Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Mary M. Lee
  • Patent number: 6955704
    Abstract: A method and mobile system for cleaning dirty gas from a newly stimulated gas well. The entire system is supported on a trailer or other mobile support so that it can be driven from well site to well site for short-term, post-stimulation use only. The system comprises a gas separator, such as a membrane separator. The system also includes a pretreatment assembly for preparing the gas for the gas separator. The pretreatment assembly may include separators, a heater, a guard vessel and a polishing filter. A chiller or heat exchanger cools the treated gas to a marketable temperature. A generator and a hydraulics plant provide power to the system. Each mobile system will be designed to treat gases with widely different operating conditions varying from well to well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Ronald L. Strahan
  • Patent number: 6899633
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating an acoustic profile representing the acceleration pattern of an object moving through a path of travel. The apparatus comprises a flute assembly attachable to a golf club. Preferably, the flute assembly comprises three cross flutes with three different fundamental frequencies aligned axially on the shaft of the club. The swinging motion of the club creates a complex, multi-tone acoustic profile indicative of the acceleration pattern of the club throughout the down swing. The golfer can then compare his profile to the swing of a known, great golfer, and then practice until he duplicates the sound of the model swing. While the apparatus is especially useful for golfers, the apparatus may be adapted to a wide variety of other sports implements, such as baseball bats, hockey sticks and tennis rackets, for example. An assembly comprising the apparatus in combination with the sports implement is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: John A. Kienzle
  • Patent number: 6891294
    Abstract: An electric motor for a motor vehicle or other machine. The motor includes a support member with electromagnets (coils) and a moving member with permanent magnets. The coils are divided into groups, each group having several sets of coils, each set having several coil units. Each coil has its own battery or other energy source. A drive circuit controls activation of the coils. At maximum power, all coils sets are energized together. At each lower power level, different groups of coil sets are operated, and a cycling circuit varies which of the groups are energized. In this way, energy drain on the batteries is evenly distributed, maximizing the operating time of the motor before recharging of the batteries is required. In one embodiment, the coils are turned on by SCRs, and transistors turn off the SCRs, providing a novel SCR turnoff circuit ideal for high voltage, low current applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: Clarence D. Deal
  • Patent number: 6869285
    Abstract: A training firearm that provides a realistic recoil effect. The firearm, preferably a pistol, may be an actual firearm retrofitted with a self-contained “blow back” assembly. Usually, the pistol will include a laser device that emits a laser beam readable by a target system. The laser replaces live rounds, and the blow back assembly causes return of the slide to cycle in a manner similar to that caused by live ammunition in an unmodified weapon. The blow back assembly is driven by a disposable cartridge of compressed gas self-contained in the handle of the pistol. A valve integrated with the firing pin releases a burst of gas when the firing pin is impacted by the hammer. The gas pushes back the slide and recocks the hammer for the next “round.” This system provides law enforcement and military personnel a realistic tool to develop recoil management and target re-acquisition skills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Charles R Jones, II
  • Patent number: 6810542
    Abstract: A lymphatic pump apparatus for use under the thoracic cage of a human patient in a supine position. The apparatus comprises a mat which supports a pair of longitudinal lifting members positioned to be parallel to and on opposite sides of the spine under the angle of the ribs. The apparatus provides intermittent rib cage excursion, or anterior displacement of the ribs, to assist and increase lymphatic flow. Enhancement of lymphatic flow is beneficial in numerous disease states characterized by capillary leak and abnormal excursion of fluids and proteins into the interstitial spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Charles H. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6808156
    Abstract: A method and mold assembly for forming concrete or another moldable composition. A plurality of elongate elements, such as PVC pipes, are stacked in rows in gravity-stable arrangement to form a contour, such as an arch. The radius of the arch may be controlled by arranging the pipes as desired. Particulate matter, such as sand, may be used between the stacked pipes. Also, an anchor assembly can be used to secure one or more of the pipes to the earth. After the pipes are stacked and a bed of sand has been placed thereon, a waterproof cover is laid over the top of the stack, and layer of concrete is spread. After the concrete is set, the pipes, the cover and the anchor assemblies are removed. The removal will be expedited by washing the sand from the stack. Once removed, the pipes and anchors can be reused indefinitely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Bond-Parker Engineering Co.
    Inventor: Lesley O. Bond
  • Patent number: 6783687
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating ions from a stream of fluid containing ions. A magnetic field and an electrostatic field are established across a processing zone through which the fluid stream flows so that the flow vector of the fluid stream, the flux lines of the magnetic field, and the vector of the electrostatic field are mutually orthogonal. The resulting high and low ion effluents may be further processed. No thermal input is required. No vacuum, reverse osmosis or reduced pressure distillation is involved. Large volumes of fluid may be processed at relatively low cost. The disclosed method and apparatus is suitable for desalinating seawater, or for removing arsenic or other contaminants from ground water, to produce potable water. Additionally, the invention permits the recovery of valuable constituents from ground or sea water; precious metals may be recovered from sea water and gypsum may be collected from ground water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Gordon L. Richard
  • Patent number: 6772839
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for perforating, testing, squeezing and/or stimulating an oil or gas well, or other tubular structure. The apparatus preferably is suspended from an elongate conduit, such as a drill string or tubing. The apparatus is secured in position by a retractable back-up plate, and then a piercing member perforates the casing. A first valve controls the flow of fluid from a high-pressure accumulator to drive the various pistons in the apparatus. A second valve directs fluid from the elongate conduit either to exit through the perforation or to exit the housing and return up the conduit. Axial movement of the elongate conduit controls both valves in the apparatus. Upon completion of the operation, the piercing member is advanced to plug the perforation, the back-up plate is retracted, and the apparatus is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Lesley O. Bond
  • Patent number: 6731773
    Abstract: A speaker with a replaceable cone assembly. The motor assembly has its own basket, which is mounted in the enclosure. The cone assembly also has its own basket, which fits inside the motor basket. In the event of damage or malfunction in the cone or coil, the entire cone assembly is easily removed and replaced, while the motor assembly and the main basket remain undisturbed in the enclosure. Preferably, the speaker includes a pole with additional vents to improve heat dissipation. The pole has a pole cap with vent openings aligned with the secondary vent passages in the pole. The pole cap has a plug to occlude the front end opening of the central or primary vent passage in the pole. The top of the cap is domed to provide a guide surface for the former as the replacement cone assembly is inserted in the motor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.
    Inventors: Chanc L. Bergbower, Zhijun Zhao
  • Patent number: 6722251
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for placement of continuous pre-split, gel explosive in an elongated borehole or cavity. An anchor is attached to one end of a selected length of continuous gel explosive. A suitable anchor is a flexible, plastic “pilgrim's hat” with a hole in the narrow, closed end. The size of the anchor depends on the width of the borehole; the flared skirt should be narrow enough to permit insertion of the anchor into the hole but wide enough to resist removal. One end of the explosive charge is pressed through the hole in the anchor. The remainder of the length of explosive is placed inside a tubular member, such as PVC pipe. The loaded pipe then is inserted into the borehole or cavity with the anchor leading. The pipe is used to push the anchor back into the hole to the desired depth. Then, the pipe is withdrawn. The flexible skirt on the anchor engages the sidewall of the borehole and thus resists removal with the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: UTeC Corporation, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Paul S. Keeling, Brian F. Loader
  • Patent number: 6675909
    Abstract: An improved bidirectional hydraulic jar. The jar comprises a two-ring valve assembly supported preferably on the inner mandrel for reciprocal movement inside a fluid chamber. The chamber comprises two larger portions joined by a narrowed restrictor portion. The valve obstructs passage of fluid through the restrictor portion except for a bleed passage, which comprises an adjustable metering space between the two valve rings. The jarring force can be adjusted by varying the size of the metering space, which is done simply by axially repositioning one of the valve rings. All impact surfaces are enclosed in the housing to prevent downhole debris from dampening the blows. The shoulder on the exposed end of the mandrel is champfered to prevent build-up of debris and to facilitate removal of the tool from the well. This jar can be re-cocked easily, without firing in the reverse direction, for unidirectional jarring operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Jack A. Milam
    Inventors: J. Wayne Cowart, Michael R. Shurtleff
  • Patent number: 6668493
    Abstract: A modular medical gas services unit with multiple medical gas outlets supported at the same level on the column. The unit preferably comprises a hollow column with an internal space for housing the gas conduits and power lines. The medical gas supply outlets are mounted so that their longitudinal axes extend radially from the vertical axis of the frame, and the longitudinal axes of adjacent outlets intersect to form an acute angle. In this way, the horizontal dimensions of the column can be minimized while the number of medical gas outlets at the desired height is maximized. In one embodiment, the column is pentagonal in cross-section providing five planar support surfaces for five medical gas outlets. In another embodiment, a square column is equipped with angled outlet panels, each supporting two medical gas outlets. Thus, though the frame is four-sided, as many as eight medical gas outlets can be mounted at the same height on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Modular Services Company
    Inventor: James A. Walker
  • Patent number: 6655475
    Abstract: A product, system and method for treating a well bore using a concentrated treatment composition enclosed in a soluble container. The composition-filled container is deposited in the well, preferably through the drill string, followed by a solvent, such as drilling mud or water, to form a circulating solution characterized by the ability to circulate through the well. Most of the circulating solution is recovered at the surface using a mud tank, for example. In a well “sweeping” operation a partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide powder in a soluble tube is dropped down the drill string. The well bore is then flushed with water or drilling mud to form the liquified polymer down hole. The well is flushed with more water or mud to sweep the cuttings and polymer solution from the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: H. Lester Wald
  • Patent number: 6643971
    Abstract: A decoy, for simulating a waterfowl rotating to a feeding position. The body (10) houses a motor and torque enhanced axle (11), remote control receiver and switches (12) and battery (13) for intermittently rotating an axle with outer end (15), located outside the body, slid onto a decoy mounting post (20) that is fixed to the stand(16). Rotation of the axle causes the decoy to rotate vertical and horizontal, as well as causes the water in which the decoy is deployed to splash. The remote control receiver combined with the remote control transmitter (22) permits operator selectable durations of vertical or horizontal positioning. The decoy also has a unique fitting (15) and (20) as well as the line (18) for attachment to the stand (16), which allows for quick assembly and disassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Gregg Daniels
  • Patent number: 6611604
    Abstract: An ultra low frequency transducer or subwoofer for automotive speaker systems with a rectangular or square, concave diaphragm. The square 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 square 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: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Stillwater Designs & Audio, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Irby, William O. Doering
  • Patent number: 6571867
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forcing drainage devices through the sidewall of a borehole and into the formation to increase oil and gas recovery from the formation. The object usually comprises a plurality of drainage devices, which may be a plurality of nesting discs perforated to provide a passageway for recovery fluid. The discs and drainage device are forced non-drillingly through the side wall and into the formation. The apparatus and method also may be used with interconnected links instead of discs to push a core sampler into the formation and retrieve it. The housing includes a guide channel that is usually an angled passageway or tube. The discs or links are sized to be received in the guide. The apparatus includes a propulsion assembly that impacts the discs or links that act as an anvil assembly. Alternatively, the apparatus takes the form of a pre-loaded casing section, that is, a casing section in which a plurality of drainage devices have been incorporated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Lesley O. Bond
  • Patent number: 6564686
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for placement of continuous pre-split, gel explosive in an elongated borehole or cavity. An anchor is attached to one end of a selected length of continuous gel explosive. A suitable anchor is a flexible, plastic “pilgrim's hat” with a hole in the narrow, closed end. The size of the anchor depends on the width of the borehole; the flared skirt should be narrow enough to permit insertion of the anchor into the hole but wide enough to resist removal. One end of the explosive charge is pressed through the hole in the anchor. The remainder of the length of explosive is placed inside a tubular member, such as PVC pipe. The loaded pipe then is inserted into the borehole or cavity with the anchor leading. The pipe is used to push the anchor back into the hole to the desired depth. Then, the pipe is withdrawn. The flexible skirt on the anchor engages the sidewall of the borehole and thus resists removal with the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: UTeC Corporation, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Paul S. Keeling, Brian F. Loader
  • Patent number: 6564868
    Abstract: A fluid cutting tool and method for perforating or severing tubular members from inside. The tool is especially suited for use with a rotational drive system, such as a downhole motor, to separate downhole structures, such as stuck production tubing. The cutting tool preferably takes the form of an elongate metal body with an open first end connectable to the end of a downhole motor. The downhole end of the tool may be conical. A fluid conduit within the body of the tool communicates with the fluid channel in the downhole motor. Ports in the sides of the tool body direct jets of cutting fluid out the side of the tool. The tool attached to the motor is fed downhole until the tool is at the desired location in the well. Then the motor is operated to rotate the tool while cutting fluid is pumped through it. This causes the jets of fluid to be directed at the inner surface of the production tubing (or other tubular structure). This process is continued until the tubing is perforated or severed, as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Cudd Pressure Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Ferguson, Bryan F. McKinley, Mark S. Britton, Charles C. Overstreet
  • Patent number: D488742
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Brad R. Gilbert
  • Patent number: D493011
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Russell L. Foote