Patents Assigned to ICO, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9943405
    Abstract: Advances in filling apparatus, handheld tools, surgical techniques and intraoperative biometry for implanting and adjusting an accommodative liquid lens are disclosed. The lens may be attached to or retained within a handheld surgical tool, which can be fluidly connectable to a filling console to fill the lens with a liquid. In various embodiments, a filling console facilitates aspirating liquid out of the lens in order to ensure the absence of residual bubbles and filling of the lens with fluid during surgery, as well as during post-operative adjustments to the lens. Actuated by the surgeon, the filling console can aspirate fluid from the lens and inject fluid into the lens following insertion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: ICO, INC.
    Inventors: Sean Caffey, Charles DeBoer, Mark Humayun, Yu-Chong Tai
  • Patent number: 9814569
    Abstract: In various embodiments, implants including reservoirs, such as intraocular lenses, feature flexible membranes and valves integrated therewith, the valves having apertures that are normally closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: ICO, INC.
    Inventors: Wendian Shi, Charles DeBoer, Sean Caffey, Mark S. Humayun, Yu-Chong Tai
  • Publication number: 20030114555
    Abstract: A method of coloring thermoplastic olefin resins and pulverizing resin pellets in a single step involving the steps of metering liquid coloring onto resin pellets and then passing the combination of liquid color and resin pellets into a mill blender. The liquid color is metered onto the plastic pellets at a rate of from less than 0.2% to less than 1.0% by weight of the plastic pellets. The mill blender receives the combination of plastic pellets and liquid color and pulverizes the mixture to produce a colored thermoplastic resin powder that is suitable for subsequent processing, such as roto-molding or slush-molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: ICO, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Martin Dixon Steele
  • Patent number: 6249119
    Abstract: The defect detection system of the present invention includes an encircling coil for providing a saturating DC magnetic fields to tubular goods. Also included is an encircling drive coil for applying a low level AC field using three-phase AC. Encircling pick up coils within the AC drive coils detect uniform, time varying magnetic fields to reveal defects within the tubular goods passing through the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: ICO, Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Curtis, Jr., Roy C. Grubbs
  • Patent number: 6247499
    Abstract: A system for protecting pipe, tubing, or associated apparatus in high acidic and/or high temperature environments includes a non-woven polyphenylene sulfide fabric saturated with a mixture of bisphenol A liquid epoxy and a cycloaliphatic amine curing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: ICO, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Lauzon
  • Patent number: 5867275
    Abstract: A test apparatus 10 for testing the diameter of oilfield tubulars having various nominal diameters includes a machine frame 12 for successively receiving the axially movable tubulars, and upper and lower radially opposing carriages 16 and 18 each movable relative to the machine frame. First and second light generating sources 24 and 26 are each mounted on a respective carriage and transmit a wide light beam directed to intersect radially opposing sides in the oilfield tubular, such that the width of each light beams is reduced by engagement with the tubular. First and second light detectors 28 and 30 are each mounted on the carriages and are positioned for detecting the position of the reduced width light beams relative to the carriages and generating test signals in response thereto. Computer 32 is provided for receiving test signals from the sensors and generating a tubular diameter test measurement in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: ICO, Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Curtis, Jr., Roy C. Grubbs, Kevin D. Logan, John A. Miller
  • Patent number: 5861608
    Abstract: A notch cutting machine 10 cuts a precision notch in an oilfield tubular according to API specifications. The machine includes a base 12 for positioning either within the tubular for cutting an internal notch, or on the outer surface of the tubular for cutting an external notch. An electrically powered servo motor 14 is mounted on the base for rotating a motor shaft 21, and a linear translator 16 linearly moves a support block 18 a preselected distance in response to a selected rotation of the shaft. An electrode 22 has a tip surface 23 configured for cutting the notch in a tubular. The electrode is fixed with respect to a head 20 by an air responsive holder 80, and pressure to the head may be briefly terminated so that tip surface 23 comes into planar engagement with the surface of the tubular to be notched. An electrical source 24, a pressurized air source 28, and an EDM oil source 32 provide power, air pressure, and an EDM oil coolant, respectively, to operate the notch cutting machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: ICO, Inc.
    Inventor: Carroll R. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5853834
    Abstract: A system for protecting sections of pipe or tubing from corrosion includes depositing a continuous, low-porosity, non-corrosive, metallized layer within the end portions of a section of pipe or tubing and on its end walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: ICO, Inc.
    Inventor: Al Siegmund
  • Patent number: 5656786
    Abstract: A system 10 for elongate metal goods comprises automated tubular inspection equipment 12 within an inspection area 13 for initially inspecting goods, and particularly oilfield tubulars, and a monitor 32 within a prove-up area 30 for viewing inspection data. An inspection computer 16 electronically records the inspection data and cooperates with a prove-up computer 38 to verify that all flagged suspect tubulars have been tested. Prove-up data may be input to the prove-up computer either directly from test equipment 40 or through a keypad 36. The prove-up report generated by the computer 38 may be electronically transmitted in real time to a monitor 24 outside the prove-up area for viewing the prove-up report data. According to the method of the invention, the prove-up operator may display inspection data on the monitor 32 to facilitate the inspection of suspect tubulars within the prove-up area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: ICO, Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Curtis, Jr., Kevin D. Logan, Michael K. Schoonover
  • Patent number: 5600069
    Abstract: Ultrasonic testing apparatus 10 and method for ultrasonically scanning an oilfield tubular 42,56. The apparatus includes four ultrasonic arrays 12, 14, 16, 18 each containing a plurality of individual watertight ultrasonic transducers 20. Axially adjustable ultrasonic arrays 100, 121 include axially spaced sockets 102, 106, and 122, 124, 126, respectively, for controlling an axial movement thereof to preferably discrete positions associated with each selected range of diameters of oilfield tubulars to be tested. Within that range of diameters, the ultrasonic testing apparatus 10 reliably provides for a constant 100% coverage of the tubular to be tested. During scanning, the tubular 56 is moved axially and rotationally with respect to an ultrasonic testing apparatus 50 to provide a helical scan pattern along the length of the tubular 56.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: ICO, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Girndt, David E. Siverling
  • Patent number: 5534775
    Abstract: A plurality of magnetic field members are provided, each for selectively generating a time-varying magnetic field for combination into a o time-varying composite longitudinal magnetic field with magnetic flux lines which are substantially aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical ferromagnetic member. Additionally, a traverse magnetic field member is provided which selectively generates a time-varying traverse magnetic field with magnetic flux lines which are substantially traversed to the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical ferromagnetic member. The plurality of magnetic field members and the traverse magnetic field member are maintained out of contact with the cylindrical ferromagnetic member. Magnetic particles are placed on selected portions of the cylindrical ferromagnetic member. A time-varying composite longitudinal magnetic field and a time-varying traverse magnetic field are applied to the cylindrical magnetic member, while it is being rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: ICO, Inc.
    Inventors: Clive C. Lam, William W. Curtis, Jr., Roy C. Grubbs
  • Patent number: 5313837
    Abstract: The invention is a compact ultrasonic tester involving rotating sensors. The processor rotates with the sensors so that the output signal of the processor goes through the slip rings, rather than the output signal of the sensors. A spraying system is incorporated in conjunction with rollers. The rollers take the applied spray on the pipe surface and paint a film on the outer pipe surface to allow a good contact for meaningful results. A floating shoe is provided for holding each sensor against the pipe wall. The sensors are biased into contact with the pipe surface and the machine can handle different diameters of pipe. By controlling the pipe speed of advance and the rotational speed of the sensors, 100 percent coverage of the pipe wall is assured. The machine is compact and can be installed behind existing electromagnetic/gamma testers without major modifications to pipe-testing facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: ICO, Inc.
    Inventor: John Haynes
  • Patent number: 4905760
    Abstract: A standard size, steel oil well sucker rod coupling is machined to decrease its external diameter, producing a constant diameter along its length. Then, the coupling is machined to produce chamfers or bevels around the circumference on the ends, such that the diameter at the radial faces is less than at the body of the coupling. Next, abrasive blast-cleaning of the coupling produces a uniform, angular, anchor profile along the machined areas on the exterior of the coupling. Finally, a specially selected, fusion bonded, resinous coating is applied to the exposed surface. The radial faces may or may not be coated. The unique protective coatings impart abrasion resistance in a pumping oil well and serve as an electrical barrier to preclude electrochemical, corrosive, attack of the mild steel coupling core. Extended service life of the coupling is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: ICO, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Gray
  • Patent number: RE36130
    Abstract: The invention is a compact ultrasonic tester involving rotating sensors The processor rotates with the sensors so that the output signal of the processor goes through the slip rings, rather than the output signal of the sensors. A spraying system is incorporated in conjunction with rollers. The rollers take the applied spray on the pipe surface and paint a film on the outer pipe surface to allow a good contact for meaningful results. A floating shoe is provided for holding each sensor against the pipe wall. The sensors are biased into contact with the pipe surface and the machine can handle different diameters of pipe. By controlling the pipe speed of advance and the rotational speed or the sensors, 100 percent coverage of the pipe wall is assured. The machine is compact and can be installed behind existing electromagnetic/gamma testers without major modifications to pipe-testing facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: ICO, Inc.
    Inventor: John Haynes