Patents by Inventor Michael A. Freeman

Michael A. Freeman 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).

  • Publication number: 20110192595
    Abstract: A method for measuring particle size distribution in a fluid material, involving inserting a laser beam instrument directly in the fluid flow line, wherein the laser beam instrument focuses a laser beam on a window directly coupled with the fluid flow line, wherein the fluid flow line comprises a fluid having a plurality of particles of different sizes, measuring a diameter of at least one particle in the fluid flow line by reflectance of the at least one particle as the at least one particle passes through the focused laser beam, and determining a duration of reflection of the at least one particle, and obtaining a count of particles in each of a pre-set range group of particle sizes, wherein the count of particles is used to determine particle size distribution in the fluid flow line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicants: M-I L.L.C., SCHLUMBERGER NORGE AS
    Inventors: Egil Ronaes, Michael A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 7967361
    Abstract: A method of making a filler neck housing assembly. A reinforcement bracket having a ring-shaped portion and a reinforcement flange is assembled to a housing panel that defines a recessed area inside a body outer panel. The reinforcement bracket includes door stop flanges and hinge attachment flanges to which a fuel door is attached by a hinge and hinge bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Scott, Michael Freeman
  • Publication number: 20110055968
    Abstract: The present invention provides insecticidal polypeptides related to shuffled Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1 polypeptides. Nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides of the invention are also provided. Methods for using the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the invention to enhance resistance of plants to insect predation are encompassed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: DAVID CERF, RUTH CONG, MICHAEL FREEMAN, KEVIN E. McBRIDE, TAKASHI YAMAMOTO
  • Patent number: 7858849
    Abstract: The present invention provides insecticidal polypeptides related to shuffled Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1 polypeptides. Nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides of the invention are also provided. Methods for using the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the invention to enhance resistance of plants to insect predation are encompassed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: David Cerf, Ruth Cong, Michael Freeman, Kevin McBride, Takashi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7798358
    Abstract: A waste disposal receptacle (1) including a body (20) and a lid (30). Wherein the body (20) is defined by a base (21), at least one side (22) and an open top (23); and the lid (30) is defined by at least one side (31), a top (32) and an open base and includes an aperture (35) in the at least one side (31) through which material can be deposited into the receptacle (1); Wherein the at least one side (31) of the lid (30) is adapted to be received within the body (20) and is reversibly movable between an open and closed position such that when the lid (30) is in the closed position, the aperture (35) is covered by the at least one side (22) of the body (20) and when the lid (30) is in the open position, the aperture (35) is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Fumacare Limited
    Inventors: Raymond Thomas Butler, Patricia Margaret Butler, Paul Francis Zwaan, Michael Freeman
  • Publication number: 20100199757
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing fluids to be used when drilling in unconsolidated sand formations includes a container having a first port and a second port and a plurality of perforations through which fluid can be communicated, a bore holder slidingly retained through a portion of the container between the first port and the second port, wherein the bore holder has a feed end and a discharge end, a bed of unconsolidated sand contained in the container in a compacted state surrounding the bore holder, a fluid distribution nozzle at the discharge end of the bore holder, a fluid source in fluid communication with the discharge end of the bore holder, wherein the fluid source provides a test fluid to the fluid distribution nozzle through the bore holder, wherein the bore holder is withdrawn from the container at a predetermined speed as the test fluid is communicated through the fluid distribution nozzle, thereby leaving a simulated well bore in the unconsolidated sand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 7753990
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for reducing entrained and dissolved gasses from a well fluid. The system includes a well fluid, at least one process tank into which the well fluid flows, wherein a first process tank comprises a weir arrangement over which the well fluid spills, a mechanical degasser coupled to the at least one process tank and configured to receive the well fluid, and an aeration device disposed in the at least one process tank that generates bubbles in the well fluid. The present invention also provides a method of reducing entrained and dissolved gases from a well fluid that includes flowing a well fluid into a process tank, exerting a centrifugal force on the well fluid, and generating bubbles in the well fluid in the process tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Freeman, Eric Hand
  • Publication number: 20100140145
    Abstract: A system for separating hydrocarbons from a solid source including a primary separation tank including a first hydrocarbon removing device to remove hydrocarbons from a slurry of water and solids. Further, the system including a transfer device between the primary separation tank and a secondary separation tank, wherein the transfer device is configured to transfer solids from the slurry to the secondary separation tank. Further still, the system including a second hydrocarbon removal device, a fine particle separation device to remove remaining solids in the secondary separation tank, and a product collection tank to receive hydrocarbons removed from the primary and secondary separation tanks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Freeman, Alex Stoian, Lewis J. Dutel, Cory C. Melancon, Richard Bingham, Paul Newman
  • Patent number: 7727316
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for treating a process fluid. The system includes a modular arrangement that includes ten modules for; reducing the amount of dissolved and entrained hydrogen sulfide gas in the process fluid; monitoring the pH of the process fluid; storing the process fluid; reducing an amount of oil from the process fluid; and flocculating the process fluid; measuring the amount of oil in the process fluid; providing ventilation supply air to at least one of the modules; removing hydrogen sulfide gas from a sour gas; delivering gases to a burner system; and controlling the processes of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Frank Mueller, Michael A. Freeman, Eric Hand
  • Patent number: 7716968
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing fluids to be used when drilling in unconsolidated sand formations includes a container having a first port and a second port and a plurality of perforations through which fluid can be communicated, a bore holder slidingly retained through a portion of the container between the first port and the second port, wherein the bore holder has a feed end and a discharge end, a bed of unconsolidated sand contained in the container in a compacted state surrounding the bore holder, a fluid distribution nozzle at the discharge end of the bore holder, a fluid source in fluid communication with the discharge end of the bore holder, wherein the fluid source provides a test fluid to the fluid distribution nozzle through the bore holder, wherein the bore holder is withdrawn from the container at a predetermined speed as the test fluid is communicated through the fluid distribution nozzle, thereby leaving a simulated well bore in the unconsolidated sand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 7704299
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a process fluid that includes assembling a modular system, flowing the process fluid through the modular system, the flowing the process fluid through the modular system including degassing the process fluid, neutralizing the process fluid, reducing an amount of one of the group consisting of entrained gases, oil and solids in the process fluid, monitoring and analyzing the process fluid for at least one of the group consisting of engrained gases, oil, and solids, and flowing the process fluid out of the modular system for disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Frank Mueller, Michael A. Freeman, Eric Hand
  • Patent number: 7691259
    Abstract: A system for separating hydrocarbons from a solid source including a primary separation tank including a first hydrocarbon removing device to remove hydrocarbons from a slurry of water and solids. Further, the system including a transfer device between the primary separation tank and a secondary separation tank, wherein the transfer device is configured to transfer solids from the slurry to the secondary separation tank. Further still, the system including a second hydrocarbon removal device, a fine particle separation device to remove remaining solids in the secondary separation tank, and a product collection tank to receive hydrocarbons removed from the primary and secondary separation tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael A. Freeman, Alex Stoian, Lewis J. Dutel, Cory C. Melancon, Richard Bingham, Paul Newman
  • Publication number: 20090321074
    Abstract: A down hole tool including a compression surface, a compression surface axis, and at least one support member configured to attach the compression surface to a well drilling tool assembly, wherein the extendable support member is extendable by an extension force provided to the support member. The down hole tool is rotable relative to an axis of the well drilling tool assembly, and as the well drilling tool assembly rotates, the at least one compression device exerts a lateral force along a sidewall of a wellbore. Also, a method of forming filter cake comprising releasing a drilling fluid and contacting the drilling fluid with a mechanical pressure on the sidewall of the wellbore and the drilling fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: M-I LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Freeman
  • Publication number: 20090226998
    Abstract: The present invention provides insecticidal polypeptides related to shuffled Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1 polypeptides. Nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides of the invention are also provided. Methods for using the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the invention to enhance resistance of plants to insect predation are encompassed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: DAVID CERF, RUTH CONG, MICHAEL FREEMAN, KEVIN E. McBRIDE, TAKASHI YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20090217503
    Abstract: A method of making a filler neck housing assembly. A reinforcement bracket having a ring-shaped portion and a reinforcement flange is assembled to a housing panel that defines a recessed area inside a body outer panel. The reinforcement bracket includes door stop flanges and hinge attachment flanges to which a fuel door is attached by a hinge and hinge bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Scott, Michael Freeman
  • Patent number: 7549694
    Abstract: A filler neck housing assembly is disclosed that includes a reinforcement bracket having a ring-shaped portion and a reinforcement flange. The reinforcement bracket is assembled to a housing panel that defines a recessed area inside a body outer panel. The reinforcement bracket includes door stop flanges and hinge attachment flanges to which a fuel door is attached by a hinge and hinge bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Scott, Michael Freeman
  • Patent number: 7513518
    Abstract: A rocker molding-step (14) for a vehicle body side assembly (12) includes one or more support brackets (30), an elongated molding-step (28), a series of fasteners (74), and an appliqué (76). The fasteners (74) attach molding-step (28) and support brackets (30) to an outboard surface (18) of vehicle body side assembly (12), with the support brackets (30) sandwiched between the molding-step (28) and the body side assembly (12). The molding-step (28) has a stepped surface (72) receiving the fasteners (74). The appliqué (76) is attached to molding-step (28) and covers the fasteners (74). The molding-step (28) is a single-piece blow-molded construction, which covers the vehicle body side assembly (12) and provides a foothold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Mayville, David Boucard, Michael Freeman
  • Publication number: 20080314586
    Abstract: A well logging fluid, and methods of using the same, include a base fluid selected from water, water-based mud, or oil-based mud, and an additive material selected from silica or cork or alike. The fluid has an impedance substantially different from that of the base fluid. Such a modified impedance helps improve the measurement accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: M-I LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Freeman
  • Publication number: 20080172762
    Abstract: The present invention provides insecticidal polypeptides related to shuffled Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1 polypeptides. Nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides of the invention are also provided. Methods for using the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the invention to enhance resistance of plants to insect predation are encompassed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: David Cerf, Ruth Cong, Michael Freeman, Kevin McBride, Takashi Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20080159516
    Abstract: An approach is provided for using on-network communication services for wireless calls. Dialed digits associated with a call originated from a wireless network are received. It is then determined whether the dialed digits include either a steering digit or a pre-determined prefix. The call is routed according to an abbreviated dialing plan if the steering digit or the pre-determined prefix is present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Verizon New Jersey, Inc
    Inventor: Michael Freeman