Patents by Inventor Robert A. Hicks

Robert A. Hicks 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).

  • Patent number: 11976535
    Abstract: An artificial lift assembly and method relating thereto where a sleeve system is disposed above an electrical submersible pump. The sleeve system has a sliding sleeve at least partially carried within a ported case. The sliding sleeve blocks fluid flow through ports in the ported case. The sliding sleeve is restricted from movement relative to the ported case until a first predetermined pressure is applied to the sliding sleeve. Subsequent to the operating the electrical submersible pump, a plug is introduced to the sliding sleeve so as to block fluid flow through the sliding sleeve, Subsequent to introducing the plug, fluid pressure above the plug is increased until the sliding sleeve moves relative to the ported case such that fluid flow is allowed through the ports. Thereafter removing the artificial lift assembly from the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Inventors: Robert Hicks, Josh Prather
  • Publication number: 20240110569
    Abstract: A pumping system including a safety disconnect switch. The pumping system includes a variable frequency drive, an electrical submersible pump, and a motor connected to the electrical submersible pump. The pumping system also includes a safety disconnect switch disposed downstream from the variable frequency drive and upstream from the electrical submersible pump to prevent electric power generated by the motor from traveling upstream from the safety disconnect switch in the pumping system. A method of preventing electric power from flowing upstream from a safety disconnect switch in a pumping system includes the step of opening a circuit in the safety disconnect switch to prevent electric power from a motor attached to an electrical submersible pump from flowing upstream from the safety disconnect switch to other components of the pumping system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Robert Hicks, Joshua Prather, Lucas Beckner, Brent Storts
  • Patent number: 11945378
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a molded vehicle trim element including the following steps: (i) providing a carrier plate in a mold for injection molding including a mobile core of the mold and cavity of the mold to give the final shape of the vehicle trim element, (ii) providing a glass panel in the mold having at least a first region to be bent, (iii) cold bending the glass panel inside the mold in a requested shape, (iv) injecting a soft material to form the vehicle trim element made of bent carrier plate and glass panel fixed together via the molding material, and (v) removing the vehicle trim element from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: AGC GLASS EUROPE
    Inventor: Robert Hick
  • Patent number: 11920774
    Abstract: A cooling module, which is securable to one or more thermal transfer members for an LED curing apparatus, wherein the cooling module comprises a first finned heat sink and a second finned heat sink; wherein the first finned heat sink is removably securable to the second finned heat sink to provide at least one aperture therebetween, wherein each of a plurality of fins protrude from the first finned heat sink and from the second finned heat sink and each fin is substantially perpendicular to the length of the or each aperture, wherein the first finned heat sink is removably secured proximal to the second finned heat sink by at least one locking member, and wherein the or each locking member is inserted such that its length is parallel to the length of the or each aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: GEW (EC) Limited
    Inventors: Malcolm Rae, James Hicks, Robert Rae
  • Publication number: 20230356577
    Abstract: A window unit includes a glazing panel and a rigid part provided on at least a part of an edge of the glazing panel on at least one peripheral side and designed to receive a decorative strip. The rigid part includes at least one snap-fit system with a base and at least first and second arms. The window unit also includes a frame profile encompassing the edge of the glazing panel on at least one peripheral side and is made of soft material. The frame profile is over-molded on at least a part of the rigid part. The snap-fit system has at least one rigid arm and at least one flexible arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Applicant: AGC GLASS EUROPE
    Inventors: Robert HICK, Frank BEKAERT, Sébastien DELNEUFCOURT
  • Publication number: 20230304348
    Abstract: A vehicle window including a panel having a first surface and a second surface and at least a window holder for firmly retaining the panel to a lifting system including an inner member having a bonding part to be bonded to a first surface of the panel, an outer member having a fixing part to be fixed to the lifting system and an assembling means. The bonding part of the inner member is bonded with a bonding material to the first surface and the outer member is assembled to the inner member via the assembling means to clutch the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: AGC GLASS EUROPE
    Inventors: Sébastien DELNEUFCOURT, Robert HICK, Maria VEGA
  • Patent number: 11754193
    Abstract: A two-way injection valve having a primary flow path to allow chemical injection into an annulus area surrounding production tubing and a secondary flow path to allow chemical injection into the inside of the production tubing via a tubular member of the production tubing. A method of using the two-way injection valve includes the step of injecting chemical into an annulus area via a two-way injection valve. The method also includes the step of injecting chemical inside of production tubing via the two-way injection valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Republic Oil Tool, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Hicks, Joshua Prather
  • Patent number: 11713822
    Abstract: A jetted check valve includes a body with an upper opening and a lower opening. The jetted check valve also includes a primary poppet slidably disposed in the body to allow the flow of fluid from the lower opening and out of the upper opening and prevent the flow of fluid from the upper opening through the lower opening. The jetted check valve further includes a secondary poppet slidably disposed at least partially within the primary poppet to allow the flow of fluid from the lower opening and out of the upper opening and prevent the flow of fluid from the upper opening through the lower opening. A method of removing debris from above a jetted check valve and permitting production fluids to flow up hole through the jetted check valve. The method includes creating a secondary flow path in the jetted check valve to remove debris that settled up hole of the jetted check valve when production of an oil and gas well has been halted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Republic Oil Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Hicks, Joshua Prather
  • Patent number: 11673460
    Abstract: The invention relates to an element (100) for fastening trim (1) to a peripheral seal (10) of a window (11) of a vehicle, comprising at least one assembly of the clip type formed by a base (6) bearing, on the face intended to receive the trim, one or more semi-rigid clips (7), said clips comprising at least two arms between which a lug element (4) of the trim is introduced, characterized in that the fastening element (100) is formed of one piece enclosed in the peripheral seal during the moulding thereof to the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: AGC GLASS EUROPE
    Inventors: Xavier Carnoy, Frank Bekaert, Robert Hick, Joel Glady
  • Patent number: 11660945
    Abstract: A division set for sealing a first retractable frameless window of a car and a second window of the car, the second window adjacent to the first window. The division set includes a profile, to be secured to the second window, and a gasket for sealing the two windows. The gasket of a desired shape is made of a TPE material encapsulated with the profile of the division set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: AGC GLASS EUROPE
    Inventors: Philippe Muylkens, Robert Hick, Jiri Machacek, Roman Hynek
  • Publication number: 20230137080
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are described for combining digital and analog beamsteering in a channelized antenna array. In some examples, a method can include receiving one or more signals at each of a plurality of groups of antenna elements, each group of antenna elements defining a respective channel from a plurality of channels, and steering, by each respective channel and using analog steering, the one or more signals in a respective direction to yield a steered analog signal pattern. The method can further include converting the steered analog signal pattern associated with each respective channel into a respective digital signal and, based on the respective digital signal, generating, using digital steering, digital signal patterns steered within the steered analog signal pattern associated with the respective digital signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew Robertson MORIN, Brandon Robert HICKS, James David MACKIE, Bryan Alan DAVIS
  • Patent number: 11566717
    Abstract: A jetted check valve includes a body with an upper opening and a lower opening. The jetted check valve also includes a primary poppet slidably disposed in the body to allow the flow of fluid from the lower opening and out of the upper opening and prevent the flow of fluid from the upper opening through the lower opening. The jetted check valve further includes a secondary poppet slidably disposed at least partially within the primary poppet to allow the flow of fluid from the lower opening and out of the upper opening and prevent the flow of fluid from the upper opening through the lower opening. A method of removing debris from above a jetted check valve and permitting production fluids to flow up hole through the jetted check valve. The method includes creating a secondary flow path in the jetted check valve to remove debris that settled up hole of the jetted check valve when production of an oil and gas well has been halted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Republic Oil Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Hicks, Joshua Prather
  • Publication number: 20230014125
    Abstract: A window unit including a glazing panel, a frame which has a frame profile and encompasses the edge of the glazing panel on at least one peripheral side and includes a plastic primary part, with the primary part having at least 10% in weight of recycled material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Applicant: AGC GLASS EUROPE
    Inventor: Robert HICK
  • Patent number: 11555363
    Abstract: An artificial lift assembly and method relating thereto is designed to prevent inadvertent electrical discharge caused by fluids flowing through an electrical submersible pumping system, which is part of the assembly. The assembly uses a rupture disc to prevent fluid flow during introduction of the assembly into a wellbore and a dart and sleeve to prevent fluid flow during removal of the assembly from the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: IPI Technology LLC
    Inventors: Robert Hicks, Josh Prather
  • Patent number: 11535175
    Abstract: Method for fixing a glass interior trim element into a motor vehicle. The invention relates to method for fixing a glass trim element into a motor vehicle's interior characterized in that the method comprises a step of fixation of the glass element to a support to provide an assembly that is integrated to motor vehicle's interior body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: AGC GLASS EUROPE
    Inventors: Claire Mattelet, Pierre Humblet, Philippe Muylkens, Robert Hick
  • Patent number: 11531084
    Abstract: A radar system is generated by a process including generating a first substrate layer adjacent to a ground plane of a patch antenna array in the radar system, etching an opening in the substrate layer, inserting a mechanically-locking foot of a threaded insert into the opening, adding a second substrate layer adjacent to the first substrate layer to embed the threaded insert, applying a thermal coupling between a heat sink layer and the second substrate layer of the radar system and screwing a screw through the heat sink layer and into the threaded insert to adhere the heat sink layer to the radar system. Such a radar system can enable the attachment of the heat sink layer to the radar system in a removable fashion such that the heat sink layer can be removed by removing the screw and repairs can be done without damaging respective layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Fortem Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Earl James, Jon Erik Knabenschuh, Matthew Robertson Morin, James David Mackie, Chester Parker Ferry, Brandon Robert Hicks, Kendall James Fowkes, James Harrison Hofer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11527825
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are described for combining digital and analog beamsteering in a channelized antenna array. In some examples, a method can include receiving one or more signals at each of a plurality of groups of antenna elements, each group of antenna elements defining a respective channel from a plurality of channels, and steering, by each respective channel and using analog steering, the one or more signals in a respective direction to yield a steered analog signal pattern. The method can further include converting the steered analog signal pattern associated with each respective channel into a respective digital signal and, based on the respective digital signal, generating, using digital steering, digital signal patterns steered within the steered analog signal pattern associated with the respective digital signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Fortem Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Robertson Morin, Brandon Robert Hicks, James David MacKie, Bryan Alan Davis
  • Patent number: 11479099
    Abstract: A window unit for windows in motor vehicles and the like, including a glazing panel and a frame with a profile that encompasses at least partially the peripheral sides of the glazing panel. The frame includes a primary part which is in the form of a hard component and features an exterior profile where the primary part has at least one inner profile line with at least one notch and/or one protrusion extending from the peripheral side of the glazing panel to the center of the window unit. The primary part is capable of being fixed onto another object like a car body, a decorative object, a building, a door frame, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: AGC GLASS EUROPE
    Inventors: Robert Hick, Roman Hynek, Jiri Machacek, Antonin Chaloupecky
  • Publication number: 20220316611
    Abstract: A jetted check valve includes a body with an upper opening and a lower opening. The jetted check valve also includes a primary poppet slidably disposed in the body to allow the flow of fluid from the lower opening and out of the upper opening and prevent the flow of fluid from the upper opening through the lower opening. The jetted check valve further includes a secondary poppet slidably disposed at least partially within the primary poppet to allow the flow of fluid from the lower opening and out of the upper opening and prevent the flow of fluid from the upper opening through the lower opening. A method of removing debris from above a jetted check valve and permitting production fluids to flow up hole through the jetted check valve. The method includes creating a secondary flow path in the jetted check valve to remove debris that settled up hole of the jetted check valve when production of an oil and gas well has been halted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Robert Hicks, Joshua Prather
  • Publication number: 20220259932
    Abstract: An artificial lift assembly and method relating thereto is designed to prevent inadvertent electrical discharge caused by fluids flowing through an electrical submersible pumping system, which is part of the assembly. The assembly uses a rupture disc to prevent fluid flow during introduction of the assembly into a wellbore and a dart and sleeve to prevent fluid flow during removal of the assembly from the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Robert Hicks, Josh Prather