the current frontier
- 199Brad Neilson12 patents · 212 citations
- 296Craig M. Collins11 patents · 64 citations
- 392Peter Hanna7 patents · 78 citations
- 488Peter A. Lugg13 patents · 26 citations
- 583Geoffrey W. Keech12 patents · 25 citations
- 679Manchao He14 patents · 39 citations
- 775John Steffenino6 patents · 68 citations
- 871Callum Tyler5 patents · 13 citations
- 967Shucai Li11 patents · 18 citations
- 1063Bradley Darlington11 patents · 15 citations
- 1158Andrew D. Hunter5 patents · 17 citations
- 1254Bradley M. Neilson7 patents · 17 citations
- 1350Christopher Coates5 patents · 17 citations
- 1446Ian B. Schirmer5 patents · 17 citations
- 1542Russell P. Smith5 patents · 17 citations
- 1638Lichao Nie5 patents · 14 citations
- 1733Shinichi Terada8 patents · 18 citations
- 1829Chunjin Lin4 patents · 10 citations
- 1925Zhencai Zhu11 patents · 6 citations
- 2021Kai Pang3 patents · 15 citations
- 2117Tongbin Zhao5 patents · 6 citations
- 2213Yunliang Tan6 patents · 6 citations
- 238Renshu Yang3 patents · 6 citations
- 244Christopher Scott Larew5 patents · 1 citations
- 251Weihong Yang2 patents · 14 citations
Active· last 5 yrs
Sustained E21D output across the last 5 years
- 199John C. Stankus76 patents · 1,187 citations
- 296Frank M. Locotos17 patents · 418 citations
- 392Brad Neilson12 patents · 212 citations
- 488Gregory E. Hinshaw15 patents · 116 citations
- 583Craig M. Collins11 patents · 64 citations
- 679Mieczyslaw Rataj12 patents · 100 citations
- 775Steven Weaver10 patents · 88 citations
- 871Yishan Pan4 patents · 109 citations
- 967Joaquim Antonio Soares De Sousa11 patents · 81 citations
- 1063Zachariha J. Kent6 patents · 47 citations
- 1158Peter Hanna7 patents · 78 citations
- 1254Jouko Muona9 patents · 37 citations
- 1350Peter A. Lugg13 patents · 26 citations
- 1446Geoffrey W. Keech12 patents · 25 citations
- 1542Kazunari Kawai7 patents · 81 citations
- 1638Timothy D. Burgess7 patents · 52 citations
- 1733Lianpeng Dai3 patents · 82 citations
- 1829William G. Kendall5 patents · 52 citations
- 1925Dakota Faulkner21 patents · 23 citations
- 2021Manchao He14 patents · 39 citations
- 2117Johannes Wesselmann5 patents · 28 citations
- 2213John Steffenino6 patents · 68 citations
- 238Troy Anthony Helming5 patents · 21 citations
- 244Callum Tyler5 patents · 13 citations
- 251Shucai Li11 patents · 18 citations
All-time canon
Career PatentIndex Score in E21D
- 199David B. Sugden11 patents · 546 citations
- 296Harvey D. Gillespie6 patents · 389 citations
- 392Bo T. Skogberg5 patents · 490 citations
- 488Frank Calandra, Jr.36 patents · 1,068 citations
- 583John C. Stankus76 patents · 1,187 citations
- 679Michael Kobler9 patents · 243 citations
- 775Ben L. Seegmiller24 patents · 677 citations
- 871Ronald D. Drake6 patents · 199 citations
- 967James J. Scott15 patents · 491 citations
- 1063Raymond L. Wright17 patents · 544 citations
- 1158Brian R. Castle12 patents · 271 citations
- 1254Frank M. Locotos17 patents · 418 citations
- 1350Larry L. Snyder8 patents · 294 citations
- 1446Ward D. Morrison8 patents · 271 citations
- 1542Perry L. Coombs8 patents · 253 citations
- 1638Claude C. White12 patents · 340 citations
- 1733Jerry E. Frease8 patents · 229 citations
- 1829Carl A. Clark9 patents · 309 citations
- 1925Eugene H. Stewart13 patents · 291 citations
- 2021Manfred Koppers19 patents · 294 citations
- 2117Brad Neilson12 patents · 212 citations
- 2213Edward C. Hipkins, Sr.6 patents · 202 citations
- 238John R. Frederick5 patents · 169 citations
- 244John Turner5 patents · 185 citations
- 251Kendal L. Taylor5 patents · 166 citations
Rising· last 2 yrs
The top-scoring E21D patents made public in the last 2 years
- 199US12084971B1✦ AIUndercutting-covered excavation semi-reverse construction method of cross-transfer subway 6 cites · 202485% earned
- 296US12031436B1✦ AIReal-time monitoring system and method for coal mine roof fractures during roadway tunneli5 cites · 202484% earned
- 392US11891865B1✦ AIFull-face shaft tunnel boring machine system5 cites · 202484% earned
- 488US12163826B1Method for identifying vibration magnitude of tunnel boring machine (TBM) main beam using 3 cites · 202480% earned
- 583US12091976B1Method for monitoring resilience of shield tunnel based on multi-source heterogeneous data4 cites · 202482% earned
- 679US12037904B1Rock burst active prevention and control mechanism2 cites · 202476% earned
- 775US12037908B1Method for monitoring and analyzing large tunnel machines based on automatic collection of2 cites · 202476% earned
- 871US12252444B1Crack-resistant ultra-high performance concrete for underground engineering in water-rich 1 cites · 202567% earned
- 967US12098638B1Method and system for coalbed permeability-enhancement induced by pressure-relief with min1 cites · 202467% earned
- 1063US12163429B1Method of buffer layer with critical deformation of tunnel initial support as control targ1 cites · 202467% earned
- 1158US11873718B1Propulsion control device of tunnel boring machine for 3D printing a tunnel1 cites · 202467% earned
- 1254US11976914B1Efficient blasting method for similar cutting in rock tunnel1 cites · 202467% earned
- 1350US11891897B1Integrated manufacturing system and method for small-deformation self-diagnosis shield seg1 cites · 202467% earned
- 1446US11933002B1Rolling wedge cutter drum1 cites · 202467% earned
- 1542US11952897B1System for remotely operating a mine machine and related methods2 cites · 202476% earned
- 1638US11905835B1Tunnel digging machine (TDM)1 cites · 202467% earned
- 1733US12385395B2Cutter head for mining machine0 cites · 20240% earned
- 1829US12366163B2Support for drilling and bolting tool0 cites · 20240% earned
- 1925US12486767B2Excavation and shoring equipment0 cites · 20240% earned
- 2021US11988072B1Projectile drilling system0 cites · 20240% earned
- 2117US12392243B2Polymer mesh with reinforcing bands for skin control in hard rock mining0 cites · 20240% earned
- 2213US12486769B2Dolly for rockbolt0 cites · 20240% earned
- 238US12546168B2Support for drilling and bolting tool0 cites · 20240% earned
- 244US12352170B2Tunnel boring machine for excavating semicircular-arched tunnels0 cites · 20240% earned
- 251US12540548B2Cutting device and support for same0 cites · 20240% earned
Active· last 5 yrs
The top-scoring E21D patents of the last 5 years
- 199US11492891B1✦ AIMethod and apparatus of controlling drilling for rock burst prevention in coal mine roadwa45 cites · 202292% earned
- 296US11761335B1✦ AIDetermining method for bursting-preventing parameter of roadway support for rock burst in 20 cites · 202390% earned
- 392US11085859B1✦ AIExperimental system and method for simulating effect of fault stick-slip displacement on t28 cites · 202191% earned
- 488US11781429B1Method for blocking mine water inrush14 cites · 202389% earned
- 583US11556680B1Test method based on test system for five-dimensional space effects of ground surface sett14 cites · 202389% earned
- 679US12084971B1Undercutting-covered excavation semi-reverse construction method of cross-transfer subway 6 cites · 202485% earned
- 775US11187081B1Self-anchored opposite-pulling anti-impact anchor cable for sectional coal pillars and usi17 cites · 202189% earned
- 871US12031436B1Real-time monitoring system and method for coal mine roof fractures during roadway tunneli5 cites · 202484% earned
- 967US11319810B1Monitoring device for deformation of locked patch crack of rock slope and arrangement meth11 cites · 202288% earned
- 1063US11136886B1Tunnel boring system10 cites · 202187% earned
- 1158US11773683B1Segmented grouting method for ramp drivage in aquifer6 cites · 202385% earned
- 1254US11492904B2Systems and methods for non-contact boring9 cites · 202274% earned
- 1350US11891865B1Full-face shaft tunnel boring machine system5 cites · 202484% earned
- 1446US12163826B1Method for identifying vibration magnitude of tunnel boring machine (TBM) main beam using 3 cites · 202480% earned
- 1542US11834949B2Collaborative erosion-control method of releasing-splitting-supporting based on coal mass 4 cites · 202382% earned
- 1638US12091976B1Method for monitoring resilience of shield tunnel based on multi-source heterogeneous data4 cites · 202482% earned
- 1733US11002075B1Mine drilling system and related method9 cites · 202187% earned
- 1829US11326452B1Similar simulation experimental device of hydraulic energy-absorbing roadway support5 cites · 202284% earned
- 1925US12037904B1Rock burst active prevention and control mechanism2 cites · 202476% earned
- 2021US11346218B1Guiding type miniature pipe-jacking construction method5 cites · 202284% earned
- 2117US11634986B2Supercritical fluid drilling and blasting integrated double-arm drill jumbo and control me3 cites · 202280% earned
- 2213US11180318B1Method and system for selecting and using a salt cavern to store very pure hydrogen6 cites · 202185% earned
- 238US12037908B1Method for monitoring and analyzing large tunnel machines based on automatic collection of2 cites · 202476% earned
- 244US11598208B2Machine supporting rock cutting device3 cites · 202261% earned
- 251US11725514B2Bolter3 cites · 202261% earned
All-time canon
The defining E21D patents of the whole record
- 199US4009063A✦ AIMethod of lining a pipe345 cites · 197794% earned
- 296US6052960A✦ AIWater cutoff junction member for concrete products to be joined together236 cites · 200094% earned
- 392US5879057A✦ AIHorizontal remote mining system, and method218 cites · 199994% earned
- 488US4597444AMethod for excavating a large diameter shaft into the earth and at least partially through216 cites · 198694% earned
- 583US4423986AMethod and installation apparatus for rock bolting211 cites · 198494% earned
- 679US4634317AMethod of rock bolting and tube-formed expansion bolt193 cites · 198788% earned
- 775US6349249B1Automated guided apparatus suitable for toping applications169 cites · 200294% earned
- 871US4448269ACutter head for pit-boring machine167 cites · 198494% earned
- 967US4968978ALong range multiple point wireless control and monitoring system166 cites · 199094% earned
- 1063US5087099ALong range multiple point wireless control and monitoring system153 cites · 199290% earned
- 1158US4511289AMethod of rock bolting and rock bolt144 cites · 198593% earned
- 1254US4534426APacker weighted and pressure differential method and apparatus for Big Hole drilling127 cites · 198593% earned
- 1350US4548442AMobile mining machine and method127 cites · 198593% earned
- 1446US5022791AProcess, anchoring member, and clamping device for clamping a rod124 cites · 199193% earned
- 1542US5135058ACrane-mounted drill and method for in-situ treatment of contaminated soil119 cites · 199293% earned
- 1638US4556350AMine roof anchor bolt117 cites · 198593% earned
- 1733US5335736ARock bolt system and method of rock bolting116 cites · 199493% earned
- 1829US5840221AProcess for making silicon carbide reinforced silicon carbide composite107 cites · 199889% earned
- 1925US4055051AUnitary drill bit and roof bolt107 cites · 197793% earned
- 2021US5584608AAnchored cable sling system105 cites · 199693% earned
- 2117US5730550AMethod for placement of a permeable remediation zone in situ105 cites · 199893% earned
- 2213US5161916ASelf-seating expansion anchor103 cites · 199293% earned
- 238US5268683AMethod of transmitting data from a drillhead102 cites · 199393% earned
- 244US4295761APost tensionable grouted anchor assembly98 cites · 198193% earned
- 251US4165874AGolf club shaft and set of golf clubs96 cites · 197989% earned
Rising· last 2 yrs
Assignees whose newest E21D patents became public in the last 2 years — the current frontier
- 199KOMATSU MFG CO LTD35 patents · 392 citations
- 296GEN ELECTRIC7 patents · 155 citations
- 392J H FLETCHER & CO22 patents · 108 citations
- 488JOY GLOBAL UNDERGROUND MINING LLC37 patents · 43 citations
- 583FCI HOLDINGS DELAWARE INC25 patents · 50 citations
- 679UNIV CHINA MINING51 patents · 40 citations
- 775UNIV SHANDONG20 patents · 19 citations
- 871HYPERSCIENCES INC7 patents · 18 citations
- 967UNIV SHANDONG SCIENCE & TECH18 patents · 14 citations
- 1063HERRENKNECHT AG26 patents · 4 citations
- 1158TENSAR CORP LLC3 patents · 5 citations
- 1254SWANSON IND INC8 patents · 1 citations
- 1350UNIV HENAN POLYTECHNIC4 patents · 6 citations
- 1446HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC3 patents · 13 citations
- 1542SKF AB4 patents · 4 citations
- 1638SANDVIK MINING AND CONSTRUCTION AUSTRALIA PRODUCTION/SUPPLY PTY LTD4 patents · 2 citations
- 1733GEOBRUGG AG4 patents · 3 citations
- 1829BEIJING URBAN CONSTR DESIGN & DEV GROUP CO LTD2 patents · 6 citations
- 1925UNIV TAIYUAN TECHNOLOGY7 patents · 1 citations
- 2021UNIV SHENZHEN2 patents · 4 citations
- 2117HEFEI DESIGN & RES INSTITUTE OF COAL INDUSTRY CO LTD1 patents · 5 citations
- 2213UNIV SHANDONG JIANZHU3 patents · 2 citations
- 238UNIV SHIJIAZHUANG TIEDAO2 patents · 3 citations
- 244UNIV XIAN SCI & TECHNOLOGY2 patents · 2 citations
- 251RES INST HIGHWAY MINI TRANSP3 patents · 1 citations
Active· last 5 yrs
Sustained E21D output across the last 5 years
- 199HILTI AG43 patents · 687 citations
- 296KOMATSU MFG CO LTD35 patents · 392 citations
- 392GEN ELECTRIC7 patents · 155 citations
- 488J H FLETCHER & CO22 patents · 108 citations
- 583SANDVIK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY34 patents · 108 citations
- 679UNIV LIAONING4 patents · 109 citations
- 775BIO CLEAN ENV SERVICES INC6 patents · 47 citations
- 871JOY GLOBAL UNDERGROUND MINING LLC37 patents · 43 citations
- 967FCI HOLDINGS DELAWARE INC25 patents · 50 citations
- 1063ARCBYT INC7 patents · 26 citations
- 1158UNIV CHINA MINING51 patents · 40 citations
- 1254COMMW SCIENT IND RES ORG4 patents · 150 citations
- 1350SANDVIK MINING & CONSTRUCTION OY17 patents · 25 citations
- 1446J LOK CO8 patents · 25 citations
- 1542UNIV SHANDONG20 patents · 19 citations
- 1638HYPERSCIENCES INC7 patents · 18 citations
- 1733UNIV SHANDONG SCIENCE & TECH18 patents · 14 citations
- 1829AIR LIQUIDE LARGE IND US LP4 patents · 17 citations
- 1925ZILPER TRENCHLESS INC3 patents · 10 citations
- 2021BOUYGUES TRAVAUX PUBLICS7 patents · 9 citations
- 2117EPIROC DRILLING TOOLS AB5 patents · 7 citations
- 2213INST GEOLOGY & GEOPHYSICS CAS3 patents · 29 citations
- 238HE MANCHAO7 patents · 8 citations
- 244UNIV NORTHEASTERN3 patents · 11 citations
- 251HERRENKNECHT AG26 patents · 4 citations
All-time canon
All-time PatentIndex Score in E21D
- 199ATLAS COPCO AB16 patents · 874 citations
- 296STOLAR INC5 patents · 487 citations
- 392ROBBINS CO20 patents · 692 citations
- 488JENNMAR CORP73 patents · 1,719 citations
- 583US INTERIOR17 patents · 486 citations
- 679EASTERN CO23 patents · 722 citations
- 775JOY MM DELAWARE INC36 patents · 379 citations
- 871DU PONT11 patents · 370 citations
- 967HILTI AG43 patents · 687 citations
- 1063BERGWERKSVERBAND GMBH16 patents · 322 citations
- 1158KOMATSU MFG CO LTD35 patents · 392 citations
- 1254INGERSOLL RAND CO25 patents · 482 citations
- 1350BOCHUMER EISEN HEINTZMANN51 patents · 528 citations
- 1446BIRMINGHAM BOLT CO11 patents · 311 citations
- 1542ODYSSEY TECHNOLOGY PTY LTD5 patents · 204 citations
- 1638HARRISON WESTERN CORP5 patents · 200 citations
- 1733DYCKERHOFF & WIDMANN AG11 patents · 293 citations
- 1829SCOTT INVEST PARTNERS8 patents · 238 citations
- 1925GEWERK EISENHUETTE WESTFALIA122 patents · 1,170 citations
- 2021INCO LTD6 patents · 269 citations
- 2117EICKHOFF GEB7 patents · 202 citations
- 2213ISEKI KAIHATSU KOKI25 patents · 447 citations
- 238H & S MACHINE & SUPPLY CO INC5 patents · 167 citations
- 244TEKKEN CONSTR CO19 patents · 266 citations
- 251GEN ELECTRIC7 patents · 155 citations
90–99 field-defining50–89 strong<50 emergingearned by citationsfrom family breadth