Patents Represented by Attorney M. Lee
  • Patent number: 8307916
    Abstract: A product, system and method for controlling fluid loss in oil wells, including lost circulation while drilling wells. A load of fluid control pods is pumped down the drill string into the target formation using water, drilling mud or another suitable delivery fluid. Each pod comprises a discrete mass of swelling agent with a frictional surface. Preferably, the pod comprises superabsorbent granules inside a fabric sack that is deformable and elastic and provides the frictional surface. After the pods have time to swell and become compressed against each other in the voids, drilling or other procedures may be continued. The size and frictional surface of the pods facilitates stable positioning of the pods in the voids of the formation, minimizes the total amount of swelling agent required, and reduces the tendency of the pods to become dislodged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: H. Lester Wald
  • Patent number: 8241630
    Abstract: A composition comprising a main species HER2 antibody that binds to domain II of HER2, and an amino acid sequence variant thereof comprising an amino-terminal leader extension is disclosed. Pharmaceutical formulations comprising the composition, and therapeutic uses for the composition are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Genentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Yung-Hsiang Kao, Martin Vanderlaan
  • Patent number: 8240373
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for retrieving debris from the well bore of an oil or gas well. The apparatus comprises a junk basket with a flow passage that allows fluid to be jetted out end of the tool while the tubing string is advanced to stir up the debris in the well fluids and facilitate capture of the debris in the strainer basket. Importantly, upon encountering a plug of sand or other debris in the well bore, fluid flow through the tool can be increased to work on the plug until it breaks apart. Advancement of the tubing string can be halted and resumed, as needed, in combination with control of the fluid flow through the tool until the junk basket is full or the targeted debris is collected, whereupon the junk basket is withdrawn. The junk basket may be deployed on coiled tubing or a string of drill pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Britton, Raymond C. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 8230912
    Abstract: A bidirectional jarring tool that allows repetitive firing in one direction without firing the tool in the opposite direction. One of the tubular members provides up and down anvil surfaces, and the other member provides up and down hammer surfaces. Inner and outer tubular members define a hydraulic chamber with a restricted section that divides the chamber into an upper section and a lower section. Upper and lower pistons, each with a valved flow channel, reciprocate through the restricted section to produce up and down jarring impacts. When the restricted section is disposed between the upper and lower pistons, the tool is in a neutral position and can be jarred repetitively in either direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Connell
  • Patent number: 8210250
    Abstract: A tubing conveyed tool for use in perforating a well bore utilizing abrasive perforating techniques. The perforating tool is particularly useful in non-vertical wells. The perforating tool is designed to permit running and setting a bridge plug, and then perforating the well bore without requiring the removal of the tool string. An eccentric weight bar can also be used to allow for directional perforating in non-vertical wells. The eccentric weight bar uses gravity to cause the bar to rotate to a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Ferguson, Stanley W. Loving, Bryan F. McKinley, Dale Norman
  • Patent number: 8186108
    Abstract: A medical services unit for use in health care facilities where high security is required, such as in prison and psychiatric hospitals. The unit comprises a floor-to-ceiling column with an internal medical services section to provide a plurality of medical services. The medical services section is protected by a rotating steel door that prevents access to the enclosed services. The medical services section also includes a sub-door made of a transparent, shatterproof polymer, such as polycarbonate. Thus, the clear cover panel permits visual access to the gauges and controls for the services, but prevents unauthorized physical access to them. The column is entirely enclosed in a protective casing made out of rolled steel. Doors are provided in the casing for providing access b authorized personnel only to the internal medical services section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Modular Services Co.
    Inventor: Taylor C. Culpepper
  • Patent number: 8173904
    Abstract: An adapter for use between a two-hole blade end fitting of a line post insulator arm and a Y-clevis bolt eliminates the need to replace the entire insulator arm when the end fitting fails or becomes distorted due to wear of the Y-clevis bolt. The adapter includes a body with a two-hole insulator end that connects to the end fitting and a single or double eye conductor end that supports the Y-clevis bolt. The conductor end is configured to align the load axis of the insulator arm with the Y-clevis bolt to transfer the tension load effectively through the adapter. Annular shoulders surround the two holes in the adapter back and the insulator end of the body. The shoulders extend into the bolt holes in the end fitting to center the bolts and form a clamp on the blade end to prevent further damage to the end fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Pelco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: A. Philip Parduhn, Raymond M. Woods
  • Patent number: 8146760
    Abstract: A baby bottle comprising an asymmetrically divided lower portion continuous with a common upper portion that is attachable to a nipple assembly. The upper portion and lower portion together define a single, continuous fluid chamber. The upper portion includes an open top providing access to the fluid chamber. The lower portion comprises first and second side-by side tubular sections together defining a central opening between them and through the bottle. The central opening is sized to receive the hand of a nursing child so that each of the first and second tubular sections is alternately grippable by the child nursing from the bottle. The diameter of the first tubular section is greater than the diameter of the second tubular section so that the bottle is grippable by different sized hands, that is, by infants and toddlers of different ages and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Jamie S. Leach
  • Patent number: 8136186
    Abstract: A multi-purpose pillow assembly. The assembly may comprise long short pillows with an underbody pad extending between them. A sleeve surrounds the long pillow and is attached to the side of the underbody pad opposite the short pillow. The sleeve can be rotated around the circumference of the long pillow and moved along its length, providing an assortment of possible configurations. Rotating the sleeve adjusts the distance between the long and short pillows for accommodating the girth of the user. The short pillow can be positioned on either side of the long pillow or on top of it. In another embodiment, the pillow assembly comprises a short pillow with an attached under body panel. In addition to its use as a support pillow for a user in a reclining position, this pillow assembly may serve as a back support pillow in a chair or other seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Jamie S. Leach
  • Patent number: 8127832
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for stimulating oil or gas wells using material cemented outside the casing. Reaction agents, usually comprising oxygen-rich material and a coil of high order explosive, are positioned around the outside of the well casing at a desired level in a carrier and reacted later. The stimulation operation is initiated by firing a shaped charge into the high order explosive material. The combination of the explosive force of the high order explosive and burning of the oxygen-rich material fractures and cleans the formation adjacent to the well casing. The reaction agents may be provided in a sleeve supported on the casing joint at the time it is inserted into the well. In another embodiment, all components would be cemented externally to the casing and reacted remotely by a coded signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Lesley O. Bond
  • Patent number: 8127867
    Abstract: A system and method for separating solids from return fluids in well drill-out, flow back, well-test, and other production operations. Solids are collected in a filter comprising a perforate inner tube inside a solid outer tube with an annulus therebetween. The fluid stream from the well enters the filter through the inner tube so that the solids are captured inside and the filtrate flows out through the annulus. The filtrate is passed though a flow back line to a flow back tank. As needed, the solids are removed from the inner tube into a debris tube without interrupting the fluid flow through the filter. Chokes are included for equalizing the pressure along the flow path as the debris is moved from the filter to the debris tube and from the debris tube into to a debris pit so that dramatic changes in pressure are avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Bronco Oilfield Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Droke
  • Patent number: 8066059
    Abstract: A tubing conveyed tool for use in perforating a well bore utilizing abrasive perforating techniques. The perforating tool is particularly useful in non-vertical wells. The perforating tool is designed to permit running and setting a bridge plug, and then perforating the well bore without requiring the removal of the tool string. An eccentric weight bar can also be used to allow for directional perforating in non-vertical wells. The eccentric weight bar uses gravity to cause the bar to rotate to a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Ferguson, Stanley Wayne Loving, Bryan Franklin McKinley, Dale Norman
  • Patent number: 8023688
    Abstract: An ultra low frequency transducer or subwoofer for automotive speaker systems with a polygonal, concave diaphragm. The periphery preferably is sized to be substantially coextensive with the front of the speaker housing or cabinet. In this way, air displacement in the subwoofer is maximized for a given size of enclosure, and thus so is the loudness of the speaker. The transducer typically includes a frame or basket with a polygonal front for supporting the periphery of the diaphragm. The preferred diaphragm includes a convex surround with pleated corners. For increased durability, trusses are formed in the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Irby, William O. Doerring
  • Patent number: 7997546
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for supporting a traffic camera or other traffic control device high above traffic. The assembly includes a conventional camera bracket, a vertical pole of at least two inches in diameter, an adapter for attaching the camera bracket to the top of the pole, and a mounting bracket for attaching the pole to the mast arm or other support. The bracket includes an adapter plate by which the pole can be rotated relative to the support so the camera can be mounted on either a vertical or a horizontal support structure. The bracket also includes a clamp that attaches to the support structure by a three point attachment. This versatile mounting assembly can support a traffic control device 10-15 feet above the mast arm or other support, without significant movement of the pole relative to the bracket or of the bracket relative to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Pelco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon Andersen, A. Philip Parduhn, Raymond M. Woods
  • Patent number: 7984541
    Abstract: An anchor bolt template for use with cardboard molds used to form concrete into footings and other foundations. The template is integrally formed of plastic or some other resilient, light weight material. The most common bolt configuration includes four bolts spaced equal distances from the foundation's center. Thus, the preferred template shape is four arms extending radially from a hub. Each of the arms has bolt location markers labeled with the diameters of several bolt patterns. The arms may be generally C-shaped in cross section so that the depending edges ride on the upper edge of the mold, supporting the lower anchor bolt nut above the concrete. Notches, preferably labeled by mold size, on the bottom of the depending edges of the arms receive the upper edge of the mold so that as heavy concrete is poured into the cardboard mold the sidewall of the mold will not deform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: James Davidson Trust Dated January 4, 2005
    Inventor: James T. Davidson
  • Patent number: 7981418
    Abstract: The present application describes the use of low HER3 as a selection criterion for treating patients with a HER inhibitor, such as pertuzumab. It also describes the use of high HER2:HER3 ratio as a selection criterion for treating cancer patients, such as ovarian cancer patients, with a HER inhibitor, such as pertuzumab. In addition, the application describes the use of high HER3 as a selection criterion for treating cancer patients with a chemotherapeutic agent, for instance gemcitabine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignees: Genentech, Inc., Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.
    Inventors: Lukas C. Amler, Merrill Birkner, Chin-Yu Lin, Joachim Moecks, Andreas Strauss
  • Patent number: 7976838
    Abstract: The present application describes therapy with antagonists which bind to B cell surface markers, such as CD20. In particular, the application describes the use of such antagonists to treat autoimmune disease in a mammal who experiences an inadequate response to a TNF?-inhibitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Genentech, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark C. Benyunes
  • Patent number: 7971396
    Abstract: A medical services unit for use in health care facilities where high security is required, such as in prison and psychiatric hospitals. The unit comprises a floor-to-ceiling column with an internal medical services section to provide a plurality of medical services. The medical services section is protected by a rotating steel door that prevents access to the enclosed services. The medical services section also includes a sub-door made of a transparent, shatterproof polymer, such as polycarbonate. Thus, the clear cover panel permits visual access to the gauges and controls for the services, but prevents unauthorized physical access to them. The column is entirely enclosed in a protective casing made out of rolled steel. Doors are provided in the casing for providing access b authorized personnel only to the internal medical services section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Modular Services Company
    Inventor: Taylor C. Culpepper
  • Patent number: 7963749
    Abstract: A fan unit for use in an air delivery system. The fan unit comprises a variable speed control for controlling the speed of the fan wheel in combination with a disk-type unloader assembly for controlling the air flow in response to fan speed changes. The unloader disk assembly includes an actuator that is responsive to changes in the air pressure on the disk and is biased in the closed position. At full speed, air flow through the housing presses the disk to the fully open position. As the fan speed slows and air flow declines, the actuator pulls the disk to an intermediate position, reducing the air flow through the fan. The disk unloader with its air pressure responsive actuator is also useful in fan units without a variable speed control. The fan unit may be used individually or as part of a fan array of like units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: ClimateCraft Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter P. Mecozzi
  • Patent number: 7950189
    Abstract: A modular in-wall medical services unit for medical care facilities. A frame supports a cabinet with a cover panel providing electrical and/or gas outlets. Built-in electrical and gas conduits are included. A junction box and ends of the gas conduits near the top of the frame are accessible after wallboard is applied. Thus, wallboard can be installed before or after wiring is completed and gas connections are made. The self-aligning cover panel is “floatingly” supported on the frame so that a bead of sealant can be applied around the edge before the cover panel is “snugged up” to the wall and secured. The trim flanges on the cover panel include vertical equipment mounting tracks. Manufacturing is simplified by making the height of the frame adjustable; the same frame elements can be used to assemble units for different ceiling heights, decreasing the number of required parts in inventory and expediting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Modular Services Company
    Inventors: James A. Walker, Taylor C. Culpepper, Richard J. Webb, John R. Pierson