Patents Examined by Cornelius J. Husar
  • Rotatable reciprocating collar for borehole casing
    Patent number: 4678031
    Abstract: A rotatable reciprocating collar is provided for series connection into a borehole casing string. The collar includes a cylindrical barrel connected to one segment of the casing and a cylindrical mandrel telescopically positioned within the barrel and connected to the other segment of the casing. The mandrel has a plurality of splines projecting radially outward and the barrel has a corresponding plurality of splines projecting radially inward from its inner surface. The splines of the mandrel engage the splines of the barrel when the mandrel is telescopically extended so that the entire casing string can be rotated as a unit. After the lower segment of the casing string is fixed in place by a lower stage cementing operation, the upper segment of the casing string can be reciprocated toward the lower segment to telescopically retract the mandrel into the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Inventors: David M. Blandford, John H. Easter
  • Reversible lock and seal apparatus
    Patent number: 4676533
    Abstract: A reversible lock and seal apparatus for coupling swimming pool piping and fittings, comprising a frusto-conical U-cross section metal ring with longitudinally spaced circular rows of teeth, adapted to be cammed into piping by a follower coupled to the fitting for locking the piping to the fitting without need of piping threads or solvent cements, and squeezing a seal ring therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Tolo, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph D. Gerondale
  • Speed change mechanism for a bicycle
    Patent number: 4676118
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gear-change device for derailleurs or gear-change hubs in which by enlargement of at least one of the provided detents in the circumferential direction and by arrangement of a spring which biases the change lever in the one direction an easy adjustability is provided by an adjusting screw. Furthermore the exchanging of detent discs for easy adaptation to different gear ratio numbers is easily possible. The assembly of the gear changer is easy to effect in as much as two component groups can be prefitted independently of one another. A shift-over device for one direction, as utilized advantageously especially in derailleurs, can easily be integrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Ets. Huret et ses Fils
    Inventor: Berndt Leiter
  • Hydraulic valve control apparatus
    Patent number: 4676698
    Abstract: Valves regulating the supply of hydraulic fluid to hydraulic cylinders of an hydraulic walking mine-roof support are controlled by apparatus comprising an axially-movable switching shaft provided with cams which is rotatable into successive switching stations where it is immobilized by spring-loaded stop pins to that the cams bear on tappets to actuate the respective valves, there being a switching spring acting on the shaft to return the shaft to its initial position of rest after it has been axially displaced and rotated out of that position of rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Hermann Hemscheidt Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Karl Krieger, Werner Reinelt
  • Underwater growth inhibition
    Patent number: 4676692
    Abstract: To inhibit marine growth on a submerged framework, one or more collars are placed loosely around each member of the framework, the collars having outwardly projecting vanes so that ambient water movement causes movement around or along the member. The vanes (5; 25; 45; 55; 65) are preferably hinged to the collar for limited pivotation and may be twisted or provided with extension portions to ensure axial movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Inventor: Thomas Henderson
  • Method for preventing thaw settlement along offshore artic pipelines
    Patent number: 4676695
    Abstract: A method for installing a pipeline for transporting a warm fluid, such as newly-produced oil, across arctic seafloor underlain by a permafrost zone without danger of rupture of the pipeline caused by thawing in the supporting permafrost zone comprises (1) drilling a series of boreholes along the seafloor through a thawed zone of subsea soil so as to penetrate a distance into a zone of permafrost lying thereunder, (2) circulating a warm fluid through each borehole so as to cause a zone of prethawing in the permafrost zone and thereby create a slump trough on the surface of the seafloor along a path marked by the series of boreholes; and (3) installing a warm fluid bearing pipeline along the bottom of the slump trough. Usually a temperature differential between the warm fluid and the bottom of the borehole of at least 2 degrees Fahrenheit is required to assure economical prethawing of the permafrost zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventor: Frederick C. Duthweiler
  • Apparatus for installing a flowline section near the seabed
    Patent number: 4676696
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a flowline to a structure near the seabed comprises a vertically oriented guide funnel placed atop a guide tube that is provided with a helical shoulder cooperating with an alignment key mounted on the flowline. During installation the flowline is stabbed into the guide funnel and guide tube thereby causing the alignment key to slide along the shoulder until a pair of hinge pins mounted on the flowline have entered into a pair of slots in the wall of the guide tube. Subsequently the flowline is hinged down to a horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Nils K. Laursen
  • Method of confirming position of drain material left and apparatus for confirming same in drain engineering method
    Patent number: 4676693
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to embed paper drain material in water-laden soil by means of a mandrel driven into the soil by power means. The paper drain material is intermittently treated with a substance detectable by a signal emitted electronic sensing means secured to the lower end of the mandrel. When the paper drain is believed to be in place, the mandrel is withdrawn. During mandrel withdrawal, as each sensing means passes by each detectable substance, the signal from the sensing means is modulated, thereby indicating that the paper drain is embedded in place and the mandrel has disengaged from the paper drain. If the paper drain adheres to the mandrel and is being withdrawn with the mandrel, no modulated signal will be generated, thereby indicating that the paper drain is not properly anchored in the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignees: S: Kajima Corporation, Fudo Construction Co., Ltd., Nitsushin Soil Consulting Corporation
    Inventors: Toshio Hiroshima, Mamoru Tamura, Mikio Sakaizumi
  • Handlebar support with storage compartment
    Patent number: 4676120
    Abstract: In a handlebar comprising an elongate handle arm and a boss which supports the central part of the arm, the boss has an aperture with a generally channel-shaped region for receiving the central part of the arm, and a pressure body is mounted in the aperture for selective movement into a thrust position against the central part of the arm to press the central part into the generally channel-shaped region of the aperture so as to clamp the arm relative to the boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: 3 T S.p.A.
    Inventor: Lucio Borromeo
  • Universal bedside rail clamp
    Patent number: 4676687
    Abstract: A universal bedside rail Clamp for securing a bedside rail assembly to a hospital or other bed, having a base member for engagement with an angle iron bed frame, a means to tighten the universal bedside rail Clamp to the angle iron bed frame and a means for the bedside rail assembly to pivot in relation to the universal bedside rail Clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Inventor: Henry Koffler
  • Offshore platform designed in particular to constitute a pleasure center
    Patent number: 4674916
    Abstract: A platform for use as an artifical island wherein the platform comprises an immersed base of floats, vertical pillars and an emerged structure supported by said pillars. The floating base is formed by a disk of caissons. The vertical pillars are imbedded in the caissons and form the generating lines of a cylinder of substantially circular base. The emerged structure comprises a lower disk-shaped part traversed by the pillars, and an upper part comprised of modules which are joinable together to form a cylindrical assembly resting on the pillars. The floating disk may be dimensioned in relation to the platform and to the marine characteristics so as to offer low draft and high stability. Such dimensioning enables the platform to be entirely constructed in a shipyard and subsequently towed to the installation site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Inventor: Richard Dziewolski
  • Manipulator apparatus for gripping submerged objects
    Patent number: 4674915
    Abstract: A manipulator apparatus carried by a remotely operated vehicle is provided with a suction device capable of gripping underwater objects. The suction portion of the manipulator apparatus utilizes suction chambers isolated from the body of water. When fluid is removed from the suction chambers an appropriately shaped moveable wall moves inwardly thereby forming a suction cavity between the suction device and the object to be moved.The moveable wall may take the form of a rubber-like flexible membrane wall or a piston moveable within the suction portion of the manipulator apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Shell Offshore Inc.
    Inventor: Howard L. Shatto, Jr.
  • Engine starter
    Patent number: 4674344
    Abstract: An engine starter has a plunger electromagnetically actuated by holding and attracting coils to move a pinion toward a ring gear on the engine and also to move a first movable contact on the plunger towards first and second stationary contacts to be electrically connected together by the first movable contact to electrically energize a starter motor. A relay is provided and has normally open contacts electrically connected in series to a power source and the connection between the holding and attracting coils. The relay coil is connected in series to a starter switch and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is formed by a normally closed switch having a third stationary contact connected to the relay coil, and a bimetallic element carrying a second movable contact grounded through the bimetallic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sadayosi Kazino, Naoki Yoshikawa
  • Collapsible steering column
    Patent number: 4674354
    Abstract: An automobile steering column is disclosed herein having a fixed cylindrical housing enclosing a rotatable steering mechanism composed of a pair of telescoping sections joined in a slidable and shock absorbing splined connection. A steering wheel is carried on the end of one column section by a yieldable and resilient coupling member adapted to collapse under pressure when the column section to which it is attached has reached its limit of sliding travel. A limit stop is provided operable between the end of the housing and the hub of the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Inventor: Harold E. Brand
  • Method and device for placing a construction material in a liquid environment
    Patent number: 4674917
    Abstract: A continuous linear element is used in the form of a fine fibrous trap, delivered in a continuous manner by an ejector (11) placed in a gaseous atmosphere established in an open-bottomed bell (8) immersed in the liquid medium with its open bottom close to the deposition site of the construction material. A slurry of solid particles is injected into the fibrous trap when it is still in the gaseous atmosphere of the bell and the trap charged with said particles is then deposited on the construction site (1). The ejector (11) can be part of a device (12) for breaking up textile cable (17) and is connected with a floating platform (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chaussees
    Inventors: Hubert Perrier, Didier Faucon
  • Device for releasably holding a container on a feed connection piece
    Patent number: 4674262
    Abstract: A device for temporarily holding containers on a feed connection piece includes a plurality of expanding segments surrounding the connecting piece and being held in position thereon by a resilient sleeve. Lower parts of respective segments extend over a lower edge on the connecting piece and are tilted by levers attached to a top edge of respective segments so as to expand the elastic sleeve into engagement with an inner surface of a container. The expanding segments are returned into their rest position by the resilient constricting force of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Buhler-Miag GmbH
    Inventor: Frank-Otto Goerlitz
  • Securing unit
    Patent number: 4674910
    Abstract: A securing unit for securing at least two different substrates spaced apart at a predetermined distance comprising a first securing portion for securing a first base plate, a second securing portion which forms an arrow shaped head and for securing a second base plate, and a support base portion for supporting said first and second securing portions in which the height of the first securing portion of the securing unit has been remarkably reduced. With this construction, the projection of the first securing portion of the unit is not impaired when removing unnecessary remnants or solder or when cleaning the surface of the first base plate, while the securings of the base plates by the first and second securing portions of the securing unit according to the present invention has been remarkably increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Kitagawa Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshitoki Hayashi
  • Mechanism for clamping a second machine part which is supported movably with respect to a first machine part
    Patent number: 4674908
    Abstract: We are dealing with a mechanism for clamping a second machine part 4 which is supported movably with respect to a first machine part 2. A clamping bar 28, which extends in the direction of movement is arranged on the second machine part 4, on which clamping bar can be clamped a clamping member 32 which is supported freely movably in directions transverse to the direction of movement of the first machine part, but otherwise clearance free. Since the clamping member 22 is as a whole freely movable in directions transverse to the direction of movement, no reactive forces whatsoever are created in the direction of movement during the clamping operation.The inventive clamping mechanism is preferably used in feed-movable spindle sleeves (tail spindles) in order to assure a secure clamping in an axial direction and in a peripheral direction, without producing forces which act transversely to the spindle axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Friedrich Deckel Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Franz Kagerer
  • Insulating coupling for drill collars and method of manufacture thereof
    Patent number: 4674773
    Abstract: An insulating coupling for drill collars and a method of manufacture thereof are presented wherein the coupling consists of an electrically insulating ceramic coating applied in thickness from 0.002 to 0.006 inch to the threads of the coupling by a detonation gun process and sealed with an epoxy sealer to reduce porosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Teleco Oilfield Services Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick A. Stone, Robert J. Maron
  • Pipe connector
    Patent number: 4673201
    Abstract: A connector, for example for connecting pipe sections, comprises a female member having threaded internal circumferential surfaces at each end, for engagement with a pair of male members each of which is provided with a threaded external circumferential surface. Each male member is provided with an annular nose having an axially directed primary sealing surface for sealing abutment with the primary sealing surface of the other male member, and a circumferential secondary sealing surface for sealing against a secondary sealing surface on the female member. The sealing surfaces being initially shaped so that when the noses are initially brought into contact there are progressively widening axial and radial gaps therebetween which are closed by deformation of the noses when the members are fully engaged together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignees: Hunting Oilfield Services (UK) Limited, Kawasaki Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey C. Dearden, Edward J. Speare, Katsuo Ueno, Donald N. Jones