Patents Represented by Attorney Tim Cook
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Patent number: 6957147Abstract: A seismic data acquisition unit includes a data acquisition and digital circuit which receives an analog seismic signal and digitizes the signal. The digitized seismic data uses data telemetry and a repeater device to receive the compressed data and transmit the compressed data to a seismic central control unit. The data decompressor takes the data from the data compressor and decompresses the data. The decompressed data is then compared with the original digitized data to determine the amount of noise resulting from the compression process. The compression noise is compared to the ambient noise, and if the compression noise exceeds a predefined criterion, then the compression ratio in the data compressor is adjusted for a lower degree of compression. The process is repeated until the amount of compression noise, relative to ambient noise, is satisfactory.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2002Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Sercel, Inc.Inventors: Pierre Baliguet, Loring Chien, Patrick Cook
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Patent number: 6918407Abstract: A safety device protects a mud pump from an over pressure condition, which can occur during normal operation. The mud pump discharge couples to a high pressure inlet at the bottom of a valve body and the discharge outlet from the valve discharges to the side of the body, ninety degrees to the inlet. In a first aspect, the safety device includes a load piston mounted to a shaft which passes through a pressure chamber cap and connects to a pneumatic cylinder assembly on the top side of the pressure chamber cap. The pneumatic cylinder assembly is operated by a control valve mounted to the base of the cylinder to set the pressure at which the safety device actuates. In a further aspect, the safety device includes a light transmissive indicator cylinder, with a flag therein mounted on a rod coupling the valve to a pneumatic actuator piston, between the actuator piston and the valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2002Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: W. W. Offshore, Inc.Inventors: Chris White, Richard D. Williams
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Patent number: 6904984Abstract: The present invention addresses this need in the art by providing a cutter insert comprising a plug section and a cutter pedestal. The cutter insert is preferably formed of tungsten carbide, except for two exterior surfaces covered with PDC. The plug section may be circular or oval in cross section perpendicular to the axis of the insert. The plug section and the pedestal each defines a shoulder which is coated with a PDC layer. In this way, two cutting surfaces are applied to the formation, enhancing the cutting ability of the insert.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Rock Bit L.P.Inventors: Roy D. Estes, Jack Castle
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Patent number: 6902014Abstract: A roller cone bi-center bit for economically drilling an enlarged borehole below casing in earth formation is provided. The bi-center bit includes a rolling cone cutter or other appropriate cutter to enlarge a pilot bore also made by rolling cone or other type of cutters. The bit comprises a single-diameter body with a recess to accommodate the trailing cutter which enlarges the pilot bore. The bi-center bit may also provide the ability to change out the cutters efficiently in the field. The cutters are oriented to enhance drilling out the cement plug at the bottom of the casing. The cone cutter may be also be mounted on segments which are designed to be easily removed for replacement or adjustment in position in the field.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Rock Bit L.P.Inventor: Roy D. Estes
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Patent number: 6877720Abstract: A tensiometer for measuring tension in a tubular, such as a cable, using segmented sheave assemblies is provided. The precision of a tension measurement, and the bending stress to which the tubular is exposed during the tension measurement, are functions of the effective radii of sheaves comprising the tensiometer. A segmented sheave assembly is much smaller dimensionally than a sheave wheel with the same effective radius. For given operating specifications, the tensiometer comprising segmented sheave assemblies is, therefore, much more compact than a tensiometer comprising conventional sheave wheels.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Industrial Sensors and Instruments, Inc.Inventor: Wilbur Leslie Dublin, Jr.
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Patent number: 6867706Abstract: An oscillating valve driven by the pressure in a mud pulser develops a pressure variation in the mud pulse signal that is at a frequency that is different than the frequencies of the mud system. The oscillating valve is coupled to or integral with the pulse drive cylinder, whether the drive means for operation of the pulser is upstream or downstream from the orifice, or whether or not the drive means and the poppet are on the same side or opposite sides of the orifice. The oscillating valve is a bistable valve which preferably forms one wall of the drive piston of the pulser. Pressure from the drive cylinder behind the drive piston is directed in such a way as to unseat the bistable valve. When the bistable valve unseats, pressure is bled from within the drive cylinder, which also bleeds the pressure that unseated the bistable valve in the first place.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Inventor: Herman D. Collette
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Patent number: 6863268Abstract: A method of humidifying gases to 100% relative humidity and a humidifier to carry out such a method are provided to humidify gases for fuel cells and for other applications. The humidification of gases is thermally controlled and thermal energy is managed to provide an efficient system. A pre-humidifier accommodates a wide range of flow rates of dry gas to initially humidify and pre-heat the gas, and a boiler provides steam to mix with the effluent from the pre-humidifier to humidify the gas to saturation. A thermal insulator between the boiler and bulk water and/or pre-humidifier enhances the steam generation from the boiler and prevents direct heating of water or gases by heat from the boiler. Above the boiler, bulk water, and pre-humidifier, a mixing chamber further functions as a condenser and water separator. The mixing chamber provides a space for mixing gases and steam and separates saturated gases from condensed water.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2003Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Inventor: Chaojiong Zhang
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Patent number: 6853604Abstract: A support structure for piezoelectric elements in a marine seismic cable is provided. The support structure comprises upper and lower cylindrical halves, each with channels formed therein. Two axial channels are adapted to retain three piezoelectric elements each. A third axial channel, positioned between the sensor element channels, is adapted to retain a flexible circuit. Transverse channels between the sensor element channels and the circuit channels accommodate extension from the flexible circuit. The piezoelectric elements are mounted within their respective channels with a resilient pad with adhesive on both sides. The piezoelectric elements are graded so that any group of three piezoelectric elements exhibits approximately the same sensitivity as any of the other three groups of piezoelectric elements on the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2002Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Inventors: James Spackman, Mike Maples, Gary Craig, Louis W. Erath, John Luscombe
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Patent number: 6848994Abstract: A system and method for acquiring and analyzing the bets at a plurality of locations at a plurality of tables is provided. The system includes a gaming table with a raised platform, underneath which is positioned a video camera for each of the wagering locations on the table. The video cameras one each table are coupled together into a multiplexer, and the multiplexers from the plurality of tables are coupled together and into a central computer. The system and method thus eliminate the labor intensive and often inaccurate technique of tracking the gambling habits of patrons at the gaming tables.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2000Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Genesis Gaming Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Randy L. Knust, Eric Schoppe, Richard Garza
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Patent number: 6843463Abstract: A blowout preventer for coiled tubing includes a pressure regulator for a slip ram so that the coiled tubing can be held firmly without exceeding the yield strength of the coiled tubing material and without damaging the coiled tubing.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Varco I/P/ Inc.Inventors: David J. McWhorter, Perry Lee McClanahan
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Patent number: 6823721Abstract: A system which receives as inputs various measurements of solids and liquids in a clarification system and, from these measurements, determines the various constituents and their fractional makeup within the system. The measurements may be made manually or mechanically, but are preferably made manually. From a quantitative analysis of easily accessible sample points, data is acquired and plugged into a spread sheet program, which numerically and graphically displays the breakdown of the constituents which make up the solids and liquids discharged from a treatment stage or of the entire system.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Hutchison Hayes, L.P.Inventors: Lee Hilpert, Gary L. Hensley
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Patent number: 6823238Abstract: A method and apparatus selective remove undesirable low gravity components from the return stream of drilling mud. The apparatus receives mud returned from the well borehole and transfers the mud to a tank. Mud from the tank is treated in a separation system including a plurality of mass flow sensor to monitor operation of the system.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Hutchison Hayes L.P.Inventors: Gary L. Hensley, Lee Hilpert
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Patent number: 6812441Abstract: An apparatus (10) for the development of transparent alumina ceramics using microwave energy at the frequency between 0.915 and 2.45 GHz inclusive in hydrogen atmosphere at ambient pressure comprises an enclosed, insulated chamber (14) to retain a workpiece (12) for the application of microwave energy. The chamber comprises a TE103 single mode or a multimode microwave cavity into which is mounted a quartz tube (18). An insulation material (20), transparent to microwave energy, is positioned within the quartz tube. A port (28) for the introduction of hydrogen penetrates the cavity so that the microwave sintering of the workpiece is performed in an ultra-pure hydrogen atmosphere. The workpiece is preferably mounted on a refractory ceramic such as alumina tube for the microwave sintering process. A method, preferably using the apparatus, develops transparent alumina ceramics and single crystal sapphire.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2003Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: The Penn State Research FoundationInventors: Jiping Cheng, Dinesh Agrawal, Rustum Roy
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Patent number: 6776639Abstract: An electrical coupling comprises a sealing element, a mechanical securing element, and load bearing members on either side of the mechanical securing element. The load bearing members each comprise upper and lower body halves, which mount to an inner member through which an insulated electrical cable runs. Between the upper and lower body halves and the inner member, an open weave fabric is secured, and the fabric extends onto the electrical cable beyond the load bearing member, so that when stress is applied to the cable, the fabric tends to squeeze down onto the cable, thereby bearing the stress on the cable. The mechanical securing element is preferably a bayonet mount, including an O-ring seal providing a water resistant seal when the connection is made up.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Inventors: Charles Dennis, Rainer Kuenzel
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Patent number: 6766808Abstract: A dental floss holder comprises a generally planar handle with a pair of spaced apart arms adapted to retain a length of dental floss tape. By forming the holder in a single plane, the holder is inexpensive to manufacture. Dental floss tape is molded into the arms at an angle. The holder is injection molded to include a pair of spaced apart posts formed as an integral part of the arms, thereby forming a positive mount for the tape in the holder.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Inventor: Patrick Gwen
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Patent number: 6748966Abstract: A structure is mounted on a sink top or counter top between a dishwasher discharge line and a vented plumbing line to provide an anti-siphon feature for a household dishwashing machine. The structure also includes in combination a pump-type soap dispenser. The pump-type soap dispenser includes a push-actuated pump to pump liquid soap from a reservoir bottle, and the pump slides into and out of a mounting collar for ease of removal to facilitate refilling the reservoir bottle.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Inventor: Steven G. Dvorak
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Patent number: 6745858Abstract: An adjustable earth boring device for provides a strong, easy to use, adjustable mount for cutters on earth boring devices. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a grooved, wedge-shaped pocket and matching cutter segment with means to secure the cutter segment in the pocket. The wedge shaped pocket in the boring head is axially aligned with the boring device. Each side of the pocket has deep grooves somewhat resembling bolt threads. A slot in the rear of the pocket receives a bolt to secure the segment tightly in place. Threaded holes in the bottom of the pocket receive bolts through the cutter segment for a back up securing means. The cutter segment has a rolling cone cutter or series of blades or picks for cutting earth formations on the head end and a wedge shaped mounting body supporting it. The grooves are constructed such that the segments can be mounted at differing heights from the centerline of the boring head, thus determining the diameter which the boring device will cut.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Rock Bit InternationalInventor: Roy D. Estes
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Patent number: 6742597Abstract: A spring-loaded check valve, mounted between a coiled tubing stripper and a BOP stack seals well bore pressure from the atmosphere when the coiled tubing is removed from the well bore. When no coiled tubing is in use, the check valve is shut against well bore pressure. When coiled tubing is inserted through the stripper and before the coiled tubing enters the BOP stack, the coiled tubing butts against the check valve and opens it, permitting insertion of the coiled tubing.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Varco I/PInventors: Denzal Wayne Van Winkle, Andrew Campbell
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Patent number: 6738768Abstract: Provided is a system and method for enabling a user to efficiently capture information from a data processing system user interface. A user performs information capture actions such as browsing user interface contexts, printing information, downloading information, clipping information to a clipboard, saving information, creating shortcuts, or other information capture actions. The user's data processing system use is monitored for information capture actions. Upon user invocation of a monitored information capture action, determination is automatically made if the action is redundant. If the information capture action is determined to be redundant, then a configurable alert is provided to the user. If the information capture action is determined to not be redundant, then the information capture action is permitted to continue.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2000Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Inventor: William J. Johnson
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Patent number: 6731389Abstract: In an interferometric sensing apparatus, a scrambler is positioned in front of a polarizer, followed by a detector. In that way, although the two beams remain orthogonal to each other, they are continuously rotated, relative to the polarizer. In some positions, both beams pass through the polarizer and interfere, thus eliminating polarization fading. The signal is amplitude modulated at the rotation frequency of the scrambler, but this modulation is removed by low pass filtering.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Sercel, Inc.Inventors: John Luscombe, John Maida