Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Holme Roberts & Owen
  • Pedicle screw connector apparatus and method
    Patent number: 7763047
    Abstract: A low-profile rod connector is disclosed that includes two substantially conical surfaces that allows two rods to be secured together. The device is easily manipulated and occupies very little space. The connector allows for the rods to be oriented at a number of different positions prior to securing the rods in a final orientation. Medical implants utilizing the present invention include surgical implants for spine stabilization. One particular application comprises securing the shaft of a pedicle screw to a spinal rod. In such application, since the connector is relatively small, displacement and disruption to nearby tissue is minimized. The connector also has application to external fixation systems which are conducted exterior of the skin surface, as well as other mechanical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen Ritland
  • Downhole valve mechanism
    Patent number: 7762353
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole tool string component comprises a fluid passageway formed between a first and second end. A valve mechanism is disposed within the fluid passageway adapted to substantially cyclically build-up and release pressure within the fluid passageway such that a pressure build-up results in radial expansion of at least a portion of the fluid passageway and wherein a pressure release results in a contraction of the portion of the fluid passageway. The valve mechanism disposed within the fluid passageway comprises a spring. Expansion and contraction of the portion of the fluid passageway varies a weight loaded to a drill bit disposed at a drilling end of the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, John Bailey
  • Diamond nozzle
    Patent number: 7757971
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an abrasion resistant nozzle has at least two sintered diamond bodies having flat, mating, exterior surfaces and a thickness, the surfaces being held against each other under compression. An enclosure is formed between the mating surfaces, at least one surface having a groove forming a portion of the enclosure and the other surface forming a remaining portion of the enclosure. The enclosure connects an entry and an exit formed in at least one side of at least one of the bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Wahlquist, Thomas Morris
  • Surgical image tracker mounting base apparatus and method of use
    Patent number: 7753910
    Abstract: A device is presented for temporarily mounting an image tracker to a patient during surgery. The device preferably includes a first aperture and a axially-align second aperture. The apertures are sized to receive a securing mechanism, such as a bone screw that is temporarily inserted into a patient's bone for holding the image tracker near the vicinity of a surgical site. The device further preferably includes at least one projection such as a pin to stabilize the device from rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen Ritland
  • Polyaxial connection device and method
    Patent number: 7753939
    Abstract: A surgical implant assembly, and components thereof, are disclosed. Such assemblies include a connector device and an anchoring shaft. The assemblies are useful for insertion into bone and connecting a foreign object to bone via a polyaxial coupling mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen Ritland
  • Drill bit with a retained jack element
    Patent number: 7753144
    Abstract: A drill bit having a bit body intermediate a shank and a working face having at least one cutting insert. A bore is formed in the working face co-axial within an axis of rotation of the drill bit. A jack element is retained within the bore by a retaining element that intrudes a diameter of the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Francis Leany, Joe Fox, Tyson J. Wilde, Boyd B. Black
  • Gas wellhead extraction system and method
    Patent number: 7748450
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating control, remotely monitoring, and controlling a gas extraction assembly, coupled to a gas pipeline section. The gas extraction assembly may be used to increase gas volume, and/or overall gas flow from productive low or high pressure wells, as well as “wake-up” or recover lowered production from depleting wells. Two features of the gas extraction assembly of the present invention is the capability of creating substantial differential pressure, along with the ability to create substantial vacuum pressure on the suction inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Bret M. Mundell
  • Shield of a degradation assembly
    Patent number: 7744164
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation assembly comprises a shank with a forward end and a rearward end, the rearward end being adapted for attachment to a driving mechanism, with a shield rotatably attached to the forward end of the shank. The shield comprises an underside adapted for rotatable attachment to the shank and an impact tip disposed on an end opposing the underside. A seal is disposed intermediate the shield and the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Schluimberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Ronald Crockett, Scott Dahlgren
  • Drill bit porting system
    Patent number: 7730975
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention a drill bit has a jack element with a distal end extending beyond a working face. A porting mechanism within the bore comprises first and second discs contacting along a flat interface. The first disc is attached to a turbine which is adapted to rotate the first disc with respect to the second disc. The discs comprise a first set of ports adapted to align and misalign with each other as the first disc rotates. The first set of ports is adapted to route a drilling fluid to extend the jack element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Scott Dahlgren, Jonathan Marshall
  • Downhole turbine
    Patent number: 7730972
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drill bit has a jack element that is substantially coaxial with an axis of rotation of the drill bit and the jack element has an asymmetrical distal end that extends beyond a working face of the drill bit. A turbine is located within a bore formed in the drill bit and a flow valve is actuated by the turbine. The flow valve is adapted to route a drilling fluid in the bore into a porting mechanism adapted to extend the jack element farther beyond the working surface of the drill bit. The turbine is also adapted to rotate the jack element at variable speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Scott Dahlgren, Jonathan Marshall
  • Pick shank in axial tension
    Patent number: 7722127
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation assembly comprises a holder attached to a driving mechanism and comprises a longitudinal central bore. The bore comprises an opening at a distal end from the driving mechanism. A pick comprising a body intermediate a shank and an impact tip is connected to the holder, the shank being disposed in the central bore of the holder and the body extending from the opening of the bore. A tensioning mechanism is disposed within the bore and is adapted to put the shank in axial tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: David R. Hall
  • Fluid level sensing device and methods of using same
    Patent number: 7721802
    Abstract: A sensor used to determine the height of one or more fluids in a fluid column and to determine a location of an interface or boundary between a plurality of fluids in a fluid column is disclosed. The sensor includes a plurality of sensing elements comprising a capacitor and other components, such as resistors and inductors. The sensor also includes an oscillator that alters a frequency of an electrical current applied to the sensor, from which the dielectric constant of the fluid in which each sensing element is disposed can be determined. Methods of using such a sensor to determine the relative heights of various fluids in a fluid column are disclosed. In particular, methods of using embodiments of the invention in a well, such as water and petroleum wells, are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Warren Michael Levy
  • Downhole jack assembly sensor
    Patent number: 7721826
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a drill string comprises a drill bit with a body intermediate a shank and a working face, and the working face comprises at least one cutting element. A jack assembly is disposed within the drill bit body and comprises a jack element disposed on a distal end of the assembly. The jack element substantially protrudes from the working face and is adapted to move with respect to the bit body. At least one position feedback sensor is disposed proximate the jack assembly and is adapted to detect a position and/or orientation of the jack element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Lundgreen, Jim Shumway, Nathan Nelson, Daryl Wise, Paula Turner
  • Expandable downhole tools and methods of using and manufacturing same
    Patent number: 7703539
    Abstract: An expandable downhole tool is disclosed that employs naturally occurring organic matter as the expandable material. The expandable material is located within an enclosure formed in part by an impermeable element, which may form a hydraulic seal, and a permeable membrane that permits fluids present in the wellbore to pass and interact with the organic matter. The heat and fluids present within the wellbore may cause the expandable matter to swell, and thus causing the enclosure to swell and possibly form a hydraulic seal against a wellbore or inner annulus. The expandable tool may be used as packer, plug, or other downhole tool, among others. Methods of manufacturing and using such tools are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Warren Michael Levy
  • Connection rod for screw or hook polyaxial system and method of use
    Patent number: 7695498
    Abstract: A low-profile surgical implant assembly is provided that includes a connector device that is an integral part of a rod, the connector device allowing the rod to be attached directly to a bone screw, such as a pedicle screw. Another aspect of the invention is a clamp device that allows the length of a rod spanning to attachment devices to be adjusted at the time of implantation, and further allows the clamp device to be secured by tightening a securing end of the clamp at the attachment device. The assemblies are useful for insertion into bone and connecting a foreign object to bone via a polyaxial coupling mechanism. A method for implanting the assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen Ritland
  • Cutoff device with liquid bag
    Patent number: 7690134
    Abstract: A cutoff device with a liquid bag includes a framed housing that supports a cover having a cutoff wall. The cutoff wall is opened at a lower end thereof with a liquid bag attached along the opened lower end of the cutoff wall. The housing includes telescopic columns, upper support frames coupled to the upper ends of the telescopic columns, and a lower support frame coupled to the lower ends of the telescopic columns. The upper end of the liquid bag may be fastened to the opened lower end of the cutoff wall using a zipper. The liquid bag contains liquid, such as water, therein, with a heavy substance, such as sand, soil and powdered or granulated metal, added to the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Yi-Zoong Kim
  • Method of applying asphalt waterproofing membrane material for buildings and bridge decks
    Patent number: 7687104
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method of applying an asphalt waterproofing membrane material for buildings and bridge decks using sawdust. More specifically, disclosed is a method for applying a waterproofing membrane composition having excellent waterproofing ability using sawdust, such that the composition is not broken down by external force and can function as a waterproofing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignees: Road Seal Co., Ltd., Hwashin Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Gyu Moon, Du Byung Kim
  • Through-container optical evaluation system
    Patent number: 7688448
    Abstract: An apparatus, and method of its use, to determine a characteristic of a fluid sample contained inside a closed container. The ratio of intensity for detected radiation (e.g., light), subsequent to its transmission through the container's walls and fluid in the container, at each of a reference wavelength and a measurement wavelength is compared to a predetermined value to make a determination of the fluid's characteristic. Desirably, the wavelengths are applied to the same location on the container to minimize a source of signal error. The reference wavelength is selected for its substantial lack of attenuation when transmitted through a known fluid composition. The measurement wavelength is selected for its predictive interaction (e.g., absorption) with the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Eberhard Bamberg, Brendan J. Corbin, Stacy Bamberg, Charles Hawker, William Roberts
  • Tire
    Patent number: D613241
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Xingyuan Tyre Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wenguang Song
  • Drill bit
    Patent number: D620510
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: David R. Hall