Patents Issued in June 12, 2001
  • Patent number: 6244334
    Abstract: Self-enclosing heat exchangers are made from stacked plates having raised peripheral flanges on one side of the plates and continuous peripheral ridges on the other side of the plates, so that when the plates are put together, fully enclosed alternating flow channels are provided between the plates. The plates have raised bosses defining fluid ports that line-up in the stacked plates to form manifolds for the flow of heat exchange fluids through alternate plates. Turbulizers in the form of half-height shim plates are located between the plates. The shim plates have central portions defining flow augmentations extending from one side of the plates only, and the plates have peripheral edge portions that are coterminous with the respective continuous ridges raised peripheral flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Long Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventors: Alan K. Wu, Bruce L. Evans
  • Patent number: 6244335
    Abstract: A vehicular air-conditioner provided with a rear face duct and rear foot duct, wherein the dimensions of the vehicular air-conditioner in the lengthwise direction are reduced by arranging the rear face duct (26) and foot duct (31) to appear to overlap at the parts extending downward when viewed from the side. Specifically, the rear face duct (26) is bent to the vehicle front to fit in the space formed by splitting the foot duct 31 into two from an intermediate position of the downstream side to form the right side duct portion (31a) and the left side duct portion (31b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Nakamura, Tatsuo Tsunooka, Hiroshi Kanda, Nobuyasu Naito
  • Patent number: 6244336
    Abstract: Double shearing rams designed for use in a standard ram-type blowout preventer used in oil and gas drilling and workover operations are disclosed. The double shearing rams include an upper shear ram and a mating lower shear ram. The upper shear ram includes an upper cutting blade and a lower guide blade vertically spaced to form a cavity therebetween. The cavity is sized to receive the lower ram's cutting blade in close fitting engagement when the rams are closed. The upper shear ram has a primary cutting edge formed on its leading edge and a secondary edge vertically and axially displaced from the primary cutting edge. During shearing operations, initial movement of the shear rams allows the upper shear ram's primary cutting edge to cooperate with the lower shear ram's cutting blade to make an initial shear of the member or members in the blowout preventer's bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Cooper Cameron Corporation
    Inventor: Albert J. Kachich
  • Patent number: 6244337
    Abstract: A system for sealing the intersection between a primary borehole and a branch borehole comprises a primary casing section located in the primary borehole in the region of the branchpoint, and a branch casing section located in the branch borehole and secured to the primary casing section. The primary casing section is tubular and defines a slant surface which intersects a central axis of the primary casing section at an acute angle, so that the primary casing section can be pressed towards the branchpoint by means of a hollow whipstock or other wedge-shaped element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Francis Alexander Cumming, Simon Lawrence Fisher, Wilhelmus Christianus Maria Lohbeck
  • Patent number: 6244338
    Abstract: A method of stimulating coalbed methane production by injecting gas into a producer and subsequently placing the producer back on production is described. A decrease in water production may also result. The increase in gas production and decrease in water production may result from: (1) the displacement of water from the producer by gas; (2) the establishment of a mobile gas saturation at an extended distance into the coalbed, extending outward from the producer; and (3) the reduction in coalbed methane partial pressure between the coal matrix and the coal's cleat system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: The University of Wyoming Research Corp.,
    Inventor: Charles G. Mones
  • Patent number: 6244339
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of drilling and lining a lateral borehole, the apparatus comprising first and second casing sections joined at an obliquely angled rotatable joint allowing the two sections to be rotated relative to one another so that the longitudinal axis of the first section extends through a window on the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean Paul Buytaert
  • Patent number: 6244340
    Abstract: A self-locating reentry system is provided to allow reliable reentry from a primary wellbore into one or more secondary wellbores. The reentry system may include one or more self-locating assemblies which may be engaged with selected portions of a lateral opening disposed between the primary wellbore and a respective secondary wellbore. Each self-locating assembly and respective key or lug cooperate with each other to provide optimum location and alignment relative to the lateral opening for communication of well tools and smaller diameter tubing strings between the primary wellbore and the associated secondary wellbore. A retaining mechanism is preferably provided to maintain the locator lug or key in its first retracted position until the reentry system is at a desired downhole location relative to the selected lateral opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jody R. McGlothen, Daniel J. Themig, Robert T. Brooks, Dan P. Saurer, Colin M. MacRae, David J. Steele, William Sloane Muscroft, Denis C. Desranleau
  • Patent number: 6244341
    Abstract: A cyclic or “huff and puff” enhanced oil recovery process utilizes purified nitrogen gas as the injection gas. The purified nitrogen gas is preferably generated near the well site by the use of a membrane separator. The resulting purified nitrogen gas comprises at least about 90% by volume nitrogen with the remaining gas mixture fraction being primarily oxygen. The producing well is shut in. The gas mixture is injected down through the well into the formation. The well is then shut in allowing the gas mixture to soak into the formation for a predetermined period of time of at least 7 days and in some cases as much as 180 days or more. Then the well is placed on production and additional hydrocarbons are produced back from the same well into which the nitrogen gas was injected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Nitrogen Oil Recovery Systems LLC
    Inventor: Bernard J. Miller
  • Patent number: 6244342
    Abstract: The present invention relates to reverse-cementing apparatus. The reverse-cementing apparatus is a float apparatus connected in a pipe string to be cemented into a wellbore. The float apparatus includes an outer housing connected to the casing string. A check valve for preventing flow from the wellbore into the pipe string is disposed in the housing. The check valve is releasably disposed in the housing so that it can be removed from the housing once the pipe string is in place. A flow path for fluid from the wellbore into the pipe string is therefore provided. Cement displaced into the annulus will cause fluid in the wellbore to enter the pipe string through the housing so that the pipe string can be cemented in place utilizing a reverse-cementing method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby L. Sullaway, David D. Szarka
  • Patent number: 6244343
    Abstract: An improved method of cementing casing in a deep water offshore formation penetrated by a well bore comprising the steps of preparing a foamed cement composition comprised of calcium aluminate cement, a set accelerating additive, a thickening time increasing additive, water, a gas, and a mixture of foam forming and foam stabilizing surfactants; placing the cement composition in the annulus between the casing and well bore; and allowing the cement composition to set into a hard impermeable mass therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance E. Brothers, Anthony V. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6244344
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and compositions for cementing pipe strings in well bores. The methods of the invention are basically comprised of preparing a cement composition comprised of a hydraulic cement, an epoxy resin, a hardening agent for the epoxy resin and sufficient water to form a pumpable slurry. Thereafter, the cement composition is introduced into the annulus between a pipe string and a well bore and the cement composition is allowed to set into a resilient impermeable solid mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, Roger S. Cromwell, Robert D. Kuhlman, Bobby J. King
  • Patent number: 6244345
    Abstract: A lockable swivel (4) for use in drilling applications which allows the operator to selectively engage and disengage the swivel (4). The lockable swivel (4) is comprised of a locking mandrel (7) carried in a body (3) which engages, upon actuation, splined surfaces (20, 21) within the swivel mandrel (5) thereby locking the two together. Various methods for the use of the lockable swivel (4) in wireline and other drilling operations are demonstrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Specialty Rental Tool & Supply Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Helms
  • Patent number: 6244346
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed in which alkane-utilizing bacteria are used to reduce fouling of injection and recovery wells. Fouling materials such as combinations of bacteria and metal oxides that would otherwise clog the wells are prevented from depositing on the wells. In a preferred embodiment, a butane substrate and an oxygen-containing gas are injected near a well inlet or outlet to stimulate the growth of butane-utilizing bacteria which are effective at reducing or eliminating fouling of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Global BioSciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Felix Anthony Perriello
  • Patent number: 6244347
    Abstract: There are disclosed two embodiments of a subsea drilling, completion and/or workover apparatus which includes a spar buoy having a well therethrough, and a riser which extends through the well in the buoy for connection to the subsea wellhead during the drilling and/or completion process. A buoyancy tank is disposed about the riser within the buoy well to support the riser, and the upper end of the tank is fee to move vertically with respect to the well deck so that it will not be placed in compression despite anticipated rise and fall of the buoyancy tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce J. Watkins
  • Patent number: 6244348
    Abstract: A tubular wellhead member has an inner seal surface. A hydraulic passage extends through the wellhead member and terminates at a port at the seal surface. A tubing hanger having an outer mating surface lands in the wellhead member. A hydraulic line extends from a hydraulically operated downhole safety valve to a passage in the tubing hanger and terminates at a tubing hanger port. A seal is located at the tubing hanger port for sealing the junction with the tubular member port. A check valve is located within the seal to maintain the tubing hanger fluid passage closed until the tubing hanger lands in the wellhead. An adapter is employed to apply a running-in hydraulic fluid pressure to the tubing hanger hydraulic fluid passage with the check valve open. Then, the adapter closes the check valve to trap hydraulic fluid pressure in the line leading to the downhole safety valve. This pressure is sufficient to maintain the downhole safety valve in an open position during running in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventors: James A. Gariepy, Norman Brammer, Brett Robert McConaughy
  • Patent number: 6244349
    Abstract: A circulating nipple used to circulate fluid through well casing while running the casing into a well. The circulating nipple has a body portion and an elongated neck portion. The elongated neck portion is adapted for engagement with a pipe wrench for making the nipple up on the casing string. The body defines one or more holes therethrough adapted for receiving a handle or operating bar therein. The operating bar may be used as an alternative to, or in addition to, the use of the pipe wrench for making the nipple up on the casing string. Methods of running casing using the circulating nipple are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David P. Brisco
  • Patent number: 6244350
    Abstract: An apparatus for launching at least one plug into a tubular in a wellbore, in certain aspects, the apparatus having a hollow upper section with at least first and second upper ports one above the other, a landing seat, and a first fluid displaceable member below the second upper port, the hollow lower section adapted to retain a plug and having a first lower port and a landing collar for the fluid displaceable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Tarald Gudmestad, Jone Salte
  • Patent number: 6244351
    Abstract: A well string for use in a wellbore having plural fluid regions includes a flow conduit having an inner bore defining one of the fluid regions and an actuating assembly including an operator mechanism, an activation port in communication with the operator mechanism, and a member adapted to block the activation port. The member is moveable by an applied pressure in a first fluid region to expose the activation port to a second fluid region. The operator mechanism includes a piston assembly. The first fluid region may include the annulus region outside the flow conduit, and the second fluid region may include the flow conduit inner bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dinesh R. Patel, Anthony P. Vovers
  • Patent number: 6244352
    Abstract: A shoeing system for horses' hooves comprises a shoe (3) and shoe insert (2) of shock-absorbing material between the hoof and shoe. The single-part or multiple-part insert (2) is matched to the shape of the horse shoe (3) and is nailed in the front area between the hoof and shoe and can move in the rear area with the hoof relative to the shoe. This mobility is ensured by a sliding member (26) situated between the insert (2) and the shoe (3) and capable of moving relative to the shoe. In the heel area, the insert is provided on its inner side with beading (22) which both permits and restricts displacement of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Josef Luber
  • Patent number: 6244353
    Abstract: A fire extinguishing device for extinguishing a fire from a stationary fire extinguisher. The fire extinguishing device includes a housing having a top wall. A peripheral wall is integrally coupled to and extending downwardly away from the top wall such that the housing has an open bottom side. A canister for disbursing a fire retardant material is securely coupled to an inner surface of the top wall such that a valve mechanically coupled to the canister is directed towards the open bottom side. The canister contains a fire retardant material in a respectively pressurized environment. Control circuitry for actuating the valve is securely coupled to an inner surface of the peripheral wall and is operationally coupled to the valve. A sensor for sensing relatively high heat is electronically coupled to the control circuitry. The sensor is securely attached to the peripheral wall. A plurality of fastening members removably fastens the bottom wall to a ceiling wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Bromfield R. Greer
  • Patent number: 6244354
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a grass sod from a grass land are disclosed. The apparatus includes a cutting blade positioned between a front end and rear end of a sod cutting apparatus. An adjusting mechanism adjusts the position of the cutting blade to cut the grass sod a predetermined distance below a surface of the grass sod. A measuring mechanism measures a profile of the grass sod to be cut from the grass land and/or a thickness of the cut grass sod. A controller is connected to the measuring mechanism and the adjusting mechanism. The controller causes the adjusting mechanism to adjust the position of the cutting blade in response to the measuring mechanism detecting changes in the profile of the grass sod to be cut from the grass land and/or the thickness of the cut grass sod. The method includes setting a cutting blade to cut from the grass land the grass sod having the predetermined thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Harmelerwaard Patents B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Van Vuuren
  • Patent number: 6244355
    Abstract: An isolation mount having a first mounting surface arranged on a vehicle. The first surface has substantially vertical first mounting lugs arranged at a lower end of the first surface, and a first fastening device for holding at least one pair of resilient device. The resilient devices comprise first resilient portions and second resilient portions. The first fastening device is preferably arranged at a top end of the first surface. The isolation mount further has a pivoting device, which has a first side facing the first surface, a second side facing away from the first surface and substantially vertical second mounting lugs arranged at a lower end of the first side of the pivoting device. The second mounting lugs are attachable to the first mounting lugs via pins to form a first hinge, about which the pivoting device is pivotable. The pivoting device further has resilient device holding device arranged at a top end of the pivoting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald H. Hall
  • Patent number: 6244356
    Abstract: A repair tool that attaches to the handle end of the shaft of a golf club for repairing golf ball marks on a putting green includes a body with spaced, radially arranged, circumferencial, wedge shaped prongs on a first said. A slotted skirt attached to the second side of the body, in combination with a tapered plug, a bolt and a nut, fits into the shaft and expands outward to tightly attach the tool to the golf club. A cap fits over the prongs to prevent injury to the golfer. A ridge on the prongs fits into an internal groove in the cap to prevent accidental removal of the cap while allowing the cap to be removed when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: John Luna
  • Patent number: 6244358
    Abstract: A power tool is provided which includes a motor assembly having a rotatable motor shaft mechanism, and a motor control coupled to the motor assembly and operable between a normal off condition de-energizing the motor and an on condition energizing the motor. The tool includes a rotatable tool shaft mechanism, and a clutch shiftable between a normal disengaged condition decoupling the motor shaft mechanism from the tool shaft mechanism and an engaged condition coupling the motor shaft mechanism to the tool shaft mechanism. A trigger member is engageable with both the motor control and the clutch and is moveable between a first position, wherein the motor control is in its off condition and the clutch is in its disengaged condition, and a second position holding the motor control in its on condition and the clutch in its engaged condition for driving the tool shaft mechanism. The trigger member is designed to prevent premature energization of the motor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua M. Beer, Gordon A. Putney, Dennis A. Nowak
  • Patent number: 6244359
    Abstract: A drilling head used to seal around a drill pipe while drilling is employed in a subsea location. The drilling head has an inner body located within an outer body. At least one bearing is located between the outer body and the inner body for facilitating the rotation of the inner body relative to the outer body. A seal mounted to a lower portion of the inner body seals around the outer surface of the drill pipe. While lowering the drilling head to the wellhead, a support attached to the drill pipe is inserted into a skirt which surrounds a portion of the seal. The skirt and support are releasably connected using a J-slot mechanism. An inner annulus and an outer annulus are located between the inner and outer bodies, the annuluses containing a lubricating fluid. Helical vanes are located within the inner annulus and affixed to the inner body. The vanes rotate with the inner body for circulating the fluid through the inner and outer annuluses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles D. Bridges, Glen H. Cuiper, L. Steven Landriault, Noel A. Monjure
  • Patent number: 6244360
    Abstract: An apparatus for running a tubular. The apparatus is positioned in close proximity to a well center and comprises a base and a magazine. The magazine holds a plurality of tubulars and is rotatably mounted on the base. The magazine is reloaded in the proximity of the well center after a tubular has been dispensed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Nils Steinsland
  • Patent number: 6244361
    Abstract: A drilling direction control device, improvements in drilling direction control devices, methods for orienting a rotary driling system, and methods for rotary drilling. The drilling direction control device includes a rotatable drilling shaft, a housing for rotatably supporting a length of the drilling shaft, and a deflection assembly contained within the housing for bending the drilling shaft between a first support location and a second support location. The deflection assembly includes an outer ring which is rotatably supported on a circular inner peripheral surface of the housing and which has a circular inner peripheral surface that is eccentric with respect to the housing. The deflection assembly also includes an inner ring which is rotatably supported on the circular inner peripheral surface of the outer ring and which has a circular inner peripheral surface which engages the drilling shaft and which is eccentric with respect to the circular inner peripheral surface of the outer ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurier E. Comeau, Elis Vandenberg, Edward James Cargill, John Ransford Hardin, Jr., Terrance Dean Maxwell, Bryan James Restau, Frank Seadio Ramirez, Colin Walker, Rick Hay
  • Patent number: 6244362
    Abstract: A weir box disposed upstream from conventional solids control equipment of a mud system of a drilling rig contains a drilling mud separation unit having a continuous-loop scalper screen that is driven in a continuous loop to separate, convey and discharge large amounts of gumbo, heavy clays and drill solids at the end of the separation unit. The flow divider box is a box-like housing with a diverter plate, weir baffle plates and a sliding gate that allows drilling fluid or drilling mud to be selectively directed to the mud separation unit to be separated prior to passing to the conventional downstream solids control equipment or allows the fluid to bypass the separation unit and flow directly to the conventional solids control equipment. The sliding gate is adjustable to selectively control or meter the flow rate and to create a hydrostatic head upstream from the conventional solids control equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: J. Terrell Williams
  • Patent number: 6244363
    Abstract: A retrieval head (14) coupled to a downhole tool that is used for retrieving a drill bit composed of individual drill bit segments (14). The down hole tool is adapted to travel through a drill sting and a drive sub (12) attached to the drill string. The tool also releases segments (14) which are clamped between the drive sub (12) and a bit locking sleeve (16). The retrieval head (10) includes a body (30) having a first length (32) and a contiguous second length (34). The first length (32) is of constant diameter. The second length (34) has a portion (42) of reduced diameter relative to that of the first length (32). The diameter of the first length (32) is dimensioned so that the bit segments (14) can initially collapse radially inwardly wholly onto an outer circumferential surface (38) of the length (32). The reduced diameter portion (42) is dimensioned so that when the bit segments (14) are disposed thereon, the bit segments (14) can pass through the drive sub (12) and bit locking sleeve (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: DHT Technologies, LTD
    Inventor: Gavin T. McLeod
  • Patent number: 6244364
    Abstract: An earth-boring device such as a drill bit is disclosed. The earth boring device includes a rotary main cutting structure, an insert on the main cutting structure. The insert is formed of a composition having tungsten carbide and cobalt. The cobalt makes up less than approximately 9% by weight of the composition. The composition has a Rockwell A hardness greater than approximately an Hmin as determined by the following formula: Hmin=91.1−0.63X, where X represents a cobalt content by weight of the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Cariveau, Robert Slaughter, Zhigang Fang
  • Patent number: 6244365
    Abstract: Cutting elements for incorporation in a drill bit are provided having a body having an end face interfacing with an ultra hard material cutting layer. A main depression having a nonplanar surface is formed on the substrate and extending to the edge of the substrate subjected to the highest impact loads during drilling. This edge is immediately below the edge of the cutting layer which makes direct contact with the earth formations during drilling. The main depression is formed by forming a plurality of secondary depressions or steps such that depth of the main depression decreases in a radial direction towards the edge of the cutting element. An ultra hard material layer is bonded to the end face of the cutting element body such that the cutting layer is the thickest over the main depression. Consequently, the cutting layer edge making contact with the earth formations during drilling has an increased thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen G. Southland
  • Patent number: 6244366
    Abstract: A power operated vehicle, of the type guided by a walking attendant, for conveying a plurality of nestable carts. The vehicle has a main body portion and is supported by a front rotatable caster and two rear drive wheels mounted on an axle. The drive wheels are in differential and are driven by a motor connected to a power supply. A control handle is offset to the side for controlling the operation of the vehicle. An adjustable hitch is attached to the rear for accepting the lead nestable cart. The adjustable hitch pivots at a point proximal the axle. The adjustable hitch pivots independent of the movement of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Smarte Carte, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Otterson, Paul F. Stephan
  • Patent number: 6244367
    Abstract: A partial oxidation reformer comprising a longitudinally extending chamber having a methanol, water and an air inlet and an outlet. An igniter mechanism is near the inlets for igniting a mixture of methanol and air, while a partial oxidation catalyst in the chamber is spaced from the inlets and converts methanol and oxygen to carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Controlling the oxygen to methanol mole ratio provides continuous slightly exothermic partial oxidation reactions of methanol and air producing hydrogen gas. The liquid is preferably injected in droplets having diameters less than 100 micrometers. The reformer is useful in a propulsion system for a vehicle which supplies a hydrogen-containing gas to the negative electrode of a fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: The University of Chicago
    Inventors: Shabbir Ahmed, Romesh Kumar, Michael Krumpelt
  • Patent number: 6244368
    Abstract: A hybrid powered vehicle of the present invention reduces the vibrations caused by changes in torque to thereby achieve excellent driving characteristics. The hybrid powered vehicle has an electric motor, an engine and a vehicle driving power source, which outputs a vehicle driving power from at least one of the engine and the electric motor in a plurality of driving modes including an electric motor single driving mode. A starting clutch capable of varying a torque transmission capacity is provided between the vehicle driving power source and drive wheels, and the torque transmission capacity of the starting clutch is controlled according to an output, which a driver requires from the vehicle driving power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Ando, Kaoru Sawase, Yuichi Ushiroda
  • Patent number: 6244369
    Abstract: An operator's cab structure for a construction machine, arranged to minimize the degree of lateral projection of a cab door on the outer side of a left enclosure section, for the purpose of securing a broader dwelling space within a cab. A side panel or wall portion which is provided in a left side enclosure section of a cab box is located in a receded position inward of outer marginal edges of a ceiling enclosure section. By this arrangement, an open door accommodating space is formed or defined on the rear side of the left side enclosure section by an outer surface of the side wall portion, lower surface of the ceiling enclosure section and rear surface of a center pillar. As a consequence, when the cab door is opened, it is received in the open door accommodating space to minimize the extent of lateral projection of the door on the outer side of the left enclosure section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Yunoue, Fumimasa Saeki, Yoshiaki Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 6244370
    Abstract: A drive system for a grounds care device using two identical final drives in combination with two identical power units to provide directional drive to the wheels. The final drives and power units are assembled to each other differently for use on each side to provide the required relative reverse rotation of each drive wheel while maintaining the same direction of control movement for forward (or reverse) movement of each drive wheel (in regards to machine movement). Additionally, the drive belt for the cutting unit is routed between the power units (rather than under or over) to allow a lower center of gravity for increased stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventor: Tim Peter
  • Patent number: 6244371
    Abstract: A steering system of a non-track-bound motor vehicle having steered vehicle wheels which are operatively connected to a steering handle in normal operation only via an electronic regulating arrangement which checks itself continuously for correct operation. In a manner dependent on a desired-value transmitter actuated by the steering handle and on an actual-value transmitter actuated by way of the vehicle wheels, this regulating arrangement actuates an actuating drive for the steering displacement of the steered vehicle wheels. If the regulating arrangement malfunctions, a positive coupling between the steering handle and the steered vehicle wheels is automatically activated. This also occurs if a characteristic variable correlated with the desired/actual value deviation of the steering angle is outside tolerance thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Hubert Bohner, Martin Moser, Reinhold Schneckenburger
  • Patent number: 6244372
    Abstract: A power steering apparatus which generates a steering assist force by a hydraulic pressure generated by a pump driven by an electric motor. The power steering apparatus actuates the electric motor in its off state, on condition that a change amount of a steering angle exceeds an actuation threshold. A first actuation threshold which is to be employed when a steering wheel is operated away from a steering angle midpoint and a second actuation threshold which is to be employed when the steering wheel is operated toward the steering angle midpoint are determined in accordance with a sensed steering angle so that the sum of the first and second actuation thresholds is virtually constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Sakamaki, Hiroaki Kaji
  • Patent number: 6244373
    Abstract: Target rotational speed of servo motor 31 is set based on steering speed &thgr;hv detected by steering speed sensor and transmission ratio G set according to a running condition, and speed of servo motor is controlled so that rotational speed &thgr;pv of servo motor detected by rotational speed sensor may agree with the target rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takahiro Kojo, Junji Kawamuro, Masahiko Shindo, Morihiro Matsuda
  • Patent number: 6244374
    Abstract: In an electrically operated power steering device wherein a rotational shaft of an electric motor is rotationally driven so as to apply a steering assist force to a steering shaft, a stator of the electric motor is provided with teeth portions composed of electromagnetic steel plates, coils wound around the teeth portions, and a yoke portion made of a magnetic substance that accommodates the coils and the teeth portions and can be utilized as a housing. Hence, the electrically operated power steering device can be made simple and compact, and it is possible to ensure running stability of the vehicle appropriately (i.e., to prevent swinging motions in response to a force inputted from the steering wheels).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaaki Tomita, Ryoji Mizutani
  • Patent number: 6244375
    Abstract: This invention provides near real-time systems and methods for acquiring seismic data in reservoirs at very high resolution such that advancing fluid fronts can be mapped substantially in real time. In one system, one or more autonomous devices are deployed in the well to detect seismic data. Each device includes at least one seismic receiver. An acoustic energy source, preferably at the surface, induces acoustic waves into the subsurface formations. The autonomous devices move in the well and detect seismic waves at selected discrete locations in the well. The seismic data is stored in on-board memory. After the data acquisition, the devices dock at a receiver stations in the well. The receiver stations download the stored data from the memory and transmit such data to a surface control unit via a two-way data link between the receiver and the surface control unit. The surface computer system also sends command signals to the downhole receiver to control the operation of the individual devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael W. Norris, Philip Burge
  • Patent number: 6244376
    Abstract: A stethoscope head for a one-way stethoscope with a membrane. The stethoscope has a funnel or bell-shaped resonance body. A membrane and the resonance body enclose a resonance chamber that is interconnected to the air column in the lumen of a tube. A capsule of a soundproof material completely surrounds a distal region of the resonance body without contact, leaving just an opening through which the tube passes. A suspension element of elastomer material forms a mobile connection between the capsule and the holding ring attached to the peripheral rim of the resonance body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Artemio Granzotto
  • Patent number: 6244377
    Abstract: A machinery sound absorbing apparatus includes a machine which generates a machinery sound, and a sound absorbing unit provided above the machine to have a convex shape in an upward direction. The sound absorbing unit includes a reflection plane as an underside surface opposing to the machine. The reflection plane is formed of a sound absorbing material and is a set of plane elements, each of which has an angle of 30 degree or less with respect of a vertical direction. Also, the reflection plane is smooth to a wavelength of the machinery sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiya Iwanami
  • Patent number: 6244378
    Abstract: An acoustically significant composite panel having a general sound-absorbing face (or a general sound-diffusing face) and a tuned sound-absorbing face. Such a panel includes a sandwich or composite of a first layer of molding media, a honeycomb of cells and a second layer of molding media. The first layer has at least one or more apertures in it that convert the corresponding cells into Helmholtz resonators. These Helmholtz resonators can be tuned to the same or different frequencies. The second layer is generally sound-absorbing. A general diffuser structure can be attached to the second layer. These panels can be attached to the walls and/or ceilings of a room to control its sonic quality. Also, these panels can be suspended vertically below a ceiling to control noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph D. McGrath
  • Patent number: 6244379
    Abstract: An automatically adjustable safety harness, intended to be sewn into a lining which is equipped with fasteners for integration of the lining into a pair of working trousers. The harness has a waist belt which, via two connecting straps with fixed loops and via two position straps, is connected with end loops on two leg straps. The position straps hold the respective leg straps separated from the genitals of the user, and the connecting straps are moveable a predetermined distance relative to the waist belt, whereby the leg straps are movable from a loose, rest position to a tight, working position around the leg of the user, through the corresponding connecting straps being stretched by a force acting on respective fixed loop. The stroke length ensures that the respective leg straps do not tighten too firmly around the legs of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Byggsan Fallskydd AB
    Inventor: Mikael Larson
  • Patent number: 6244380
    Abstract: A simple and relatively lightweight personal fire escape assembly device attaches to the non-ground floor of a patio of a high rise building and provides an easy escape route to the patio of the floor below in the event of emergency. Device includes three stackable annular ring elements, namely, a cover, a hollow center ring and a bottom disc. The center ring and bottom disc attach to the top and bottom, respectively, of a ladder and a series of chain elements. The hollow center ring also attaches to a hinge bracket which connects to the transverse piping part of U-shaped piping made of two vertical pipes and a transverse horizontal pipe where the vertical pipes are fastened to the floor of the patio. In stored position the device other than the piping hangs down from the piping by means of the hinge bracket. In an emergency the user rotates the device 270 degrees so that the hinge bracket of the device rests on the railing of the patio and the rings extend beyond the railing. User removes the cover ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Anthony Naccarato
  • Patent number: 6244381
    Abstract: A ladder hoist device for hoisting material up an extension ladder. The ladder hoist device includes a device that is able to move materials up and down an extension ladder. The device has a back plate. The back plate has a front side, a back side, a top edge and a bottom edge. A support plate supports the materials. The support plate has an edge fixedly coupled to the front side of the back plate. A mounting frame has a plurality of rollers for guiding the back plate along the rails of the ladder. A plurality of brackets rotatably couple the rollers to the back plate. Each of the brackets is coupled to each other and to the back plate. The rollers engage the ladder. A pulley system pulls the back plate up the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Timothy E. Ruble
  • Patent number: 6244382
    Abstract: A ladder attachment for supporting a ladder in a substantially upright position while suspending the top end of the ladder a predetermined distance from a vertical surface includes an elongated central portion attachable to each side rail of the ladder. A pair of diverging arms are pivotably attached to the central portion each of which can be selectively repositioned relative thereto with a removable locking pin. A collapsible cross member interconnects the arms. Each end of the cross member is selectively positionable along the length of the corresponding arm. An elongated translatable shaft interconnects the central portion and the cross member to adjust the spacing between the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Leopold Labonte
  • Patent number: 6244383
    Abstract: A ladder scaffold device attaches to a ladder to define a scaffold and work area for a user of the ladder scaffold device. The ladder scaffold device is capable of being inserted into at least one rung of the ladder. The ladder scaffold device comprises a platform; a platform frame, in which the platform frame comprises a first back frame member, a second frame member, first and second side frame members; and a front frame member; and a plurality of support members. The plurality of support members comprises platform support members and additional support members, in which the platform support members are capable of being inserted into a rung of the ladder. The first back frame member extends into a rung of the ladder and the second back frame member extends into the rung of the ladder that the first back frame member extends. Each of the side support members is capable of being connected to one of the first and second back frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Koock Elan Jung
  • Patent number: 6244384
    Abstract: A hand held transmission fluid exchanger including a housing block having parallel new and used fluid passages therein, such passages being joined by a return passage having a pressure relief valve therein. The method involves connecting such exchanger with a conventional on-demand transmission fluid supply system having a meter therein and holding the dispensing gun open so that flow is controlled by valves incorporated in the exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Flo-Dynamics, Inc. LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Few