Tube (i.e., Pipe) Patents (Class 219/607)
  • Patent number: 11241761
    Abstract: A shrink-clamping and/or unshrink-unclamping station for tools, for an at least largely automated shrink-clamping and/or unshrink-unclamping of tools into and/or from tool holders includes an induction heating unit and a cooling unit. The cooling unit can in an automated manner be brought into a heat-conductive contact with a tool holder previously heated by the induction heating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: E. ZOLLER GMBH & CO. KG EINSTELL-UND MESSGERĂ„TE
    Inventors: Alexander Zoller, Christian Pfau
  • Patent number: 10841985
    Abstract: A system and method for heat treating a tubular. In one embodiment, a system for heat treating a tubular includes a first coil and a second coil. The first coil is configured to circumferentially surround the tubular and induce, from without the tubular, current flow in a cylindrical portion of the tubular adjacent the first coil. The second coil is configured to be inserted into a bore of the tubular and induce, from within the tubular, in conjunction with the first coil, current flow in the cylindrical portion of the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin Joseph Wyble, Daniel Lyle Hannahs, Daryl Stevenson, Shawn Lee Cunningham
  • Patent number: 10590992
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a rolling bearing cage, in particular for large rolling bearings, wherein a steel strip with openings for in each case one rolling body is provided and bent to form a ring, wherein, for thermal coating with a thermoplastic powder, the ring is then heated to a temperature above a minimum coating temperature, wherein the ring is then dipped into a fluidized bed comprising the thermoplastic powder, wherein, during the residence time of the ring in the fluidized bed, plastic powder adheres to the ring, melts and forms a continuous coating, and wherein the ring is removed from the fluidized bed after the coating. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP ROTHE ERDE GMBH
    Inventors: Joerg Rollmann, Stefan Schnieder, Markus Leonhard, Reinhard Juergens
  • Patent number: 10343801
    Abstract: A method of sealing a peelable lid (2) to a flange (4) provided within a metal can body (1) which involves inserting an induction coil (6) into the can body to primarily heat the sealing surface (5) of the flange, while keeping the exterior wall of the can relatively cool to avoid tin reflow and decoration degradation of the exterior wall. The induction coil is subsequently removed from the can body and a peelable lid applied to the flange, whereby residual heat in the flange aids the sealing of the lid to the flange, e.g. by allowing activation of a bonding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Maxwell, John Pawel Bilko, Florian Christian Gregory Combe
  • Patent number: 10040588
    Abstract: A method of sealing a peelable lid (2) to a flange (4) provided within a metal can body (1) which involves inserting an induction coil (6) into the can body to primarily heat the sealing surface (5) of the flange, while keeping the exterior wall of the can relatively cool to avoid tin reflow and decoration degradation of the exterior wall. The induction coil is subsequently removed from the can body and a peelable lid applied to the flange, whereby residual heat in the flange aids the sealing of the lid to the flange, e.g. by allowing activation of a bonding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Maxwell, John Pawel Bilko, Florian Christian Gregory Combe
  • Patent number: 10034330
    Abstract: A system and method for heat treating a tubular. In one embodiment, a system for heat treating a tubular includes a first coil and a second coil. The first coil is configured to circumferentially surround the tubular and induce, from without the tubular, current flow in a cylindrical portion of the tubular adjacent the first coil. The second coil is configured to be inserted into a bore of the tubular and induce, from within the tubular, in conjunction with the first coil, current flow in the cylindrical portion of the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin Joseph Wyble, Daniel Lyle Hannahs, Daryl Stevenson, Shawn Lee Cunningham
  • Patent number: 9964249
    Abstract: A subsea direct electrical heating assembly adapted to heat a hydrocarbon conducting steel pipeline (1) arranged subsea. The assembly comprises a direct electrical heating cable (3) extending along and being connected to the steel pipeline (1) and a power transmission cable (7) receiving electric power from a power supply (5) which is arranged onshore or at surface offshore, and which feeds the direct electrical heating cable (3). The subsea direct electrical heating assembly comprises a power conditioning arrangement (100) arranged at a subsea location, in a position between the power transmission cable (7) and the direct electrical heating cable (3). The power transmission cable (7) extends from the offshore or onshore power supply (5) and down to the power conditioning arrangement (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Aker Solutions AS
    Inventors: Ole Johan Bjerknes, Ole A. Heggdal
  • Patent number: 8803044
    Abstract: A dialysis fluid heating system includes a plurality of conductive tubes; first and second end caps located at first and second ends of the tubes, respectively, the first end cap including a dialysis fluid inlet and a dialysis fluid outlet, the end caps and the tubes configured such that dialysis fluid can flow from the fluid inlet of the first end cap, through at least one first tube to the second end cap, and through at least one second tube back to the first end cap; a conductive wire wound around an outside of the conductive tubes; and electronics configured to supply power to the conductive wire, the wire forming a primary coil of a transformer, the tubes forming a secondary coil of the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Richard E. Kienman, Dan Roush, John E. Steck, James S. Slepicka, Atif M. Yardimci, Gideon Hecht, Jennifer S. Lindsay, George F. Bobart, Donald D. Busby, William Chan, Yuanpang S. Ding, Amy L. Twining, Douglas W. Reitz, Andrey Kopychev, Mehmet B. Ozer, Brian C. Lauman
  • Patent number: 8450666
    Abstract: A water boiling device includes a heat tank unit received in a machine body, a high frequency induction heater, and a heat pipe unit. The heat tank unit includes first and second heating tanks in communication with each other. Outside water can flow into the first and second heating tanks. The high frequency induction heater includes a heat pipe induction coil and first and second induction coils. The heat pipe unit includes first and second heating pipes. An upper section of each heating pipe is received in one of the heating tanks, and a lower section of each heating pipe extends out of the heating tanks and is inserted into the heat pipe induction coil. The first and second heating tanks will heat up to heat the water in the first and second heating tanks when a high frequency current is passed through the heat pipe induction coil and first and second induction coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventors: Shun-Chi Yang, Mao-Hsiung Yang, Tsung-Chuan Yang, Fang-Ming Wu, Cheng-Yen Wu
  • Patent number: 8395068
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a device and a method for controlling a welding angle which is capable of resolving restrictions occurred when a conventional float type welding angle control device is used to manufacture a welded pipe, and giving full play to the ability of such a float type welding angle control device, by adopting a new mechanism for supporting and adjusting a fin roll. When the welding angle is controlled by inserting the fin roll between opposing edges of a band steel at a position located in an upstream side of squeeze rolls, the fin roll is attached to a link mechanism in which two arms are coupled so as to be pivotable within a plane defined by a pipe manufacturing line direction and a perpendicular direction thereof, and positions of gripping points of the arms are changed to adjust a position of the fin roll within the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Nakata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Feizhou Wang, Satoshi Tsuruta, Tomoyasu Nakano
  • Patent number: 8373104
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for inductive heating of an electrically-conducting component section symmetrical relative to an axis, in particular, a sleeve section of a tool clamping chuck for clamping a tool by means of a press fit, wherein the device has several pole pieces made from a magnetically-conducting material arranged in the circumferential direction around the symmetry axis of the component section introduced as required into the device and an induction device for supplying the pole pieces with magnetic flux such that the magnetic flux in pole pieces which are adjacent in the circumferential direction is opposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Franz Haimer Maschinenbau KG
    Inventor: Franz Haimer
  • Patent number: 8367961
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ground peg (10) which is made from a steel tube (11) and comprises an upper cylindrical section (12), a lower section (16) that tapers towards the bottom to form a tip (14), and an external thread (26) that extends along at least part of the lower section (16) and is formed from a continuous sheet metal strip (28) welded onto an external surface (32) of the ground peg (10) by means of a continuous or regularly interrupted fillet weld (34). The external thread (26) has a nearly constant pitch (S) and slope (a) relative to a longitudinal axis (40) of the ground peg (10) along the entire length of the external thread (26). The invention further relates to a method or producing such a ground peg (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: CORTEC GmbH
    Inventor: Stephan Rainer
  • Patent number: 8269153
    Abstract: A water boiler includes a water storage tank, a heater, and a heat pipe unit. The water storage tank includes a heating room, an outer water storage room, and an inner water storage room between the heating room and the outer water storage room in a radial direction. Outside water flows from an inlet pipe to the outer water storage room, and water in the outer water storage room flows into the inner water storage room and the heating room for storage. The heater includes an induction coil. The heat pipe unit includes a plurality of heat-transfer pipes. An upper segment of each heat-transfer pipe is arranged in the heating room, while a lower segment of each heat-transfer pipe is received in the induction coil. When the induction coil turns ON, the heat-transfer pipes are heated to heat the water in the heating room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventors: Shun-Chi Yang, Mao-Hsiung Yang, Tsung-Chuan Yang, Fang-Ming Wu, Cheng-Yen Wu
  • Patent number: 7918380
    Abstract: A tapered tube manufacturing apparatus and method of operation comprises an entry station adapted to receive a tapered tube having an open, longitudinal seam with spaced longitudinal edges extending the length of the tapered tube. A feed line section moves the tapered tube from the entry section into a welding station while maintaining the longitudinal seam coincident with a pass center line which defines a direction of movement of the tapered tube through the entry station, the feed line section and the welding station. A pair of squeeze rolls in the welding station move the tapered tube through the welding station where the edges of the seam are heated, squeezing the open seam closed for welding the edges of the seam together, and then move the welded tapered tube into a cooling and transition station while maintaining the welded seam coincident with the pass center line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Letzkus, George Finkelshteyn
  • Patent number: 7847223
    Abstract: A metallurgically formed fluid circuit joint includes a hollow fitting (298), a tubular conduit (297), and a metallurgically formed tube/fitting mesh (296). The tube/fitting mesh (296) includes a fitting portion of the hollow fitting (298) and a tube portion of the tubular conduit (297) that is electromagnetically formed with the fitting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Allen Fischer, David R. Bolser
  • Publication number: 20100229993
    Abstract: A vehicle exhaust system includes first and second exhaust components that are attached to each other at a connection interface. A reinforcement member is positioned in an overlapping relationship with each of the first and second exhaust components, and is secured in place to strengthen the connection interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Kwin Abram
  • Patent number: 7774917
    Abstract: Tubular ends are heated to a predetermined temperature above 1200 degrees Celsius and surrounded by a shield gas when the tubular ends are pressed together to form forge welded tubular ends. The forge welded tubular ends are then cooled down rapidly from said temperature above 1200 to at most 600 degrees Celsius within 3 minutes after the forge welding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Tubefuse Applications B.V.
    Inventors: Mark Wilson Anderson, Johannis Josephus Den Boer, Anthony Thomas Cole, Klisthenis Dimitriadis, Jan Erik Vollebregt, Djurre Hans Zijsling
  • Publication number: 20100164675
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a cylindrical high-frequency shield of a cylindrical gradient coil for a magnetic resonance system, a number of planar shield elements are placed adjacent to one another on a cylindrical support, together with a solder band or solder strip on the support. The segments or elements are inductively soldered together by an inductive soldering device that moves along a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Eberler, Thomas Kolbeck, Johann Schuster
  • Publication number: 20100047609
    Abstract: An electric resistance welded steel tube for heat treatment can be used as a highly durable material even after quenching treatment by rapid heating for hollow stabilizers or the like and a method for manufacturing such an electric resistance welded steel tube. A steel tube material, which has a composition constituted by, in mass percent, C: 0.15 to 0.40%, Si: 0.05 to 0.50%, Mn: 0.30 to 2.00%, Al: 0.01 to 0.10%, Ti: 0.001 to 0.04%, B: 0.0005 to 0.0050%, and N: 0.0010 to 0.0100% with Ti and N satisfying (N/14)<(Ti/47.9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: JFE STEEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Kawabata, Masayuki Sakaguchi, Kei Sakata
  • Publication number: 20080308550
    Abstract: A magnetic flux guide for improvement of continuous induction tube welding process is provided having a magnetic body made from one or several plates of soft magnetic composite (magnetodielectric material) that has permeability of at least 15, saturation flux density greater than about 0.2 T and service temperature of at least 180° C. The device also comprises internal channels for water or gas cooling or one or two water-cooled plates, which are located in the middle of the magnetic body, on one side or both sides of the body. The device preferably has a fixture for its positioning above the edges of the welding tube or profile. The device may be incorporated into the welding coil, which provides to the device mechanical support and cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: Fluxtrol Inc.
    Inventor: Valentin Nemkov
  • Patent number: 7449664
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for melting a material and squeezing the melted material through casing perforations into a fault within the cement or formation of an oil or gas well. A heating tool carries solid material which is melted at depth within the well and adjacent to the casing perforations. The liquefied material is forced through the perforations and into the formation or the well cement. When the material cools and solidifies, the faults become sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Homer L. Spencer
  • Patent number: 7434718
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for cutting or welding tubes (3) or similar workpieces, said device comprising a guiding mechanism which is used to control the cutting or welding torch (17) along a pre-determined line and is provided with a stand-type portal (7). Said portal comprises a through opening (8) into which the workpiece (3) to be machined can be guided in the axial direction. A rotary part (14) can be rotated about the axis of the through opening (8) in a motor-driven manner, guiding a holding arm (16) therewith, which carries the cutting or welding torch (17) on the free end thereof. Said holding arm (16) is fixed to the rotary part (14) and embodied in such a way that the cutting or welding torch (17) moves radially in relation to the axis of the through opening (8) and can be brought into various angular positions in relation to the surface of the workpiece (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Eisenmann Anlagenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Wirth
  • Patent number: 7410611
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the prevention of fouling of process streams by the application of electric charge on process components. The electric charge may be attractive or repulsive to the foulants, they may be constant or variable and may be applied to any section of the process stream where convenient and wherein their preventive effects are optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Dennis L. Salbilla
  • Patent number: 7293689
    Abstract: A brazing process for joining copper and copper alloy tubes to a fitting which includes first forming a layer of a high melting temperature noble metal on one end of a copper or copper alloy tube. The plated end is then brazed to a metal ferrule to form a copper alloy-ferrule assembly. The assembly is then furnace brazed to a metal fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Mayers
  • Patent number: 7285762
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for melting material in the annulus of an oil or gas well and thereby sealing the annulus to prevent shallow gas leakage and the like. Conveniently, the material is positioned within the annulus between the production and surface casing of the well and above the well cement. A heating tool is lowered into position and provides the necessary heat to melt the material. The heating tool may be removed following the sealing of the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Homer L. Spencer
  • Patent number: 7256374
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel induction heating apparatus for controlling the welding parameter of temperature for a pre-weld heating operation, interpass operation, or a hydrogen bake-out operation. Specifically, the present invention relates to using a novel induction heating apparatus for controlling this welding parameter. The heating device is comprised of a pair of opposed heating collars placed on either side of a pipe comprising a weld joint. The heating device transfers heat from the collar to the weld joint surface by induction providing a method of controlling this welding parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Colin Regan
  • Patent number: 7208706
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shrinking device for shrinking a rotary tool into a central receiving opening of a toolholder which holds said rotary tool in a press fit. The device an induction heating device for thermally expanding the toolholder in the area of the receiving opening. A cooling device with at least one cooling collar which can be placed on the toolholder, in physical contact with the same, and through which a liquid coolant can flow, is provided for cooling the receiving opening area of the toolholder. This liquid cooling considerably reduces the overall time span needed for the shrinking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Haimer GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Haimer, Josef Haimer, Wolfgang KĂ¼gle
  • Patent number: 7048802
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for depositing especially crystalline layers on especially crystalline substrates by means of reaction gases fed to a heated process chamber. Said process chamber is formed by the cavity of an especially multi-part graphite tube arranged in a reactor housing that especially comprises quartz walls. Said reactor housing, in the area of the process chamber, is enclosed by a high-frequency coil and the space between the reactor housing wall and the graphite tube is filled with a graphite foam sleeve. In order to improve heat insulation, the graphite foam sleeve is fully slit. The slot is wider than the maximum thermal elongation of the graphite foam sleeve in the peripheral direction to be expected when the device is heated up to process temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Aixtron AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaeppeler, Frank Wischmeyer, Rune Berge
  • Patent number: 7032809
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a seam-welded steel pipe free of untempered martensite without seam anneal. The method includes selecting a steel containing a carbon concentration below a predetermined level, for example, 0.14% or 0.12% by weight. The method also includes flooding both outside and inside of the strip with a coolant while the weld seam is being formed, and continuing to immerse the welded strip for a sufficient time after the weld seam is formed to prevent the formation of untempered martensite. The apparatus includes a heater capable of heating the strip to a temperature sufficient to form a welded seam, a cooling module configured to supply a coolant to the welded seam both inside and outside of the strip as the weld seam is being formed, and another cooling module configured to immerse the welded strip in a coolant after the weld seam is formed for a sufficient length of time to prevent the formation of untempered martensite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Steel Ventures, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Howard C. Hopkins
  • Patent number: 7015434
    Abstract: A method whereby magnetic and nonmagnetic materials can be joined together firmly and having their joining areas freed from embrittlement and with a minimum of deformation is disclosed. Applied to the process of fitting a ring of nonmagnetic material into an annular space formed between an inner and an outer member each made of magnetic material, the method includes bringing an inner and an outer peripheral surface of the ring of nonmagnetic material each into a semi-molten state and bringing the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the ring of nonmagnetic material into pressure contact with the inner and outer members, respectively, to join the inner and outer peripheral surfaces to the inner and outer members, respectively, by interfacial fusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Kubota Iron Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeaki Yamanaka, Masahiro Dohi
  • Patent number: 6900418
    Abstract: The induction coil (13) of an arrangement which heats a tool-holder (1) inductively for the purpose of changing a tool shank (11) retained with a press-fit therein has a winding (19), in the case of which the number of coil turns per unit of length in the direction of the coil axis and/or the number of coil turns per unit of surface area is smaller in an intermediate region located, in the direction of the coil axis, between two main winding regions (21, 23) than in the two main winding regions (21, 23) and/or the internal winding diameter is smaller in the two main winding regions (21, 23) than in the intermediate region and/or, at least in an axial sub-region of the induction coil (13), increases from the two main winding regions (21, 23) in the direction of the intermediate region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Franz Haimer Maschinenbau Kg
    Inventors: Josef Haimer, Franz Haimer
  • Patent number: 6861625
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shrinking device (1) for shrinking a rotary tool (5) into a central receiving opening of a toolholder (3) which holds said rotary tool (5) in a press fit. The device comprises an induction heating device (15, 18) for thermally expanding the toolholder (3) in the area of the receiving opening. A cooling device (51, 53) with at least one cooling collar (53) which can be placed on the toolholder (3), in physical contact with the same, and through which a liquid coolant can flow, is provided for cooling the receiving opening area of the toolholder. This liquid cooling considerably reduces the overall time span needed for the shrinking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Haimer GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Haimer, Josef Haimer, Wolfgang KĂ¼gle
  • Patent number: 6828531
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for melting a material and squeezing the melted material through casing perforations into a fault within the cement or formation of an oil or gas well. A heating tool carries solid material which is melted at depth within the well and adjacent to the casing perforations. The liquefied material is forced through the perforations and into the formation or the well cement. When the material cools and solidifies, the faults become sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Homer L. Spencer
  • Publication number: 20040004071
    Abstract: To provide an induction heating roller unit that can efficiently supply power to a heating roller, and fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating the same. The induction heating roller unit includes: a heating roller; and an induction coil having an outer diameter more than 0.7 times that of the heating roller, the heating roller being concentrically disposed outside said induction coil and generating heat by the effect of an induced current caused by a magnetic field produced by the induction coil. Since the ratio of the outer diameter of the induction coil to that of the heating roller is 0.7 or higher, power can be transferred from the induction coil to the heating roller with an extremely high efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Takayuki Ogasawara, Ichiro Yokozeki, Takaaki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6664522
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for melting material in any one or a plurality of casings of an oil or gas well and thereby sealing the annulus to prevent gas leakage and the like. The material is positioned within any of the annuluses between the production and surface casing of the well and above the well cement between the casings of interest. A heating tool is lowered into position and provides the necessary heat to melt the material. The heating tool may be removed following the sealing of the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Homer L. Spencer
  • Publication number: 20030209535
    Abstract: The induction coil (13) of an arrangement which heats a tool-holder (1) inductively for the purpose of changing a tool shank (11) retained with a press-fit therein has a winding (19), in the case of which the number of coil turns per unit of length in the direction of the coil axis and/or the number of coil turns per unit of surface area is smaller in an intermediate region located, in the direction of the coil axis, between two main winding regions (21, 23) than in the two main winding regions (21, 23) and/or the internal winding diameter is smaller in the two main winding regions (21, 23) than in the intermediate region and/or, at least in an axial sub-region of the induction coil (13), increases from the two main winding regions (21, 23) in the direction of the intermediate region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Josef Haimer, Franz Haimer
  • Publication number: 20030168443
    Abstract: A tube sealer is provided for limiting radio frequency emissions during operation. The tube sealer includes an enclosure such as a cabinet and first and second jaws oriented with respect to the enclosure to receive a tube portion in a space therebetween. The first jaw is fixed and is coupled to a radio frequency generator, and the second jaw is movable with respect to the first jaw and coupled to ground potential. The tube sealer also includes a shield positioned adjacent the enclosure and configured to at least partially enclose the first and second jaws yet permit the introduction of a tube portion to a position between the first and second jaws. The shield thereby reduces radio frequency emanations from the first and second jaws, and the shield is movable with respect to the enclosure to at least partially expose the first and second jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: John W. Dozier
  • Publication number: 20030168445
    Abstract: An apparatus for inductively heating a sleeve section (16), having a central holding opening (18) for a shank (20) of a rotary tool (22), of a tool holder (10) that holds the tool shank in the holding opening in a press fit and releases it upon heating, comprises an induction coil arrangement with at least one induction coil (24), a generator (26) that feeds the induction coil arrangement with electric current of periodically varying amplitude, and a yoke arrangement (32, 34), of magnetizable material, which concentrates the magnetic flux of the induction coil arrangement onto the sleeve section in a fashion distributed all around. According to the invention, for the purpose of heating the sleeve section, the induction coil is arranged with reference to an axis of rotation (12) of the tool holder in a fashion offset eccentrically from the sleeve section and without wrapping around said section, in particular substantially radially next to the latter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Franz Haimer
  • Publication number: 20030132224
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for melting a material and squeezing the melted material through casing perforations into a fault within the cement or formation of an oil or gas well. A heating tool carries solid material which is melted at depth within the well and adjacent to the casing perforations. The liquefied material is forced through the perforations and into the formation or the well cement. When the material cools and solidifies, the faults become sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: CANITRON SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Homer L. Spencer
  • Publication number: 20030102302
    Abstract: Described is a process for the production of multi-layer metal composite tubes (10), wherein a metal strip is shaped to form a tube (16) and butt-welded along its two longitudinal edges. A plastic inner layer (12) is applied by extrusion in firmly adhering manner to the inside (12) of the metal tube (16) and a plastic outer layer (14) is applied by extrusion in firmly adhering manner to the outside (26) of the metal tube (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Horst Rahn
  • Publication number: 20020158064
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for melting material in the annulus of an oil or gas well and thereby sealing the annulus to prevent shallow gas leakage and the like. Conveniently, the material is positioned within the annulus between the production and surface casing of the well and above the well cement. A heating tool is lowered into position and provides the necessary heat to melt the material. The heating tool may be removed following the sealing of the annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Homer L. Spencer
  • Patent number: 6420686
    Abstract: An apparatus has a single workstation for joining high strength metal components by electromagnetic forming techniques. One of the metal components carries high loads or is subjected to combined stresses and strains, thus requiring that it be relatively strong and ductile. EMF or MPW processes are used to join the components, whose strength is temporarily diminished prior to the joining step. The high strength material is subjected to a retrogressive heating and quenching process along a joined boundary thereof and is then electromagnetically joined. Thereafter, the strength of the diminished material is restored to its higher temper and strength. In a first embodiment, the apparatus uses a single coil for both the heating and electromagnetic bonding of the metal. In a second embodiment, two adjacent coils are used and the material is moved along a work path between the coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Fuel Cell Components and Integrators, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Benoit, Anthony Mascolo, Bernard I. Rachowitz, Glenn L. Spacht
  • Patent number: 6384389
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for melting metal in the annulus of an oil or gas well and thereby sealing the annulus to prevent shallow gas leakage and the like. Conveniently, eutectic metal is positioned within the annulus between the production and surface casing of the well and above the well cement. An electrical inductive tool is lowered into position and used to provide the necessary heat to melt the metal. The electrical inductive tool may be removed following the sealing of the annulus. Radioactive tracers may be used with the eutectic metal to confirm the desired location for the melt to occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Tesla Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Homer L. Spencer
  • Patent number: 6288373
    Abstract: An apparatus for amorphous bonding of tubulars (110,111) comprises a double skin jacket (2,113,114) which can be placed around said tubulars (110,111) which skins define a sealed inner fluid space (11,121) which contains shield gas and a heating element (1,129) and a sealed outer fluid space (9,119) surrounding the inner fluid space (11,121) to reduce the risk of explosion during the amorphous bonding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Shell Research Limited
    Inventors: Michael Jahn, Bernd-Georg Pietras
  • Patent number: 6262403
    Abstract: A diffusion bonding method having a step of adjusting ends of material to be bonded before bonding the material after setting the materials in the diffusion bonding apparatus, whereas a diffusion bonding apparatus having a means of finishing ends of materials to be bonded so that both ends face parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Daido Tokushuko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Tsuchiya, Takao Shimizu, Hiroaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6184493
    Abstract: A vertical diffusion bonding apparatus is provided with a lower block, a pressurizing jig which is fitted to a metal pipe supplied from an upper position, and a pressurizing mechanisms stood erect on the lower block. The lower metal pipe is held by the lower block and the pressurizing jig bonded to the metal pipe is attracted toward the lower block by using the pressurizing mechanisms. Thus, the metal pipe which is supplied from an upper position is pressed against the lower metal pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Daido Tokushuko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaki Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 6166359
    Abstract: Induction heating apparatus for use in welding an end of a first length of pipe (26) to the exterior surface of a second length of pipe (28), consists of heating assemblies (20, 24) each comprising at least one electrical induction coil (32, 36) wound on an annular, laminated, magnetic core assembly (30, 34). The lowermost surfaces of said core assembly (30, 34) define a saddle shape adapted to be seated on the exterior surface of said second length of pipe (28). The arrangement of the coils (32, 36) and the core assemblies (30, 34) is such that substantially all of the magnetic flux generated when the apparatus is seated on the pipe (28) and the coil is energised is contained within the core assembly and within the wall of the pipe (28). Advantageously, the core assemblies (30, 34) have E-sections profiles, the ends of the limbs of the E-sections comprising the lowermost surfaces of the core assemblies and the coils being wound about the central limbs of the E-sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Coflexip Stena Offshore Ltd.
    Inventor: John Duncan Cruickshank
  • Patent number: 6078031
    Abstract: A method for joining well and other oilfield tubulars by amorphous bonding comprises the steps of positioning a body of amorphous material (16) between adjacent and surfaces of a pair of oilfield tubulars (3, 4) that are to be joined and using induction heating to melt the amorphous material and create on cooling a metallurgical bond between the tubulars (3, 4). Throughout the heating and bonding process the tubulars (3, 4) are fixed in axial alignment with each other using clamp means which include a mandrel (1) which is inserted into the interior of the tubulars (3, 4) so that the bonding process can be performed in a sealed chamber (17, 18) which is filled with an inert gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Shell Research Limited
    Inventors: Alan Edgar John Bliault, Francis Alexander Cumming, Mark Seth Laws
  • Patent number: 5777299
    Abstract: An induction heating generator is described for braze-welding metallic pipes with a continuous process under a controlled atmosphere, comprising at least one heating inductor composed of two half-inductors in series whose winding directions for their windings are one opposite to the other. The generator is further equipped with a quartz tube placed inside the inductors and in which the metallic pipes pass together with the controlled atmosphere gas. The generator further includes at least one removable sealing insert to join two contiguous inductors. For every medium- and/or high-frequency section of the generator, a load matching system is finally provided to compensate for external diameter variations of the pipes, the system being interlacedly handled by a programmable controller (P.L.C.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Emmedi, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Erasmo Dominici
  • Patent number: 5571437
    Abstract: A method and apparatus in which edge portions of metal parts, the edge portions being disposed with opposed surfaces, are heated by high frequency electrical currents as the edge portions are advanced and brought together at a weld point. The electrical currents are induced in the edge portions in advance of the weld point by two induction coils, one at one side of the metal parts and the other at the other side of the metal parts, disposed and energized from a high frequency electrical source so that the electrical currents at the opposed surfaces flow in opposite directions at any given time and the currents induced by one coil add to the currents induced by the other coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Thermatool Corp.
    Inventor: Wallace C. Rudd