Patents Assigned to Service
  • Determining the use of stimulation treatments based on high process zone stress
    Patent number: 8047284
    Abstract: Methods for determining whether to perform a stimulation treatment on a subterranean zone are disclosed. Process zone stress (“PZS”), indicative of a production potential of the subterranean zone, is determined, and a determination is made as to whether the PZS exceeds a preselected value. A PZS exceeding the preselected value may indicate a poor production potential, and a stimulation treatment of the subterranean zone may be avoided. As a result, a substantial cost saving associated with the avoided stimulation treatment may be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Muthukumarappan Ramurthy, Douglas P. Magill, Donald P. Kundert
  • Methods of using particulates in subterranean operations
    Patent number: 8047289
    Abstract: Among the methods described herein are methods using low-specific gravity particulates wherein the particulates comprise silica and an aluminum oxide in an amount of about 0.1% to about 25% by weight and having at least one void, a specific gravity of less than about 2.2, a particle sized of 8 U.S. Mesh or smaller, and a substantially spherical shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: M. Vikram Rao
  • Injector apparatus
    Patent number: 8048029
    Abstract: The present invention provides an injector apparatus suitable for use with an automatic injection device. The injector apparatus includes a cylindrical housing having a deflectable member and a removable guard. The deflectable member releasably holds a syringe tube assembly in the axial direction when the apparatus is in the initial position. Then, after use, the deflectable member provides a tamper evidence means for indicating whether or not the injector apparatus was previously used or tampered with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard David Gillespie, III, Doug Owen Crow
  • Automated insurance enrollment, underwriting, and claims adjusting
    Patent number: 8050947
    Abstract: An insurance enrollment and underwriting method includes comprising providing a first user interface with one or more controls for enabling a user to specify one or more health conditions in an enrollment application for pet health insurance. Data representing one or more health conditions specified through the first user interface is received and electronically processed, flagging each condition as a condition that is acceptable, precluded, or for manual review.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC
    Inventor: Jack Stephens
  • Energy absorption device, especially for non-axial loads
    Patent number: 8047588
    Abstract: The invention relates to an energy absorption device which can be arranged to absorb energy by deformation between a support structure of a vehicle and a damper, the energy absorption device carrying a deformable main profile which has a hollow body-type cross-section. The aim of the invention is to improve an energy absorption device of the aforementioned type in such a manner that the energy can be well carried off even if the forces produced by an accident impact the energy absorption device at an angle. For this purpose, a deformable supplementary profile is provided on the cross-section of the main profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Magna Automotive Services GmbH
    Inventors: Xiangfan Fang, Christoph Seper
  • System and method for intelligent data management of the transport of items within a transport network
    Patent number: 8051025
    Abstract: A system and method for intelligent data management enables the transport of items within a network by creating a first database defining a transport path of an item from an origin facility to a destination facility, and operations that affect the transport of items. In order to update the transport path and operations, a data management application receives changes. The application, and associated data storage device, includes user profile, table, network model and development model databases. Modules within the application manage users and data, implement ad hoc and holiday schedules, report errors, verify changes and create new databases to reflect the changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Edward A. Wohlganger, Vincent J. Mougey, Ossam Manea
  • Stackable liquid container
    Patent number: 8047392
    Abstract: In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, a liquid container generally includes a base member, an annular sidewall member, a neck member, a spout, and a handle. The annular sidewall member is attached to and extends upwardly from the base member. The neck member couples the annular sidewall member to the spout. The base member has a recessed portion that extends upwardly into the container such that the base member may rest upon the neck member of another container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Dean Intellectual Property Services II, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl T. Eiten, Matthew J. Simpson
  • Method for enhancing the detection of contamination in a cellular blood product by covalently binding a hydrophilic polymer to the cell membrane
    Patent number: 8048620
    Abstract: A method for preventing bacterial biofilm formation in a blood product, the method comprising modifying a blood product with a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol (PEG), PEG derivatives and mixtures thereof. Preventing bacterial biofilm formation in this way increases the planktonic to adherent ratio of any contaminating bacteria, and thereby facilitates detection of bacterial contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Canadian Blood Services
    Inventors: Sandra M. Ramirez-Arcos, Elisabeth Maurer, Mark Scott
  • Method of repairing a blisk and test pieces by welding
    Patent number: 8049132
    Abstract: A method of repairing a turbomachine blisk having at least one damaged zone by build-up of metal in the damaged zone using a laser build-up welding machine is disclosed. The method includes preparing the damaged zone by machining the damaged zone to obtain a zone of defined profile to be repaired, build-up welding of a start-of-run test piece that includes the defined profile using the laser build-up welding machine, checking geometric and metallurgical quality of the test piece, and build-up welding the zone to be repaired of the blisk using the laser build-up welding machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: SNECMA et SNECMA Services
    Inventors: Bernard Bouet, Gerard Derrien, Stephane Michel Kerneis, Claude Andre Charles Pagnon, Eric Christian Jean Pinto
  • Pulsed-neutron formation density
    Patent number: 8050866
    Abstract: A method and related system of determining formation density by compensating actual inelastic gamma rays detected from a pulsed-neutron tool for the effects of neutron transport. The method and systems may model response of the tool and use the modeled response as an indication of an amount to compensate detected inelastic gamma rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry A Jacobson
  • System and method for the real-time transfer of loyalty points between accounts
    Patent number: 8050968
    Abstract: The invention includes facilitating the substantially real-time transfer of loyalty points between accounts. The method and system include receiving a transfer request (e.g., consumer request, triggering event, etc) for a transfer of a certain number of loyalty points, accessing and analyzing the total number of loyalty points in the transferor account to determine if a sufficient number of points exist, analyzing the type/level of consumer and type/level of points to be involved in the transfer, deducting the requested loyalty points from the transferor account, determining if any rules exist for restricting or limiting the transfer of points, using a conversion engine to convert the point value to an appropriate point value in the transferee account and increasing the point balance in the transferee account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Donna Antonucci, Theodore S. Voltmer
  • Spotting fluid compositions and associated methods
    Patent number: 8048828
    Abstract: Fluids and associated methods useful in subterranean applications are provided. More particularly, methods of reducing drill string sticking are provided, which include: providing a spotting fluid composition comprising a water insoluble external phase fluid, a water soluble internal phase fluid, and an ether carboxylic acid emulsifying agent; introducing the spotting fluid to the vicinity of a desired portion of a drill string; and allowing the spotting fluid to interact with a portion of material surrounding the desired portion of the drill string spotting fluid. Compositions are provided that may be useful in subterranean applications for addressing, among other things, drill string sticking problems. Additional optional components may be used, such as viscosifiers, weighting agents, and wetting agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventor: Jay P. Deville
  • Micropatterning of biological molecules using laser ablation
    Patent number: 8048641
    Abstract: The present invention employs the natural hydrophilic properties of a macromolecular film such as a hydrogel and in combination with localized photo-ablation of monolayers created with the hydrogel using multi-photon laser excitation, provides a stampless, versatile method of micropattern fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Andrew D. Doyle, Kenneth M. Yamada, Francis W. Wang
  • Method and apparatus for removing casing
    Patent number: 8047277
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a string of casing from a well bore. The method and apparatus include a plurality of drill bits substantially aligned with each other for drilling a plurality of holes in the string of casing. The plurality of holes can be used to lift the string in casing from the well bore via a series of incremental casing sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hudson Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandra Remedies, John Rucker, Richard Blanchard, Donald D. Deslatte, Kenneth J. Cahill
  • Methods of sonically activating cement compositions
    Patent number: 8047282
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for sonically activating cement slurries. In some implementations, a method of treating a subterranean formation includes positioning a settable composition including a capsule in a wellbore. The capsule is used to increase a setting rate in response to at least sonic signals. A sonic signal is transmitted to at least a portion of the settable composition to release an activator from the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Sam Lewis, Priscilla Reyes, Vijay Gupta, Brian R. Stoner, Anthony Badalamenti
  • Casket and memorialization accessory
    Patent number: 8046882
    Abstract: A casket and memorialization accessory combination comprises a casket comprising a casket shell having a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls and a casket lid closable on the casket shell, a decorative ornament comprising a digital image display device, and a keepsake box adapted to receive keepsake items therein. The casket shell and ornament are configured such that the ornament is removably attachable to the casket shell. The keepsake box and ornament are configured such that the ornament is attachable to the keepsake box. The ornament can be removed from the casket in which a deceased was displayed for viewing and attached to the keepsake box so that the keepsake box and ornament can be presented to a loved one of the deceased as a memorial to the deceased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Batesville Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Ilija Rojdev
  • Dual flapper safety valve
    Patent number: 8047294
    Abstract: A valve system for use in a subterranean well, the valve having multiple closure devices, or a closure device and a device for protecting the closure device. A valve system includes a valve with a closure assembly. The closure assembly has a closure device and a protective device which alters fluid flow through a flow passage of the valve prior to closure of the closure device to thereby protect the closure device. A safety valve system includes a safety valve with a closure assembly having at least two closure devices arranged in series for controlling flow through a flow passage of the safety valve. Another safety valve system includes a safety valve assembly including multiple safety valves arranged in parallel. One portion of fluid from a fluid source flows through one of the safety valves, while another portion of fluid from the fluid source flows through another safety valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Vick, Jr., Michael B. Vinzant, James M. Williams
  • Methods and agents for detecting
    Patent number: 8048630
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods that permit detection of all known species of Parechovirus, including Human parechovirus and Ljungan virus (LV). In particular examples the method includes amplifying at least a portion of the 5?NTR of parechovirus nucleic acid molecules obtained from a sample, and detecting the resulting amplicons, but does not require culturing of the virus. The present disclosure also provides methods for determining which particular species or serotype of parechovirus is present in a biological sample. Also provided are oligonucleotide primers and probes that can be used in the disclosed methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: William Allan Nix, M. Steven Oberste
  • Graphical controller for monitoring multiple chemical feed constituents
    Patent number: 8051383
    Abstract: The graphical controller provides a graphic user interface for monitoring and managing multiple chemical feed constituents, and displays a breakpoint curve specific to water being treated and a given ammonia set point, based on operator input and data from measurement of total chlorine, free chlorine, monochloramine, combined chlorine, ammonia residual, and the like. The graphical interface determines where on the curve the process is, provides immediate visual feedback to the water treatment operator and allows control of chlorine and ammonia feed rates to a fixed or new chloramination and ammonia set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Integrity Municipal Services LLC
    Inventors: Christopher T. McCampbell, Steven M. Dishon, Martin T. Scanlan
  • Transducer for measuring environmental parameters
    Patent number: 8049898
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with measuring environmental parameters are described herein. In one embodiment, a transducer comprises a tube, an elongated member, a first reflective surface, a second reflective surface, and an optical fiber. The tube has a first end and a second end, and the elongated member also has a first end and a second end, with the first end of the elongated member secured to the tube. The second reflective surface is secured to the second end of the elongated member, and the first reflective surface is spaced apart from the second reflective surface and secured to the second end of the tube. The optical fiber is positioned to direct light towards the first and second reflective surfaces and to collect the reflected light from these two surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Lopushansky