Patents Represented by Law Firm Matthews & Assoc.
  • Patent number: 5653298
    Abstract: A method and abstract of removing a surface subject to a subsurface pressure and an environmental surface pressure at least equal to the subsurface pressure, which comprises jetting fluid through a nozzle facing and located a predetermined distance from said surface, said nozzle being shaped to eject the fluid in a steam having a higher core pressure than said environmental pressure, said higher pressure stream having adjacent thereto at least one zone of pressure negative relative to said subsurface pressure, said distance being predetermined to expose said surface to said zone of negative pressure, whereby said surface is caused to explode into said zone of negative pressure from the force of said subsurface pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Vortexx Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Norval Roland Dove, Stephen Kelly Smith, W. Gerald Lott
  • Patent number: 5524672
    Abstract: A thread protector has a toroidal body of elastomer with a bore to accept a pipe end and a metal band and clamp arrangement extending around its periphery. The body is cut through one side to allow the body to expand peripherally. The bore accepts the end of a pipe with threads to be protected when the periphery is expanded and grips the pipe with the bore when the clamp closes the cut and shrinks the bore. To increase unit loading to force more elastomer of the body into thread grooves the bore has projections for gripping pads, or is recessed radially to produce gripping pads. The pads, which may be replaceably attached, reduced area increases deformity under clamping pressure and increases the force required to dislodge the protector from threads. The metal band is removable from an open peripheral groove or an optional arcuate tunnel partially encircling the pad body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventors: Donald E. Mosing, Charles Sodha
  • Patent number: 5503204
    Abstract: A purse has interchangeable variegated closure flaps which can be selectively attached and retained to the purse body by a spring loaded toggle lock and hasp system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventors: Madonna O. Byers, Carolyn K. Parker
  • Patent number: 5323684
    Abstract: This invention discloses downhole explosive carriers in which the explosive charges are mounted in a unique staggered spiral pattern thereby allowing a greater number of shots that can be fired per unit length while increasing the spacing between explosive charges; the latter advantage further reduces the potential interference between fired shots and pressure change therefore providing a greater perforated hole size. With a 31/2-inch gun perforating through a 41/2- to 5-inch casing, one trip of the present invention downhole provides as much or greater flow area than what could be achieved by two trips of a conventional gun, while eliminating the risk of splitting the casing which can be caused due to multiple shooting. With a 33/8-inch gun perforating a 5-inch trip of the current invention equals two trips of a conventional gun of the same size, plus a 10% improvement in flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Inventor: Donald V. Umphries
  • Patent number: 5175973
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for repair for poles which have been damaged which is easily transportable, simple to install, and easily adaptable to many classes of poles. The method involves excavating around the pole, cleaning the surface of the pole, pumping a fumigant into the pole, cutting back to solid wood, installing a high compressive strength filler, applying a bonding agent to the clean surface, and then applying strips of a composite fiberglass mat and resin to the pole in a controlled manner until a desired encasement thickness has been achieved. The repair is completed by application of an ultraviolet resistance coating to the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Team, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Owen, Richard C. Hanny, George Harrison
  • Patent number: 5174175
    Abstract: A fluid actuator for a hydraulically powered rotatable gripping device which combines a fluid pressure or force multiplication with the capability of a physical separation of the rotating jaws and the fluid power source to permit rotation of the jaws and any gripped object while maintaining clamping or gripping pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Vernon J. Bouligny
  • Patent number: 5138755
    Abstract: A packer joint is provided for mounting on a vessel or pipeline entry valve which includes a stinger guide and an adjustable packer seal. A driving mechanism is mounted on the packer joint to which the stinger is connected for insertion through the packer joint into the vessel or pipe line. Improved clamping collets are mounted within the packer joint to retain the stinger in the desired position after insertion. A safety cap is provided for mounting on or around the packer joint and exposed end of the stinger after the stinger is inserted and the driving mechanism removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Inventors: Willie V. Evans, Gary K. Evans
  • Patent number: 5096334
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a lightweight, portable, adjustable, reusable, preassembled, hydraulic expandable shoring shield for providing safety to personnel working in below-grade excavations. The Shoring shield comprises specially designed solid aluminum extruded sheeting sections forming the walls, each mounted with a top cap and lower skid, the walls are provided with a static expandable telescoping structural framework for holding the walls opposed, and also are provided with hydraulic cylinders for expanding the space enclosed between the walls, the framework and cylinders thus cooperate in combination with an armored manifold for routing fluid to the cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Inventor: Michael J. Plank
  • Patent number: 5085479
    Abstract: A ratcheting fishing tool having a generally cylindrical body connected with and housing a rotary ratcheting device along with an operating shaft axially mounted to reciprocate within the body and also connected to the ratcheting device. A fish grappling apparatus, having a first element connected to the housing and a second element connected to the shaft, operates to grasp a fish with the operating shaft being in a first axial position with respect to the housing and to be free of the fish with the operating shaft being in a second axial position. The ratcheting mechanism is adapted to be axially moved successively against a spring return with each movement actuating the rotary ratchet to latch the operating shaft alternately in a first axial position and in a second axial position. Ratcheting fishing tool is disclosed in an overshot fishing tool embodiment and a spear fishing tool embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Inventor: William T. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5016389
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying fluids and nutrients to trees or plants through a hole bored in the trunk or stem. The method and apparatus also apply to trees severed from their root system, for example, Christmas trees. The apparatus includes a nozzle equipped for insertion into the bore and for sealing connection into and within the bore. The nozzle is attached to a fluid conduit which in turn is connected to a leak resistant, self priming fluid reservoir. A microporous filter is interposed between the fluid and the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Inventor: Harold A. Odom, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5007029
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a undersea relocation system and more particularly relates to an apparatus for relocating underwater objects by means of a retrievable line carrying buoyant spool which is released to the surface responsive to a remote signal, the spool line remaining connected to the object to be relocated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Inventor: Sherman A. Scott
  • Patent number: 4983259
    Abstract: A mobile petroleum processor or refinery. In particular a petroleum processor or refinery which has been constructed on railroad flatbed cars. The different units that make up the refinery are mounted on individual flat bed railroad cars and connected together. These cars can be moved over railroad networks to provide a petroleum refinery which can be moved in, set up, operated and taken down in a short time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Inventors: James W. Duncan, Lawner L. Knox
  • Patent number: 4918459
    Abstract: Shield apparatus for protecting the covering across the face of a parabolic antenna may include an elongated shield which curves from one end to another and attachment elements by which the shield may be affixed to the antenna to overlie the uppermost periphery of the covering in a spaced relationship therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: John S. De Teso