Patents Assigned to Benchmark
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Patent number: 6225264Abstract: A composition for delaying the cross-linking of water soluble polymer solutions includes a boron source suspended by an organophilic clay in a solution of a non-aqueous solvent. One process of manufacturing the composition includes the steps of first suspending the organophilic clay in the non-aqueous solvent and then suspending the boron source in the organophilic clay- non-aqueous solvent suspension. Another process of manufacturing composition includes the steps of first mixing the boron source and the organophilic clay to form a dry mixture and then suspending the dry mixture of the boron source and the organophilic clay in a non-aqueous solvent. In a method of hydraulically fracturing a formation, a water soluble polymer solution with a pH between about 8.5 and 12.5 and the boron source suspended by the organophilic clay in the solution of the non-aqueous solvent are pumped into the formation under sufficient pressure to cause a fracture in the formation rock.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Benchmark Research & TechnologyInventors: Ralph Moorhouse, Gong Chen
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Patent number: 6206370Abstract: In a coin operated amusement game, a coin track is provided directing coins toward a plurality of target receptacles arranged to receive properly timed coins. Relative movement is provided between the target track and the receptacles. A properly timed coin inserted in the track will roll down the track, then travel through the air, and then land in and be retained in the target receptacle. Dump targets are provided wherein a properly timed coin will activate the dump target and cause the corresponding receptacle to be dumped and provide the player with an award corresponding to the number of coins dumped out of the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Benchmark Entertaiment, L.C.Inventor: Ronald D. Halliburton
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Patent number: 6186430Abstract: A sensing assembly for use in determining if magnetic tape within a single reel tape cartridge properly connects to a takeup reel within a tape drive during loading of the tape cartridge, so that the magnetic tape can be wound between the tape cartridge and the tape drive as data is transferred to or from the magnetic tape. The sensing assembly comprises at least one sensing apparatus for providing feedback on connection status to prevent connection failures from rendering the tape drive inoperable.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Benchmark Tape Systems CorporationInventor: James Zweighaft
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Patent number: 6171386Abstract: A cement composition includes cement, water in an amount from about 30% to 200% by weight of cement, and an interpolymer latex in an amount from about 10% to 50% by weight of cement. The interpolymer latex includes at least one conjugated diene monomer having 4 to 8 carbon atoms in an amount from about 5% to 95% by weight of the interpolymer latex, at least one vinyl aromatic monomer having 8 to 12 carbon atoms in an amount from about 5% to 95% by weight of the interpolymer latex, and a copolymerizable functional monomer in an amount from about 0.5% to 50% by weight of the interpolymer latex. A method of making a cement composition involves placing the above ingredients in a suitable mixer well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and mixing the ingredients until they form the cement composition.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Benchmark Research& Technology Inc.Inventor: Freddie Lynne Sabins
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Patent number: 5967515Abstract: In an coin operated amusement game, a coin track is provided directing coins toward a plurality of target receptacles arranged to receive properly timed coins. Relative movement is provided between the target track and the receptacles. A properly timed coin inserted in the track will roll down the track, then travel through the air, and then land in and be retained in the target receptacle. Dump targets are provided wherein a properly timed coin will activate the dump target and cause the corresponding receptacle to be dumped and provide the player with an award corresponding to the number of coins dumped out of the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Benchmark Entertainment L.C.Inventor: Ronald D. Halliburton
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Patent number: 5788115Abstract: An article dispensing device including a cabinet defines a dispensing path viewable from outside the cabinet and a plurality of randomly operating elements for possibly diverting an article travelling along the path. A bonus article is dispensed if a primary article successfully negotiates the dispensing path without being diverted. The average rate of operation of the diverting device increases with each diverting device encountered by the article along the dispensing path. For each diverting device, the average rate of operation is greater when an article nears than at other times.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1997Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Benchmark Entertainment L.C.Inventor: Ronald D. Halliburton
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Patent number: 5679432Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-layer laminate structure. The multi-layer laminate structure includes a foam core element and a fiber-reinforced plastic matrix. The foam core element includes at least an outermost portion that is formed from a closed cell expanded foam, wherein the closed cell expanded foam is expanded polyethylene-polystyrene copolymer foam. The outermost portion of the foam core element is constructed from a material that is not attacked or degraded by the material used in the fiber-reinforced plastic matrix. The fiber-reinforced plastic matrix is formed over the outermost portion of the core element.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1994Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Assignee: Benchmark Foam, Inc.Inventors: John H. Holmquest, John P. Devine
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Patent number: 5601257Abstract: The yaw control in an air vehicle having counter rotating rotors is provided by selectively and controllably applying a frictional drag or braking force to drive gears for the two rotors. Each of the drive gears includes a friction surface. Friction pads are located adjacent to and are releasably engagable with the friction surfaces of the drive gears. The friction pads are supported by a control mechanism for selectively moving each of the friction pads into engagement with the respective drive gear to provide a frictional drag on the drive gear and to a disengaged position spaced from the respective drive gear. The frictional forces created by engagement of the friction pads with the drive gear friction surfaces cause net torques on the air vehicle frame to rotate the air vehicle in the desired directions. Normally, the torque developed the counter rotating rotors is canceled, maintaining the air vehicle in the desired yaw orientation.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1994Date of Patent: February 11, 1997Assignee: Benchmark CorporationInventor: H. Smith McKann
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Patent number: 5565513Abstract: A stable, non-aqueous liquid suspension of delayed boron cross-linkers comprises an anhydrous boron compound or a sparingly soluble borate suspended in a mixture of mineral spirits (commonly termed as naphtha) and a resin. Anhydrous boron compounds suitable for suspension include, but are not limited to, anhydrous borax, anhydrous boric acid, or a mixture of both the anhydrous borax and anhydrous boric acid. Sparingly soluble borates suitable for suspension include, but are not limited to, alkaline earth metal borates, alkali metal borates, or a mixture thereof. The mixture between the mineral spirits and resin produces a mineral spirits-resin solution. Alternatively, the mineral spirits may be replaced with a suitable oil which forms an oil-resin solution when mixed with the resin. The oil-resin solution suspends the anhydrous boron compound or the sparingly soluble borate to produce a stable, non-aqueous liquid suspension of delayed boron cross-linkers.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1995Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Assignee: Benchmark Research & Technology, Inc.Inventors: E. Wayne Kinsey, III, Sharif Sharif, David N. Harry
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Patent number: 5549418Abstract: The present invention includes a structure formed on an earthen surface. The structure includes an abutment, a bridge, a plurality of foam blocks, and a pavement structure. The abutment is constructed on the earthen surface. The abutment and the earthen surface define a cavity. The bridge is placed on the abutment. The plurality of blocks are stacked and connected together in the cavity to a desired height. A pavement structure is then formed on the foam blocks. The foam blocks support and retain the pavement structure at a height that is approximately the same as a height of the bridge.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1994Date of Patent: August 27, 1996Assignee: Benchmark Foam, Inc.Inventors: John P. Devine, John H. Holmquest
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Patent number: 5488083Abstract: A method of gelling a guar or derivatized guar polymer solution utilized to perform a hydraulic fracturing operation includes the step of adjusting the pH of the guar or derivatized guar polymer solution to between about 8.5 and 12.5. After adjusting the pH, an anhydrous boron compound or a sparingly soluble borate suspended in a mineral spirits-resin solution or an oil-resin solution is added to the guar or derivatized guar polymer solution. The guar or derivatized guar polymer solution and the anhydrous boron compound or the sparingly soluble borate solution suspended in the mineral spirits-resin solution or the oil-resin solution is then pumped into a subterranean formation under sufficient pressure to cause a fracture in the formation rock.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1994Date of Patent: January 30, 1996Assignee: Benchmark Research and Technology, Inc.Inventors: E. Wayne Kinsey, III, Sharif Sharif, David N. Harry
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Patent number: 5466846Abstract: Aqueous solutions of zirconium chelates are prepared by combining an alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid salt with a solution of a zirconium compound. That preparation first involves formulating an alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid salt through a stoichiometric reaction between an alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids and a base. The stoichiometric reaction product consists of an approximately neutral solution of a corresponding alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid salt. The alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid salt is then added to a solution of a zirconium compound to produce a mildly acidic or basic solution of the corresponding zirconium alpha-hydroxycarboxylic chelate. Alternatively, the alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid salt may be pre-prepared and added in solid or liquid form to the zirconium compound before the zirconium compound is placed in solution so that the corresponding zirconium alpha-hydroxycarboxylic chelate is produced.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1994Date of Patent: November 14, 1995Assignee: Benchmark Research and Technology, Inc.Inventor: Sharif Sharif
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Patent number: 5453232Abstract: A composition containing at least 70 weight percent of a beta-prime sialon compound and at least about 27 weight percent of a solid solution is disclosed. The solid solution contains from 2 to 50 weight percent of alpha silicon nitride, from 0.5 to 14 weight percent of aluminum nitride, and from 97.5 to 36 weight percent of alpha alumina.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1994Date of Patent: September 26, 1995Assignee: Benchmark Structural Ceramic CorporationInventors: George T. Hida, Rodica S. Hida, Cezar C. Delcea
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Patent number: 5316792Abstract: The present invention relates to resin coated particulates, the process of forming the particulates, and the particulates, utilization in petroleum well completions. More particularly, the present invention comprises the resin coated particulates and the process whereby the high strength particulate substrates are coated with a heat curable resin which is reacted with a formaldehyde source-metal compound (FS-MC) complex. The resultant resin coated particulates are less reactive or interactive with the fluids employed to convey those particulates during petroleum well completion operations.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1993Date of Patent: May 31, 1994Assignee: Benchmark Research and Technology, Inc.Inventors: David N. Harry, Sharif Sharif
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Patent number: 5311946Abstract: The present invention relates to resin coated particulates, the process of forming the particulates, and the particulates' utilization in petroleum well completions. More particularly, the present invention comprises the resin coated particulates and the process whereby the high strength particulate substrates are coated with a heat curable resin which is reacted with a formaldehyde source-metal compound (FS-MC) complex. The resultant resin coated particulates are less reactive or interactive with the fluids employed to convey those particulates during petroleum well completion operations.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1993Date of Patent: May 17, 1994Assignee: Benchmark Research and Technology, Inc.Inventors: David N. Harry, Sharif Sharif
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Patent number: 5303057Abstract: Cabinet structure 10/12 for universally receiving television sets 20/66 of varying sizes and including, in one embodiment, spaced apart towers 14 and 16 and in a second embodiment, towers 52 and 54, there being adjustable means spanning the area between the spaced apart towers and including a face plate 72, a shelf 74 and a trim strip 76, each having relatively shiftable portions whereby the overall length thereof may be regulated by shifting the portions so that they correspond essentially to the width of the area and of the television set received therein whereby the set is closely enclosed by the cabinet components.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1993Date of Patent: April 12, 1994Assignee: Benchmark Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Emily A. Davidow, Robert L. Davidow
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Patent number: 5221647Abstract: A precursor material is disclosed. This precursor material is comprised of at least about 16 weight percent of beta-sialon, from about 54 to about 28 weight percent of alumina, from about 0 to about 8 weight percent of aluminum nitride, from about 0 to about 25 weight percent of silicon nitride, and from about 30 to about 24 weight percent of free silicon.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1991Date of Patent: June 22, 1993Assignee: Benchmark Structural Ceramics CorporationInventors: George T. Hida, Rodica S. Hida
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Patent number: 5213730Abstract: There is disclosed a process in which a transition metal compound is mixed with silica until a specified density of intimate contact points is produced in the mixture. To this mixture is then added a reducing agent. Thereafter, a reinforcing agent is intimately dispersed throughout the mixture, the mixture is formed into a green body, and it then is ignited.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1991Date of Patent: May 25, 1993Assignee: Benchmark Structural Ceramics CorporationInventor: George T. Hida
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Patent number: 5192720Abstract: A process for heat-treating a composite material is disclosed. The composite material contains alumina, free silicon, and a beta-sialon material of the formula Si.sub.6-z Al.sub.z O.sub.z N.sub.8-z, wherein z is from 2.5 to 3.5. In the heat treatment process, the composite material is subjected to temperatures of 800-1,000 degrees centigrade, 1,240 to 1,260 degrees centigrade, and 1,400 to 1,450 degrees centigrade for various times and under specified conditions.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1991Date of Patent: March 9, 1993Assignee: Benchmark Structural Ceramics CorporationInventors: George T. Hida, Rodica S. Hida, Cezar C. Delcea
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Patent number: 5145619Abstract: A process in which a mixture containing aluminum, iron, and one or more metallic oxides is used. This mixture is formed into a shaped body, the shaped body is preheated to a temperature of from about 50 to about 400 degrees centigrade, and the preheated material is then ignited, causing a highly-exothermic reaction to occur. During this reaction, aluminum reacts with metal oxide(s) and the green body is densified.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1990Date of Patent: September 8, 1992Assignee: Benchmark Structural Ceramics CorporationInventor: Rudolf Abramovici