Patents by Inventor Robert W. Hughes
Robert W. Hughes 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).
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Patent number: 9084375Abstract: An airflow module for being received in a module bay of a data storage device enclosure is disclosed. The airflow module comprises a body having: a first face having a first opening therein; a second face having a second opening therein, the first face being adjacent to the second face; and, an airflow channel between the first opening and the second opening so as to allow the passage of air between the first opening and the second opening. The first and second openings are arranged to co-operate with airflow openings in modules positioned in adjacent bays of a said data storage device enclosure to direct a cooling stream of air between said modules in use. The airflow channel is free from components that generate substantial amounts of heat in their normal operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventor: Robert W. Hughes
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Publication number: 20150159473Abstract: Methods and systems for increasing the length of time of effectiveness for the plunger lifting liquid load from a gas well, by allowing the plunger to stay ahead of the liquid inflow into the wellbore. The methods and systems involve a plunger control logic which uses measurements of the liquid load pressure, the casing pressure, the line pressure, and the tubing pressure to time the opening and closing of various valves, in order to optimize the lifting of the liquid load to surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2014Publication date: June 11, 2015Inventor: ROBERT W. HUGHES
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Publication number: 20090135558Abstract: An airflow module for being received in a module bay of a data storage device enclosure is disclosed. The airflow module comprises a body having: a first face having a first opening therein; a second face having a second opening therein, the first face being adjacent to the second face; and, an airflow channel between the first opening and the second opening so as to allow the passage of air between the first opening and the second opening. The first and second openings are arranged to co-operate with airflow openings in modules positioned in adjacent bays of a said data storage device enclosure to direct a cooling stream of air between said modules in use. The airflow channel is free from components that generate substantial amounts of heat in their normal operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2008Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: XYRATEX TECHNOLOGY LIMITEDInventor: Robert W. HUGHES
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Publication number: 20080218949Abstract: An enclosure for containing one or more electronic devices is disclosed. The enclosure comprises walls defining a channel; an air movement device in the channel, the channel having an air inlet upstream of the air movement device in communication with a first region of the enclosure; and, a pressure chamber in the channel downstream of the air movement device. The air movement device is arranged so as in use to blow air drawn from the air inlet into the pressure chamber. The pressure chamber has an increased resistance to airflow so as to positively pressurise the air flowing therethrough. The pressure chamber has a first air outlet in communication with a second region of the enclosure and a second air outlet in communication with the exterior of the enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: XYRATEX TECHNOLOGY LIMITEDInventor: Robert W. Hughes
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Publication number: 20030222550Abstract: A data storage device chassis for housing a plurality of data storage devices has a plurality of walls at least some of which have at least one guide strip along at least part of the length of the wall to define a plurality of bays in which data storage devices (18) can be housed. The guide strips support respective data storage devices in the bays such that the data storage devices can be slid into and out of the bays by sliding along the guide strips. The at least some of the walls are composed of a non-metallic material such that the surface of said guide strips along which a data storage device slides is non-metallic. Each of said at least some of the walls have an electrically conductive portion passing through the wall to provide for electrical conduction between the bays thereby providing electrical shielding for data storage devices housed in the bays.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Applicant: XYRATEX TECHNOLOGY LIMITEDInventors: Graham P. Boswell, Robert W. Hughes, Malcolm Muggeridge, Mark Scicluna
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Patent number: 5957199Abstract: A process for optimizing natural gas production from a well in the presence of liquids is provided where the well has a casing and a tubing landed therein for producing gas and removing the liquids. The process involves the steps of: opening the casing for gas production and closing the tubing to fluid flow; monitoring differential pressure between the open casing and the closed tubing; detecting a loaded well upon the differential pressure reaching a Well Differential Set Point value; switching gas production to the tubing by closing the casing and opening the tubing; monitoring pressures of the closed casing and the open tubing; removing liquids from the well through the tubing, during which time at least some gas production continues through the tubing during the liquid removal; and, returning gas production to the casing when the well is unloaded of liquid by repeating the above procedure.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Kenonic Controls Ltd.Inventors: Dan J. McLean, Robert W. Hughes
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Patent number: 5606838Abstract: A roof panel attachment clip includes a bracket having an upper flange, and a sliding member which supports one or more tabs. The sliding member and the bracket have alignable openings such as slots above a hole for receiving a bolt which connects the bracket to a purlin. The openings are sized to receive the shaft of an installation tool, such as a socket wrench, and must be aligned in order to get the wrench properly on the fastener. The installer is thus assisted in centering the tabs in the slots as he connects the bracket to the purlin. Once the tool is withdrawn, it is possible to slide the tabs out of position, but a biasing force between the sliding member and the bracket resists such movement.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1995Date of Patent: March 4, 1997Assignee: Butler Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Robert W. Hughes, Bryan Balshaw
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Patent number: 5195229Abstract: A cam shaft assembly (10) constructed from a plurality of lobes (14) spaced along the longitudinal axis of a tubular shaft member (12). Each lobe (14) is defined by a body portion (16) and a camming portion (20). The lobes (14) define a pair of oppositely facing radially extending side surface (22) which have axially extending shoulders (24) thereon. The shoulders (24) are for mating engagement with a gauging surface (44) to positively position the lobe (14) angularly with respect to the longitudinal axis while the lobes (14) are being secured to the tubular shaft member (12). The assembly (10) also includes bearing journals (18) on the tubular shaft member (12). A method and apparatus for making the cam shaft assembly (10) are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1991Date of Patent: March 23, 1993Inventor: Robert W. Hughes
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Patent number: 5157832Abstract: A cam shaft assembly (10) constructed from a plurality of lobes (14) spaced along the longitudinal axis of a tubular shaft member (12). Each lobe (14) is defined by a body portion (16) and a camming portion (20). The lobes (14) define a pair of oppositely facing radially extending side surface (22) which have axially extending shoulders (24) thereon. The shoulders (24) are for mating engagement with a gauging surface (44) to positively position the lobe (14) angularly with respect to the longitudinal axis while the lobes (14) are being secured to the tubular shaft member (12). The assembly (10) also includes bearing journals (18) on the tubular shaft member (12). A method and apparatus for making the cam shaft assembly (10) are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1992Date of Patent: October 27, 1992Inventor: Robert W. Hughes
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Patent number: 5085099Abstract: A cam shaft assembly (10) constructed from a plurality of lobes (14) spaced along the longitudinal axis of a tubular shaft member (12). Each lobe (14) is defined by a body portion (16) and a camming portion (20). The lobes (14) define a pair of oppositely facing radially extending side surface (22) which have axially extending shoulders (24) thereon. The shoulders (14) are for mating engagement with a gauging surface (44) to positively position the lobe (14) angularly with respect to the longitudinal axis while the lobes (14) are being secured to the tubular shaft member (12). The assembly (10) also includes bearing journals (18) on the tubular shaft member (12). A method and apparatus for making the cam shaft assembly (10) are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1990Date of Patent: February 4, 1992Inventor: Robert W. Hughes
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Patent number: 4763503Abstract: A cam shaft made from lobes having irregularly shaped apertures spaced along the longitudinal axis of a hollow tubular shaft. The method of making the cam shaft includes the steps of: inserting a hollow tubular shaft through the apertures of a plurality of the lobes axially and radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The method is characterized by flaring at least a first end of the shaft and backing the exterior of the first flared end to prevent axial radial movement thereof. In addition, a plug means is inserted into fluid sealing engagement with the interior of the first flared end to sandwich the flared end against the backing of the exterior thereof. The hollow shaft is filled with liquid and the opposite ends of the shaft are clamped between the plug means at the first flared end and a fluid sealing means at the opposite end of the hollow shaft. Hydraulic force is then applied to the interior of the shaft to expand the hollow shaft into engagement with the apertures of the lobes.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1987Date of Patent: August 16, 1988Inventors: Robert W. Hughes, Robert H. Brisson, Glenn R. Brisson
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Patent number: 4738012Abstract: A cam shaft made from lobes having irregularly shaped apertures spaced along the longitudinal axis of a hollow tubular shaft. The method of making the cam shaft includes the steps of: inserting a hollow tubular shaft through the apertures of a plurality of the lobes axially and radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The method is characterized by flaring at least a first end of the shaft and backing the exterior of the first flared end to prevent axial radial movement thereof. In addition, a plug means is inserted into fluid sealing engagement with the interior of the first flared end to sandwich the flared end against the backing of the exterior thereof. The hollow shaft is filled with liquid and the opposite ends of the shaft are clamped between the plug means at the first flared end and a fluid sealing means at the opposite end of the hollow shaft. Hydraulic force is then applied to the interior of the shaft to expand the hollow shaft into engagement with the apertures of the lobes.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1987Date of Patent: April 19, 1988Inventors: Robert W. Hughes, Robert H. Brisson, Glenn R. Brisson
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Patent number: 4706764Abstract: Disclosed is a two piece drill chuck for use with downhole drills and the like. The new chuck features a replaceable wear collar portion which permits optimum material selection and heat treatment for each part of the chuck thereby extending its useful life. By expanding the wear collar slightly beyond the drill diameter and extending it axially rearward an improved measure of protection is also afforded to the drill casing.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1986Date of Patent: November 17, 1987Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand CompanyInventor: Robert W. Hughes
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Patent number: 4693138Abstract: A cam shaft made from lobes having irregularly shaped apertures spaced along the longitudinal axis of a hollow tubular shaft. The method of making the cam shaft includes the steps of: inserting a hollow tubular shaft through the apertures of a plurality of the lobes axially and radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The method is characterized by flaring at least a first end of the shaft and backing the exterior of the first flared end to prevent axial radial movement thereof. In addition, a plug means is inserted into fluid sealing engagement with the interior of the first flared end to sandwich the flared end against the backing of the exterior thereof. The hollow shaft is filled with liquid and the opposite ends of the shaft are clamped between the plug means at the first flared end and a fluid sealing means at the opposite end of the hollow shaft. Hydraulic force is then applied to the interior of the shaft to expand the hollow shaft into engagment with the apertures of the lobes.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1985Date of Patent: September 15, 1987Inventors: Robert W. Hughes, Robert H. Brisson, Glenn R. Brisson
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Patent number: 4676495Abstract: Apparatus for assembling sheets into a stack, the apparatus comprising a stacking station having two laterally spaced guide elements (25A,25B) defining first and second guide surfaces fixed relatively to one another. First and second transport systems. (2,3; 9,11,12) define respective first and second paths, the first transport system being adapted to transport sheets along the first path to the stacking station (24) and the second transport system being adapted to transport sheets in both directions along the second path between positions upstream and downstream of the stacking station (24). The guide elements (25A,25B) are movable between first and second positions (25',25). In the first position sheets fed along the first and second paths from positions upstream of the stacking station (24) are guided along respective ones of the first and second guide surfaces to a position downstream of the stacking station in the second path.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1986Date of Patent: June 30, 1987Assignee: De La Rue Systems LimitedInventor: Robert W. Hughes
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Patent number: 4551050Abstract: According to a depicted embodiment thereof, the novel threaded engagement means comprises a drill rod coupling which is centrally bored and threaded to receive threaded drill rods. A stack of apertured discs, however, engages and lines the threaded bore. The discs intimately engage, and bridge between, the coupling and drill rod threads, and communicate torque therebetween. The coupling has a bearing surface or land upon which the discs are supported, and a retainer set in a recess formed in the coupling secures the disc stack in place.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1983Date of Patent: November 5, 1985Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand CompanyInventors: Robert W. Hughes, James F. Cantrel
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Patent number: 4505343Abstract: According to a depicted embodiment thereof, the novel earth bit comprises a shank having a threaded end and a bit head centrally bored and threaded to receive a shank. A stack of apertured discs, however, is interposed between the threaded bore or cavity in the bit head and the threaded end of the shank. The discs intimately engage, and bridge between, the shank and bit head threads, and communicate torque therebetween. The bit head cavity has a bearing surface or land upon which the discs are supported, and the shank has an annular shoulder which bears upon the stack and, thus, compressive forces are communicated from the shank to the bit head. The bit head, of the invention, then, comprises the aforesaid bit head, having the stack of discs secured therein by a retainer, for use, in a plural-part earth bit having a threaded shank.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1983Date of Patent: March 19, 1985Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand CompanyInventors: Robert W. Hughes, James F. Cantrel
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Patent number: 4413689Abstract: According to a depicted embodiment thereof, the novel earth bit comprises a shank having a threaded end and a bit head centrally bored and threaded to receive a shank. A stack of apertured discs, however, is interposed between the threaded bore or cavity in the bit head and the threaded end of the shank. The discs intimately engage, and bridge between, the shank and bit head threads, and communicate torque therebetween. The bit head cavity has a bearing surface or land upon which the discs are supported, and the shank has an annular shoulder which bears upon the stack and, thus, compressive forces are communicated from the shank to the bit head. The bit head, of the invention, then, comprises the aforesaid bit head, having the stack of discs secured therein by a retainer, for use, in a plural-part earth bit having a threaded shank.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1982Date of Patent: November 8, 1983Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Co.Inventors: Robert W. Hughes, James F. Cantrel
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Patent number: D334518Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1991Date of Patent: April 6, 1993Assignee: Michael E. HughesInventors: Michael E. Hughes, Robert W. Hughes