Patents by Inventor Gary Thompson
Gary Thompson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20100331078Abstract: A procedure receives a game result from a game console. A rating is determined for the game result. If the rating for the game result meets a predetermined criteria, the recorded game associated with the game result is received from the game console. The recorded game is attached to the rating of the game result such that other players can access the recorded game through an online gaming service.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Gary Thompson, Benjamin O. Zotto, Brent E. Curtis, Daniel Caiafa
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Patent number: 7798905Abstract: A procedure receives a game result from a game console. A rating is determined for the game result. If the rating for the game result meets a predetermined criteria, the recorded game associated with the game result is received from the game console. The recorded game is attached to the rating of the game result such that other players can access the recorded game through an online gaming service.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Gary Thompson, Benjamin O. Zotto, Brent E. Curtis, Daniel Caiafa
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Patent number: 7793719Abstract: A torque head for gripping tubular members, in at least some aspects, has a housing, grip mechanism secured within the housing, the grip mechanism for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, the at least one jaw having mounted thereon slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, the slip apparatus including die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw, the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Randy Gene Snider, David Othman Shahin, John Timothy Allen, Kevin Leon Gray, Gary Thompson
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Patent number: 7712523Abstract: A torque head for gripping tubular members, in at least some aspects, has a housing, grip mechanism secured within the housing, the grip mechanism for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, the at least one jaw having mounted thereon slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, the slip apparatus including die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw, the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Randy Gene Snider, David Shahin, Jim Allen, Kevin Gray, Gary Thompson
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Patent number: 7654325Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for handling tubulars and drilling with tubulars such as casing into a formation. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a circulating head and a cementing head operatively connectible to a gripping member. The circulating head is used to circulate drilling fluid while drilling with casing, and the cementing head is used to cement the casing string within the formation at a desired depth. The present invention also relates to methods and apparatus for isolating a tensile load from a drilling apparatus rotated by a top drive. In one aspect, the present invention provides a load isolator apparatus having an isolator body operatively connected to the top drive and a torque body at least partially disposed in the isolator body. In operation, the bearing assembly transfers the tensile load from the torque body to the isolator body.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, David Shahin, Adrian Vuyk, Jr., Gary Thompson, Kevin Leon Gray, John Timothy Allen, Randy Gene Snider
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Publication number: 20090300980Abstract: The subject invention relates in part to the use of insect-protected corn to modify fertility recommendations for given yield targets on any transgenic corn type. The insect-protected plants are unexpectedly more effective at assimilating not only nitrogen but also less valuable nutrients such as phosphorous, potassium and micronutrients such as zinc. The subject invention also relates to the discovery that transgenic corn plants with insect protection traits exhibit drought tolerance. For example, the protected plants are also much more effective at extracting moisture and are therefore more drought resistant and require less supplemental irrigation to produce the same yields as unprotected plants.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: Dow AgroSciences LLCInventors: Gary Thompson, Kenneth Narva
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Publication number: 20090101332Abstract: Methods and apparatus for drilling with a top drive system are provided. In one aspect, the present invention provides for a top drive system having includes a top drive, top drive adapter, and a tubular positioning apparatus. In one another aspect, the system includes a telescopic link system connected to a lower portion of the top drive adapter to move the casing string into engagement with the top drive adapter. In another aspect, the top drive adapter includes a housing operatively connected to the top drive and a plurality of retaining members disposed in the housing for gripping the tubular. In another aspect, the tubular positioning apparatus includes a gripping member for engaging a tubular and a conveying member for positioning the gripping member. A spinner may be provided to rotate the tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventors: David Shahin, Jeff Habetz, David M. Haugen, Gary Thompson, Bernd-Georg Pietras, Jimmy L. Hollingsworth, Bernd Reinholdt
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Patent number: 7503397Abstract: In one embodiment, a top drive system for drilling with casing is provided with an access tool to retrieve a downhole tool. The top drive system for drilling with casing comprises a top drive; a top drive adapter for gripping the casing, the top drive adapter operatively coupled to the top drive; and an access tool coupled to the top drive and adapted for accessing a fluid passage of the top drive system. In another embodiment, a method for retrieving a downhole tool through a tubular coupled to a top drive adapter of a top drive system is provided. The method comprises coupling an access tool to the top drive system, the access tool adapted to provide access to a fluid path in the top drive system and inserting a conveying member into the fluid path through the access tool.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Albert C. Odell, II, Gary Thompson, David Haugen, Tuong Thanh Le, Robert Dugal, Karsten Heidecke, David Shahin
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Patent number: 7490237Abstract: A process for requesting authentication includes transmitting a hash digest formed from first client-specific data together with second client specific data and receiving, in response to transmitting, an indication of acceptance when the hash digest and second client-specific data correspond to a valid client authentication request.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Dinarte R. Morais, Ling Tony Chen, Mark D. VanAntwerp, Boyd C. Multerer, Gary A. Thompson
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Patent number: 7409758Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for reducing drilling vibration during drilling with casing. In one embodiment, an apparatus for reducing vibration of a rotating casing includes a tubular body disposed concentrically around the casing, wherein tubular body is movable relative to the casing. Preferably, a portion of the tubular body comprises a friction reducing material. In operation, the tubular body comes into contact with the existing casing or the wellbore instead of the rotating casing. Because the tubular body is freely movable relative to the rotating casing, the rotating casing may continuously rotate even though the tubular body is frictionally in contact with the existing casing.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Tuong Thanh Le, Richard L. Giroux, Albert C. Odell, Gary Thompson, Deborah L. Banta, Robert P. Badrak, Gregory G. Galloway, Mark S. Fuller
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Publication number: 20080110637Abstract: A torque head for gripping tubular members, in at least some aspects, has a housing, grip mechanism secured within the housing, the grip mechanism for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, the at least one jaw having mounted thereon slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, the slip apparatus including die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw, the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventors: Randy Gene Snider, David Othman Shahin, John Timothy Allen, Kevin Leon Gray, Gary Thompson
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Patent number: 7360594Abstract: A latch assembly, and methods of using the latch assembly, for use with a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and a tubular, are provided. In one embodiment, the latch assembly is disposable within the tubular, configured to be rotationally and axially coupled to the tubular. In one aspect of the embodiment, latch assembly is configured to be released from the tubular by applying a tensile force to the latch assembly. The latch the latch assembly may comprise: one or more sleds disposed within one or more respective slots formed along at least a portion of a locking mandrel; and one or more retractable axial drag blocks configured to engage a matching axial profile disposed in the tubular, wherein each axial drag block is coupled to the respective sled with one or more biasing members; and the locking mandrel actuatable between a first position and a second position and preventing retraction of the axial drag blocks when actuated to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gary Thompson, Albert C. Odell, III
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Publication number: 20080059073Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for handling tubulars and drilling with tubulars such as casing into a formation. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a circulating head and a cementing head operatively connectible to a gripping member. The circulating head is used to circulate drilling fluid while drilling with casing, and the cementing head is used to cement the casing string within the formation at a desired depth. The present invention also relates to methods and apparatus for isolating a tensile load from a drilling apparatus rotated by a top drive. In one aspect, the present invention provides a load isolator apparatus having an isolator body operatively connected to the top drive and a torque body at least partially disposed in the isolator body. In operation, the bearing assembly transfers the tensile load from the torque body to the isolator body.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: March 6, 2008Inventors: Richard Giroux, David Shahin, Adrian Vuyk, Gary Thompson, Kevin Gray, John Allen, Randy Snider
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Publication number: 20080059561Abstract: The present invention defines a method for assembling software components using an application controller. The application controller provides a conduit through which calling client modules can access functionality provided by various handlers in a manner that results in greater flexibility when additional functionality is required. Additional functionality can be provided to the clients by adding additional handlers to the application controller without the need to modify any of the individual clients. The client will continue invoking the application controller in the same manner as it did previously, whilst the application controller provides additional functionality by accessing the additional handlers. Indeed, the only changes that are required are to an agent, which in preferred embodiments includes a relatively straightforward to modify XML configuration file.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2007Publication date: March 6, 2008Applicant: BRITISH TELECOMMUNICATIONS Public limited companyInventors: Stefano Gioberti, Gary Thompson
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Patent number: 7325610Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for handling tubulars and drilling with tubulars such as casing into a formation. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a circulating head and a cementing head operatively connectible to a gripping member. The circulating head is used to circulate drilling fluid while drilling with casing, and the cementing head is used to cement the casing string within the formation at a desired depth. The present invention also relates to methods and apparatus for isolating a tensile load from a drilling apparatus rotated by a top drive. In one aspect, the present invention provides a load isolator apparatus having an isolator body operatively connected to the top drive and a torque body at least partially disposed in the isolator body. In operation, the bearing assembly transfers the tensile load from the torque body to the isolator body.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, David Shahin, Adrian Vuyk, Jr., Gary Thompson, Kevin Leon Gray, John Timothy Allen, Randy Gene Snider
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Publication number: 20070235702Abstract: A method of stabilizing nuclear material is disclosed. Oxides or halides of actinides and/or transuranics (TRUS) and/or hydrocarbons and/or acids contaminated with actinides and/or TRUs are treated by adjusting the pH of the nuclear material to not less than about 5 and adding sufficient MgO to convert fluorides present to MgF2: alumina is added in an amount sufficient to absorb substantially all hydrocarbon liquid present, after which a binder including MgO and KH2PO4 is added to the treated nuclear material to form a slurry. Additional MgO may be added. A crystalline radioactive material is also disclosed having a binder of the reaction product of calcined MgO and KH2PO4 and a radioactive material of the oxides and/or halides of actinides and/or transuranics (TRUs). Acids contaminated with actinides and/or TRUs, and/or actinides and/or TRUs with or without oils and/or greases may be encapsulated and stabilized by the binder.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2004Publication date: October 11, 2007Applicant: The University of ChicagoInventors: Arun Wagh, M. Maloney, Gary Thompson
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Publication number: 20070169930Abstract: Methods and apparatus for drilling with a top drive system are provided. In one aspect, the present invention provides for a top drive system having includes a top drive, top drive adapter, and a tubular positioning apparatus. In one another aspect, the system includes a telescopic link system connected to a lower portion of the top drive adapter to move the casing string into engagement with the top drive adapter. In another aspect, the top drive adapter includes a housing operatively connected to the top drive and a plurality of retaining members disposed in the housing for gripping the tubular. In another aspect, the tubular positioning apparatus includes a gripping member for engaging a tubular and a conveying member for positioning the gripping member. A spinner may be provided to rotate the tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2006Publication date: July 26, 2007Inventors: David Shahin, Jeff Habetz, David Haugen, Gary Thompson, Bernd-Georg Pietras, Jimmy Hollingsworth, Bernd Reinholdt
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Publication number: 20070131416Abstract: Methods and apparatus for running tubulars into and out of a wellbore. A gripping apparatus is activated with an actuator having a primary actuator and a redundant safety feature. The redundant safety feature may include one or more redundant fluid operated pistons. The gripping apparatus may include an integrated safety system adapted to prevent damage to the tubulars while making and breaking out connections between the tubulars and the tubular string.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2006Publication date: June 14, 2007Inventors: Albert Odell, Richard Giroux, Tuong Le, Gary Thompson, Karsten Heidecke, Joerg Lorenz, Doyle Boutwell, Michael Hayes, Bernd-Georg Pietras
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Patent number: 7213798Abstract: A submerged vehicle extraction method employing a specifically designed apparatus known as the submerged vehicle extractor. The primary purpose of the submerged vehicle extractor is to facilitate the transferring of a vehicle that has broken through the frozen surface of a body of water from the water to the solid upper surface of the ice during the vehicle recovery process. This is done through the use of an elongate frame having a center pivot point and a winch. The sunken vehicle engages the extractor through the use of the winch and is then moved from the water to ice level via the extractors teeter totter type movement. Additionally, the use of the present invention also minimizes the stresses placed on the vehicle during the extraction process as the entire weight of the vehicle in this stressful operation is carried by the present invention through the frame of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2003Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Inventors: Gary Thompson, Jim Granger
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Patent number: 7140445Abstract: Methods and apparatus for drilling with a top drive system are provided. In one aspect, a top drive system includes a top drive, top drive adapter, and a tubular positioning apparatus. In another aspect, the top drive adapter is pivotably connected to the top drive for pivoting the top drive adapter toward the casing string with respect to the top drive. In another aspect, the system includes a telescopic link system connected to a lower portion of the top drive adapter to move the casing string into engagement with the top drive adapter. In another aspect, the top drive adapter includes a housing operatively connected to the top drive and a plurality of retaining members disposed in the housing for gripping the tubular. In another aspect, the tubular positioning apparatus includes a gripping member for engaging a tubular and a conveying member for positioning the gripping member. A spinner may be provided to rotate the tubular.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: David Shahin, Jeff Habetz, David M. Haugen, Gary Thompson, Bernd-Georg Pietras, Jimmy L. Hollingsworth, Bernd Reinholdt