Patents by Inventor David M Haugen

David M Haugen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR COMBINED VARIABLE DAMPING AND VARIABLE SPRING RATE SUSPENSION
    Publication number: 20160003321
    Abstract: Pressure-sensitive vales are incorporated within a dampening system to permit user-adjustable tuning of a shock absorber. In one embodiment, a pressure-sensitive valve includes an isolated gas chamber having a pressure therein that is settable by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis K. WOOTTEN, Robert C. FOX, Joshua Benjamin YABLON, David M. Haugen
  • Vehicle suspension damper
    Patent number: 9188188
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension damper for providing a variable damping rate. The vehicle suspension damper comprises a first damping mechanism having a variable first threshold pressure, a second damping mechanism having a second threshold pressure, and a compressible chamber in communication with a damping fluid chamber, wherein the second damping mechanism is responsive to a compression of said compressible chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Benjamin Yablon, Dennis K. Wootten, Robert C. Fox, David M. Haugen, Sante Pelot
  • Methods and apparatus for combined variable damping and variable spring rate suspension
    Patent number: 9186950
    Abstract: Pressure-sensitive vales are incorporated within a dampening system to permit user-adjustable tuning of a shock absorber. In one embodiment, a pressure-sensitive valve includes an isolated gas chamber having a pressure therein that is settable by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis K. Wootten, Robert C. Fox, Joshua Benjamin Yablon, David M. Haugen
  • METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR VIRTUAL COMPETITION
    Publication number: 20150321084
    Abstract: A system configured to be coupled with a participant of an activity. The system comprises: a participant activity monitoring unit configured for monitoring a performance of the activity by the participant; an activity information module configured for storing performance information corresponding to the activity; and a participant performance correlator configured for delivering comparative performance data based on the monitored performance of the activity by the participant and the stored performance information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Applicant: FOX FACTORY, INC.
    Inventors: Mario GALASSO, Wesley E. ALLINGER, David M. HAUGEN, Robert David KASWEN, Mark Stephen FITZSIMMONS
  • Methods and apparatus for virtual competition
    Patent number: 9108098
    Abstract: A system configured to be coupled with a participant of an activity. The system comprises: a participant activity monitoring unit configured for monitoring a performance of the activity by the participant; an activity information module configured for storing performance information corresponding to the activity; and a participant performance correlator configured for delivering comparative performance data based on the monitored performance of the activity by the participant and the stored performance information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Galasso, Wesley E. Allinger, David M. Haugen, Robert David Kaswen, Mark Stephen Fitzsimmons
  • METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR RELEASABLY SUPPORTING A VEHICLE WHEEL ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20150130263
    Abstract: An axle for removably retaining a wheel on a vehicle. The axle comprises a rotary-type connector at a first end thereof; a cam assembly operatively connected to the second end, the cam assembly including a cam having an axis of rotation; a lever operatively connected to a second end of the axle, said lever being rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the cam, between an open position in which the axle is removable from and mountable on the vehicle and a closed position in which the axle is retained on the vehicle; and a cam assembly operatively connected to the second end; and a lever stop ensuring that an angle of maximum rotation for the lever from the closed position is less than 180 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: FOX FACTORY, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew LAIRD, Mario GALASSO, William M. BECKER, David M. HAUGEN
  • METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SUSPENSION LOCK OUT AND SIGNAL GENERATION
    Publication number: 20150090547
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for regulating the function of a suspension system are disclosed herein. Suspension characteristics often contribute to the efficiency of a suspended system. Depending on the desired operating parameters of the suspended system, it may be desirable to alter the functional characteristics of the suspension from time to time in order to maintain or increase efficiency. The suspension hereof may be selectively locked into a substantially rigid configuration, and the damping fluid may be phase separated and/or cooled to increase damping rate during use (or offset rate degradation). The suspension hereof may generate power usable to achieve any or all of the foregoing or to be stored for use elsewhere in the suspended system or beyond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: David M. Haugen
  • VEHICLE SUSPENSION DAMPER
    Publication number: 20150075930
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension damper for providing a variable damping rate. The vehicle suspension damper comprises a first damping mechanism having a variable first threshold pressure, a second damping mechanism having a second threshold pressure, and a compressible chamber in communication with a damping fluid chamber, wherein the second damping mechanism is responsive to a compression of said compressible chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Joshua Benjamin YABLON, Dennis K. WOOTTEN, Robert C. FOX, David M. HAUGEN, Sante PELOT
  • Managed pressure drilling
    Patent number: 8955619
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods and apparatus for dynamically controlling pressure within a wellbore while forming the wellbore. In one aspect, one or more pressure control apparatus are used to maintain desired pressure within the wellbore while drilling the wellbore. In another aspect, pressure is dynamically controlled while drilling using foam to maintain a substantially homogenous foam flow regime within the wellbore annulus for carrying cuttings from the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick T. Tilton, David M. Haugen, Kevin W. Smith, David J. Brunnert, Thomas F. Bailey, Tom Fuller, Roy W. Rooyakkers, Ram K. Bansal, Graham Skinner
  • METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR COMBINED VARIABLE DAMPING AND VARIABLE SPRING RATE SUSPENSION
    Publication number: 20140353100
    Abstract: Pressure-sensitive vales are incorporated within a dampening system to permit user-adjustable tuning of a shock absorber. In one embodiment, a pressure-sensitive valve includes an isolated gas chamber having a pressure therein that is settable by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Dennis K. WOOTTEN, Robert C. FOX, Joshua Benjamin YABLON, David M. HAUGEN
  • Methods and apparatus for suspending vehicles
    Patent number: 8894050
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to methods and apparatus for use in vehicle suspension. Particular embodiments of the invention relate to methods and apparatus useful for variable spring rate and/or variable damping rate vehicle suspension. In one embodiment, a shock absorber for a vehicle includes a gas spring having first and second gas chambers. The first chamber is utilized during a first travel portion of the shock absorber and the first and second chambers are both utilized during a second portion of travel. The shock absorber further includes a fluid isolated damper for regulating the speed of travel throughout both portions of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis K. Wootten, Robert C. Fox, David M. Haugen
  • METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR WELLBORE CONSTRUCTION AND COMPLETION
    Publication number: 20140326454
    Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Richard L. GIROUX, Gregory G. GALLOWAY, Patrick G. MAGUIRE, Tuong Thanh LE, Albert C. ODELL, II, David M. HAUGEN, Frederick T. TILTON, Brent J. LIRETTE, David J. BRUNNERT
  • Vehicle suspension damper
    Patent number: 8869959
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension damper for providing a variable damping rate. The vehicle suspension damper comprises a first damping mechanism having a variable first threshold pressure, a second damping mechanism having a second threshold pressure, and a compressible chamber in communication with a damping fluid chamber, wherein the second damping mechanism is responsive to a compression of said compressible chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Incorporated
    Inventors: Joshua Benjamin Yablon, Dennis K. Wootten, Robert C. Fox, David M. Haugen, Sante Pelot
  • Methods and apparatus for suspension lock out and signal generation
    Patent number: 8684367
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for regulating the function of a suspension system are disclosed herein. Suspension characteristics often contribute to the efficiency of a suspended system. Depending on the desired operating parameters of the suspended system, it may be desirable to alter the functional characteristics of the suspension from time to time in order to maintain or increase efficiency. The suspension hereof may be selectively locked into a substantially rigid configuration, and the damping fluid may be phase separated and/or cooled to increase damping rate during use (or offset rate degradation). The suspension hereof may generate power usable to achieve any or all of the foregoing or to be stored for use elsewhere in the suspended system or beyond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Incorporated
    Inventor: David M Haugen
  • Methods and apparatus for suspending a vehicle shield
    Patent number: 8656823
    Abstract: A shock absorber system for use with a vehicle having a shield to reduce the effects of a shock event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Kaswen, David M. Haugen
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AN ADJUSTABLE DAMPER
    Publication number: 20130313056
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension damper including: a cylinder; a piston assembly; and an adjuster, wherein the piston assembly compresses fluid as it moves within the cylinder and the adjuster obstructs fluid flow from a first side of a damping piston of the piston assembly to a second side of the damping piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Cox, David M. Haugen
  • Apparatus and methods for tubular makeup interlock
    Patent number: 8517090
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods may be used to prevent an operator from inadvertently dropping a string into a wellbore during assembling and disassembling of tubulars. Additionally, the apparatus and methods may be used for running in casing, wellbore components, or a drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Haugen
  • Methods and apparatus for suspension lock out and signal generation
    Patent number: 8393446
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for regulating the function of a suspension system are disclosed herein. Suspension characteristics often contribute to the efficiency of a suspended system. Depending on the desired operating parameters of the suspended system, it may be desirable to alter the functional characteristics of the suspension from time to time in order to maintain or increase efficiency. The suspension hereof may be selectively locked into a substantially rigid configuration, and the damping fluid may be phase separated and/or cooled to increase damping rate during use (or offset rate degradation). The suspension hereof may generate power usable to achieve any or all of the foregoing or to be stored for use elsewhere in the suspended system or beyond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: David M Haugen
  • APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TUBULAR MAKEUP INTERLOCK
    Publication number: 20120292010
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods may be used to prevent an operator from inadvertently dropping a string into a wellbore during assembling and disassembling of tubulars. Additionally, the apparatus and methods may be used for running in casing, wellbore components, or a drill string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: DAVID M. HAUGEN
  • Method and apparatus for drilling with casing
    Patent number: 8281877
    Abstract: A top drive system includes a top drive, top drive adapter, and a tubular positioning apparatus. In another aspect, the top drive adapter includes a housing operatively connected to the top drive and a plurality of retaining members disposed in the housing for gripping the tubular. In another aspect, the tubular positioning apparatus includes a gripping member for engaging a tubular and a conveying member for positioning the gripping member. A spinner may be provided to rotate the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: David Shahin, Jeff Habetz, David M. Haugen, Gary Thompson, Bernd-Georg Pietras, Jimmy L. Hollingsworth, Bernd Reinholdt