Patents Issued in January 16, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030010463
    Abstract: An apparatus for loading fibers in a fiber suspension with calcium carbonate has a housing with an inlet and an accept outlet. A rotatable distribution member is positioned within the housing. A rotor and stator assembly is positioned within the housing radially outside of the distribution member. A toothed ring is interposed between the distribution rotor and the rotor and stator assembly. The toothed ring and the rotor and stator assembly define a gas ring therebetween. A reactant gas supply is fluidly coupled with the gas ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Klaus Doelle
  • Publication number: 20030010464
    Abstract: A shoe press comprises a shoe support device mounted downstream of the press shoe of the shoe press to carry forces acting on the press shoe and having a first support element that has a support surface facing the press shoe and is fixedly connected to a stationary stand of the shoe press, and a second support element in the form of at least one rolling body arranged in a space between the support surface of the first support element and an opposite support surface of the press shoe to be in contact with the two support surfaces during operation. The rolling body is arranged to roll along the two support surfaces when the press shoe is moved relative to a second support element in the shoe press, while rotating about an axis of rotation that moves in relation to and in the same direction as the press shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Metso Paper Karlstad AB
    Inventor: Erik Brox
  • Publication number: 20030010465
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for machining a mold material to produce a mold. By casting based on a cast mold model (15), a mold material (20) is produced in a form having a work margin. Thereafter, a shape of the mold material (20) is measured by a measuring device (16), and measurement data and an envelope model (M2) generated based on the measurement data are stored in a storage unit (12A) of a computer (12). Thereafter, a mold model (M1) based on mold design data and an envelope model (M2) are displayed on a display unit (12C), and the envelope model (M2) is linearly moved in direction of three axes X, Y and Z orthogonal to one another respectively and rotated around the three axes to bring a product forming plane (M2B) of the envelope model (M2) into close proximity of a product forming plane (M1B) of the mold model (M1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Yutaka Miyamoto, Norihiko Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20030010466
    Abstract: An injector (100) for a molten metal supply system includes an injector housing (102) configured to contain molten metal. A molten metal supply source (132) is in fluid communication with the housing (102). A piston (104) extends into the housing (102). The piston (102) is movable through a return stroke allowing molten metal (134) to be received into the housing (102) from the molten metal supply source (132), and a displacement stroke for displacing the molten metal (134) from the housing (102). A gas supply source (144) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) through a gas control valve (146). The gas supply source (144) is used to pressurize a space (148) formed between the molten metal (134) and the piston (104) during the return stroke of the piston (104) such that when the piston (104) moves through the displacement stroke a compressed gas filled space is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Vivek M. Sample, Scott E. Reighard, Vincent A. Paola, Ronald G. Chabal
  • Publication number: 20030010467
    Abstract: A multiple-slide die-casting machine (20) is equipped with improved mechanical structure and unique injection control system to improve the quality of molded products, to achieve flash free castings of improved surface finish. The clamping assemblies (52A, 52B, 52C, 52D) are mounted on one side of a base plate (22) of the machine for applying clamping force to the mold sections in a preloaded state. A reinforcement ring (56) interconnects the clamping assemblies to inhibit deflection of the base plate and the brackets (72) which support the clamping assemblies so that an accurate parting line between the contacting surfaces of mold sections is insured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Alexandre A. Pollak, Carl Thibault, Alain Bourbonnais, Richard Laveau
  • Publication number: 20030010468
    Abstract: A method for introducing and compacting molding sand S in a mold space defined by a pattern plate (10a), a lower auxiliary frame (16b), a flask (18), a filling frame (20), and multi-segmented squeeze feet (36a). First, the molding sand S is introduced into the mold space. The squeeze feet (36a) are then lowered to apply a first squeeze to the mold sand S in the mold space under a condition wherein at least the lower frame (16a) cannot be lowered. The squeeze feet (36a) are then lowered to apply a second squeeze to the mold sand S in the mold space under a condition wherein the lower frame (16a), the flask (18), and the filling frame (20) can be lowered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Kimikazu Kaneto, Minoru Hirata, Yutaka Hadano
  • Publication number: 20030010469
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for casting a workpiece, especially a turbine blade with inner cooling, comprising a casting cavity (1) in which casting cores (2) which produce channels (3) that pass through the workpiece are provided. The aim of the invention is to improve a device of this type in such a way that there are no poorly cooled areas present in the workpiece. To this end, the casting cores (2) are placed in the casting cavity (1) in such a way that they rest against each other loosely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Tiemann
  • Publication number: 20030010470
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the continuous casting of metals, especially steel, by means of a continuous casting mould (1) which is mounted in an oscillating frame (3). Said oscillating frame can be driven so that it oscillates in the direction of casting (2), the course of the oscillation movement and/or the frequency being adjustable. The oscillating frame (3) is mounted with spring assemblies (4a, 4b; 5a, 5b) arranged symmetrically on both sides of the strand, for guiding and weight compensation. The device is used on a continuous casting mould (1) with a shaped casting cross-section (1a), which is mounted in the oscillating frame (3). The leaf-spring-mounted oscillating frame (3) can be operated with the continuous casting mould (1) in a resonance oscillation method in order to give the preliminary section a better surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Lothar Fischer, Adolf Zajber, Thomas Fest, Siegbert Schwenecke
  • Publication number: 20030010471
    Abstract: An improved mold assembly for a continuous casting machine includes a mold liner assembly having an inner surface defining a casting space in which molten metal is shaped and cooled, an immersion nozzle, terminating within the casting space, for introducing molten metal into the casting space, and selective cooling structure for selectively cooling the mold liner assembly in such a manner that cooling is directed in varying intensities to different portions of the inner surface of the mold liner assembly according to predetermined circulation patterns in the molten metal, whereby heat transfer inequality as a result of convection is accommodated over the entire inner surface of the mold liner assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: John A. Grove, James B. Sears
  • Publication number: 20030010472
    Abstract: In the case of a process for the production of homogeneous mixtures of alloys, in particular of intermetallic phases of at least two alloy components, by the melting of raw materials in an inductively heated cold wall furnace the following processing steps are applied:
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Alok Choudhury, Matthias Blum, Stefan Pleier, Georg Jarczyk
  • Publication number: 20030010473
    Abstract: In a regenerator for a regenerative cycle machine, regenerator foil is grooved on both sides, with intersections of grooves on opposite side forming holes at which separate flows of fluid interact to induce flows ancillary to the overall direction of flow in the regenerator, thereby enhancing heat transfer to and from the material of the regenerator and improving thermodynamic performance of the gas cycle machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Matthew P. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20030010474
    Abstract: A casing 21 of an automotive air conditioner is formed with a hole TH for accommodating a steering member S extending in a right-left direction of a vehicle. The hole TH extends through the casing 1 in the right-left direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Daisuke Araki, Hideki Nagano, Eiji Yanagida, Kazuhisa Katchi, Akitoshi Noguchi, Tsutomu Nakamigawa, Katsuichi Yamamoto, Takehide Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20030010475
    Abstract: A method for fixing components to a pipe for circulation of a fluid forming part of a heat exchanger (1), in particular a condenser of an air-conditioning system, the method envisaging at least one step of preliminary connection of at least one component (4) to the pipe (2), followed by a brazing process in order to obtain final connection of the component (4) to the pipe (2). According to the invention, in the course of said step of preliminary connection, the component (4) is mechanically fixed to the pipe (2) by means of at least one rivet (5) and, following upon said brazing process, fluid-tight sealing is obtained between the component (4), the pipe (2) and the rivet (5) by means of melting of surface material (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: DENSO THERMAL SYSTEMS SPA
    Inventor: Andrea Parola
  • Publication number: 20030010476
    Abstract: A wick arrangement for an anesthetic evaporator includes a wick with a carrier material (2) that is essentially impermeable to gas provided with wick material (3, 4) on both sides. A great path length is provided for saturating the gas with anesthetic vapor in the smallest possible installation volume by providing flow channels such as helical flow channels (10, 11) extending helically on both sides of the wick. The gas flow is led in counterflow in the flow channels (10, 11) by a housing (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Karl-Ludwig Gippert
  • Publication number: 20030010477
    Abstract: A thermal bus is provided for cabinets housing high power electronics equipment that includes two spaced-apart horizontally oriented parallel evaporators interconnected in flow communication with a condenser. Each evaporator is mounted in a support having a central recess and each having a tube having a capillary wick disposed on an internal surface and being mounted within the central recess of the support. Each of the tubes includes a closed distal end and a closed proximal end with a liquid-working fluid entrance port located at the closed proximal end of the first tube and a vaporous-working fluid exit port located at the closed proximal end of the second tube. A duct defining a central passageway and having a capillary wick disposed on the walls of the central passageway is disposed in fluid communication with the first tube and the second tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Dmitry Khrustalev, Jon Zuo
  • Publication number: 20030010478
    Abstract: A plurality of fluid-fluid contact trays of the cross-flow type are provided within a shell of a mass transfer or heat exchange column. The trays include tray decks that are supported on rings fixed to an inner surface of the shell and downcomers that are supported, not by the typical bolting bars fixed to the shell, but by the tray deck of the underlying tray. The mechanisms for supporting the downcomers in this fashion are support brackets that are not secured to the column shell, but instead extend downwardly from the downcomers and rest on the tray deck of the underlying tray. Alternating trays have side downcomers positioned at openings at one or both ends of the tray deck. The support rings on those trays having side downcomers may be truncated so that the rings do not extend around that portion of the shell circumference where the side downcomer openings are located. On the remaining trays, complete 360 degree rings may be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Veada P. Colic, Gary W. Gage, Alessandro Attura
  • Publication number: 20030010479
    Abstract: An exhaust gas heat exchanger has a tank, laminated exhaust gas tubes where the exhaust gas flows, a cooling water inlet pipe and a cooling water outlet pipe. The cooling water flows into the tank and flows through water passages between adjacent exhaust gas tubes and between an inner wall of the tank and an outermost exhaust gas tube. Ribs are formed on the exhaust gas tubes so as to lead the cooling water after colliding with an inner wall toward an upstream side of the exhaust gas tubes to prevent the cooling water from being stuck. Otherwise, spaces between an inner wall of a casing and the exhaust gas tubes are regulated to keep the flow rate of the cooling water in the casing so that the cooling water is prevented from being boiled locally by slow flow rate of the cooling water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Takayuki Hayashi, Akihiro Maeda
  • Publication number: 20030010480
    Abstract: A tube 101 is constituted by a pair of plates 111a, 111b which are fitted with each other in such a manner as to put an inner fin 101b between the plate 111a and the plate 111b. Differences in level 111c are formed on the second plate 111b, which fits inside, which differences in level each protrude inwardly by a distance equal to the thickness of the first plate 111a, whereby the outer wall surface of the tube 101 is made substantially level thereover. A gap which is formed between the outer wall surface of the tube 101 and a core plate, when the tube is passed through the core plate, can be as small as possible whereby the brazing properties can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Shibagaki, Akihiro Maeda
  • Publication number: 20030010481
    Abstract: Perforated fins are provided to improve the capabilities of fin and tube type heat exchangers, and to adapt them for flow outside of the tube that is essentially parallel to the axis of the tube. The fins are made of a thermally conductive material, such as metal, with perforations in the fins. Fins can be of any shape. Typically, one or more tubes or binding posts pass through the fins. The fins are attached to the tube or post by press fitting, furnace or torch brazing, welding, or other method of mechanical bonding. The perforations allow heat exchange with the contents of a tube of a fluid flowing essentially parallel to the axis of the tube, in contrast to conventional fin-tube heat exchangers. The fins may also be bonded to a post or other securing means and inserted into the inside of a tube or other hollow body to improve efficiency of heat exchange. In addition, the fins may carry a catalyst, optionally carried on a washcoat or similar treatment to increase surface area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Nuvera Fuel Cells, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Northrop
  • Publication number: 20030010482
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for charging a so-called heating washer (heating cushion) (10) with heat energy to be liberated at a chosen point of time through activating the heating washer (10) when the same e.g. has been placed on stiff/tender musculature. According to the invention, the heating washer is steamed, either one or more at a time, in a steam chamber positioned above a water chamber in a steam cooking apparatus (30), wherein the water chamber is separated from the overlying steam chamber by means of a horizontally directed partition plate (34), fluid communication being maintained between the chambers. The charging of the heating washer (10) by means of steam prevents that the heating washers are damaged in the way that may happen when boiled in water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Knut Magne Hansen
  • Publication number: 20030010483
    Abstract: A plate heat exchanger for use as an evaporator in a refrigerator including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and the evaporator which cooperate to perform a refrigeration cycle. The plate heat exchanger comprises a plurality of plates stacked on each other to define chambers of a refrigerant and chambers of a medium to be cooled, a refrigerant introduction passage means extending through the plates and provided with orifices for delivering the refrigerant from the refrigerant introduction passage means to the refrigerant chambers, and a refrigerant stirring member for stirring the refrigerant supplied into the refrigerant introduction passage means in the form of a wet steam to make the refrigerant uniform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Yasuo Ikezaki, Yoshinao Hirabayashi, Kikuichi Mori, Kazunori Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20030010484
    Abstract: A tank of a condenser for an air conditioning system of an automotive vehicle. The tank comprises a cylindrical hollow tank main body which is formed with an arcuate cutout formed through a wall of the tank main body. A partition plate includes generally semicircular large and small diameter sections which are integral with each other to be formed into a generally disc-shape. Two projections are radially outwardly protrude respectively from opposite end portions of the generally semicircular large diameter section. During production of the tank, the partition plate is temporarily fixed to the tank main body by riveting the two projections in a state in which the partition plate has been inserted through the cutout of the tank main body, and the partition plate is brazed to the tank main body in a state in which the plate has been temporarily fixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: CALSONIC KANSEI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Chikuma, Yoshinobu Okuno, Takahiro Nakakomi
  • Publication number: 20030010485
    Abstract: A cold plate and a method of forming the cold plate are provided that efficiently and cost effectively cools electrical components. The cold plate includes a flattened tube formed from a circular extruded tube to have a top surface and a bottom surface that are substantially parallel and contiguously connected by rounded corners and defining an interior space. The circular extruded tube includes a plurality of ins extending into the interior space form inner walls thereof to form a plurality of channels in said flattened tube between said fins for defining a cooling liquid passage therethrough. The fins may extend parallel to the direction that the flattened tube extends, or extend at a predetermined angle to the direction that the flattened tube extends. Also, the fins associated with the top surface may extend at an angle to the fins associated with the bottom surface to form a plurality of intersecting points which form a torturous fluid flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: LYTRON, INC.
    Inventors: Richard D. Goldman, Boris Akselband, Charles J. Gerbutavich, John Franchina
  • Publication number: 20030010486
    Abstract: A temperature regulation and flow control device is described. A web of material, e.g., for a wet suit, has a layer of gel particles embedded in a flow control layer, preferably a foam matrix. A water permeable neoprene layer covers the flow control layer and allows water to enter the suit. The flow of water in the suit is regulated by the expansion and contraction of the gel as it undergoes a volume phase transition in response to a change in temperature. When the diver is in cold water, the cold water enters the foam substrate and the gel expands, causing permeability (i.e., flow) to decrease. Flow is restricted in response to cooling, and the foam substrate expands and tightens the fit of the wet suit. In warmer water, an opposite effect occurs, whereby the gel contracts and flow increases. The gel contracts relaxing the fit of the suit. A gel having a particular volume phase transition critical temperature is selected in order to maintain body temperature in a particular environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Mide Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Marco Serra, Lev Bromberg, Jaco van Reenen Pretorius, Brett P. Masters
  • Publication number: 20030010487
    Abstract: An air-conditioner for use in an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle includes an electric heater for heating water circulating through a heater core and a compressor for compressing refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle. The electric heater is powered by an on-board battery, and the compressor is also driven by the same on-board battery. When a voltage of the on-board battery abnormally increases to a first predetermined level, the electric heater is switched off to prevent the electric heater from being overheated. When the voltage further increases to a second predetermined level, operation of the compressor is also terminated. Thus, the electric heater is properly protected from the abnormally high voltage while properly keeping performance of the air-conditioner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Hisashi Ieda, Ken Matsunaga
  • Publication number: 20030010488
    Abstract: In a cooling cycle including a compressor, a gas cooler, a throttling device, and an evaporator, a heat exchanger is arranged between the compressor and the throttling device for carrying out heat exchange through a refrigerant compressed by the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Toshiharu Watanabe, Masahiro Iguchi
  • Publication number: 20030010489
    Abstract: An energy savings device (ESD) for regulating the temperature of individual rooms or areas within a facility having a central heating and cooling plant. The device includes a fan and thermostats to control the temperature in each room. A first thermostat is located within the energy savings device to activate a fan only when a baseboard-heating element, cooling element or conduit provides a pre-selected sufficient temperature level range to activate a fan. Another thermostat is located remotely in each room and communicates to each ESD to deactivate the fan when the temperature in any room exceeds or is less than the desired temperature level. The desired temperature level may be higher or lower than a main thermostat setting that controls the central heating and cooling plant, in accordance with a heating or cooling mode, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony B. Eoga
  • Publication number: 20030010490
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wall or a door of an assembly for cooling electric modules, comprising a wall element provided with ventilation holes and a membrane filter located on the inside of the wall element, in such a way that air entering by means of the ventilation holes is guided through the membrane filter. The invention is characterised in that the wall element has double-sided lamellae arranged one inside the other in an offset manner, so that each path leading through the arrangement of lamellae has a curvature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Guido Reeck
  • Publication number: 20030010491
    Abstract: An oil well pumping system includes a small positive displacement pump below the fluid interface in a low volume oil well which pumps at a rate to maintain approximately constant fluid level in the well. The system includes at least a pair of sensors in a sensor array that is positioned above the pump and near the fluid interface to unambiguously determine liquid level. By maintaining the pumping rate of the positive displacement pump below that required to lower the liquid level to the pump, the pump will not unload and pump power requirements are reduced to a nearly constant low rate. In addition, the pump off control function is accomplished by a microprocessor which is mounted adjacent to the downhole sensor array. This location allows simple direct control of the downhole electric motor and eliminates the requirement that a control element be placed on the surface far from the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Herman D. Collette
  • Publication number: 20030010492
    Abstract: A power transmission and data communications system for use in a gas or oil well borehole is disclosed. The borehole includes a casing and a piping structure therein and at least one downhole equipment module located therein. The system provides for a power signal to provide power transfer to downhole systems that require power and for data and control signals to be transmitted using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) to the downhole equipment located in the downhole equipment modules. In particular, the system provides for the data signal to be electrically coupled to the case and piping structure for transmission downhole to the downhole systems that are similarly coupled to the casing and piping structure. The downhole equipment includes a power supply that is operative to recover electrical power from the power signal and to provide output power to the other downhole equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Hill, F. Williams Sarles
  • Publication number: 20030010493
    Abstract: A power transmission and data communications system for use in a gas or oil well borehole is disclosed. The borehole includes a casing and a piping structure therein and at least one downhole equipment module located therein. The system provides for the power signal that is used to provide power transfer to be modulated with data and control signals that are to be transmitted to the downhole equipment located in the downhole equipment modules. In particular, the system provides for the power/data signal to be electrically coupled to the case and piping structure for transmission downhole. The downhole equipment includes a power supply that is operative to recover the power signal portion of the power/data signal and to provide power to the other downhole equipment. A downhole receiver is operative to recover the data portion of the power/data signal and to demodulate the data provided thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Hill, F. Williams Sarles
  • Publication number: 20030010494
    Abstract: A method for determining alteration of a region of an earth formation surrounding an earth borehole, comprising the steps of providing a logging device that is moveable through the borehole; transmitting sonic energy into the formation and receiving, at a plurality of transmitter-to-receiver spacings, sonic energy that has traveled through the formation, and producing signals representative of the received sonic energy for the plurality of transmitter-to-receiver spacings; determining sonic transit times and differential transit times for the respective transmitter-to-receiver spacings; deriving a test statistic from the differential transit times; and determining the presence of alteration of a region of the formations from the test statistic. An associated apparatus for carrying out the method is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Sandip Bose, Ramachandra Ganesh Shenoy
  • Publication number: 20030010495
    Abstract: A tubing conveyed casing collar locator system that detects the casing collars in a wellbore and acoustically transmits the information through the tubing to the surface where it is detected and processed in a surface processor. The system comprises a downhole tool which comprises downhole sensors, a signal processor with memory, a drive circuit, a battery pack, and a signal generator. The surface system comprises a surface processor, depth system, and acoustic signal transmitter/receiver. The downhole tool detects casing collars as the tool is moved through the collar and acoustically transmits the data or stores the data in downhole memory according to programmed instructions. In one embodiment, the tool compares sensor signals from production elements, such as valves, to stored sensor signatures to uniquely identify the downhole element. In one embodiment, the downhole tool changes operating modes in response to surface command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Luis Mendez, Darrin Willauer, James R. Bridges
  • Publication number: 20030010496
    Abstract: An apparatus (60) and method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus (60) comprises a sand control screen (78) positioned within the wellbore and a tubular member (62) disposed within the wellbore forming a first annulus with the sand control screen (78) and a second annulus with the wellbore. The tubular member (62) has an axially extending production section (64) with a plurality of openings (66) and an axially extending nonproduction section (68) with a plurality of outlets (70). A channel (72) is disposed within the first annulus such that the channel (72) is substantially circumferentially aligned with the nonproduction section (68) of the tubular member (62) forming a slurry passageway (74) therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald W. McGregor, David A. Heji, Travis T. Hailey
  • Publication number: 20030010497
    Abstract: A downhole system includes a deflector with a reaction surface that is engageable to a mill. The deflector is coupled to a motion mechanism that is activable to move the deflector generally along a longitudinal direction. During operation, the mill is engaged to a surrounding downhole structure, and the mill is rotated. As the mill cuts an opening in the downhole structure, the motion mechanism moves the deflector, which allows the mill to move with the deflector. A smooth motion is provided by the motion mechanism to enable a more accurate cutting of the downhole structure (e.g., casing or liner).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen M. Begg, Herve Ohmer
  • Publication number: 20030010498
    Abstract: A device and method for delivering fracture fluid (e.g., erosive materials) into an oilfield wellbore while the well has wireline, coiled tubing, jointed tubing or any other apparatus encumbering the flow path of the erosive fluid that is being injected into the device. The device provides the ability to insert and remove equipment in the wellbore during fluid treatment while maintaining access to the full wellbore diameter. The invention also provides a method for delivery and positive, down-hole displacement of material (i.e., diverting material including, but not limited to buoyant ball sealers).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Randy C. Tolman, Curtis Kofoed
  • Publication number: 20030010499
    Abstract: Method for protecting subsea installations against cooling which leads to hydrate formation, in particular during production halts. This is achieved by thermally isolating portions of the installation (1) against the surrounding water (2), and particularly by completely encompassing the subsea installation (1) by means of a cap (3) which seals against the surrounding water (2). The cap (3) comprises several elements of which each separately can be exposed to cooling and internal hydrate formation. The invention also comprises a thermally isolating apparatus, adapted for protecting subsea installations (1) against cooling, which involves a risk for hydrate formation. An apparatus (3, 9) for implementing the method comprises a relatively tight-fitting cap (3) which encompasses at least two of the elements to be protected from cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Helge Andreas Qvam, Patrice Aguilera, Steinar Hestetun
  • Publication number: 20030010500
    Abstract: A method for logging, controlling, or monitoring a subsea well or group of wells through a path not within production tubing is disclosed. Preferred embodiments of the present invention allow logging tools, wire rope, optic fibers, electrical cables, monitoring and measuring instruments and other items known to those skilled in the art of oil and gas production to be disposed into the well without interfering with the flow path through the production string. In another aspect of the invention, a preferred embodiment includes the mooring or tethering of an instrument pod over the subsea well. The instrument pod is designed provide on-board data storage, data processing, data receiving, and data transmission equipment, such that data from the well can be transmitted back to a receiving network where said data may be stored and processed into useful information for reservoir operators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: David Randolph Smith
  • Publication number: 20030010501
    Abstract: A viscosity handling system for facilitating the movement of certain fluids. The system utilizes kinetic energy in the form of a rapidly and repetitively moving component that imparts energy in the form of heat to surrounding fluid. The system is particularly useful in applications, such as downhole pumping systems, used to produce hydrocarbon-based fluids from beneath the surface of the earth. The viscosity handler lowers the viscosity of the fluid produced to permit greater flow rates and more efficient utilization of production pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Diego Narvaez
  • Publication number: 20030010502
    Abstract: A method and system for optimizing the performance of a rotodynamic multi-phase flow booster, such as a wet gas compressor (1), utilizes a meter which measures the fluid density &rgr; upstream of the booster and controls the speed of rotation &OHgr; of the rotor(s) of the booster, such that the booster operates at its best efficiency point (BEP) irrespective of variations of the fluid density &rgr;. Suitably the flow booster is a wet gas compressor (1) having rotor and/or stator blades having a rough leading edge and non-wettable sides which promote a favorable finely dispersed mist flow so that the compressor (1) also operates at its BEP if the compressed wet gas has a high liquid content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Raimo Edwin Gregor Poorte, Paulus Henricus Joannes Verbeek
  • Publication number: 20030010503
    Abstract: A modified casing coupling that includes a receptacle, or receptacles, for a modular burst disk assembly. The burst disk assembly is retained by threads or a snap ring and is sealed by the retaining threads, or an integral o-ring seal. The. The disk fails at pressure specified by the user but before trapped annular pressure threatens the integrity of the outer casing. The design allows for the burst disk assembly to be installed on location or before pipe shipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: John J. Staudt
  • Publication number: 20030010504
    Abstract: A stick launcher and method for launching soap sticks into a gas or oil well. The stick launcher comprises a containment vessel adapted to house the soap sticks, the containment vessel comprising a contiguous wall and a top and a bottom. A turret-style separator is positioned within the containment vessel, the separator comprising blades, and adapted to contain the soap sticks between the blades of the turret-styled separator and the contiguous wall of the containment vessel. A ball valve is positioned adjacent the bottom of the containment vessel, the ball valve, when in open position, adapted to be in fluid communication with a well bore and the containment vessel. A rotating assembly, when set in motion by an actuator, is used to rotate the separator and simultaneously open or close the ball valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Dan Casey
  • Publication number: 20030010505
    Abstract: The injector of the invention provides a means and method for injecting either coiled tubing or conventional stalked tubing into and from a well by developing axial forces in the tubing. The curvature of the coiled tubing is simultaneously selectably altered on the opposite side of the injector from the wellhead. To develop traction on the tubing, the injector relies upon an array of opposed pairs of annularly grooved driven rollers which are urged into contact with the tubing. The pairs of rollers are mounted in an alternating pattern 90° apart so that the tubing is well supported and urged into roundness. Integral with the injector, but deactivated when the injector is used with stalked tubing, is a selectably operable tubing straightener which serves to straighten the tubing before entry into the well and also to recurve the tubing when being withdrawn from the well to control its arcuate path between the injector and the tubing storage reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Coiled Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Tommie C. Gipson
  • Publication number: 20030010506
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing chamber for producing compressed air foam in fire extinguishing devices. The mixing chamber has a compressed air inlet, an extinguishing agent inlet and a compressed air foam outlet. The contour of the mixing chamber tapers towards the compressed air foam outlet. The invention also includes a fire extinguishing device. The fire extinguishing device includes an extinguishing agent container, a connecting device for connecting a source of compressed air to a mixing chamber of the kind described above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Ulrich Braun, Helmut Andris
  • Publication number: 20030010507
    Abstract: A biodegradable, non-toxic firefighting concentrate composition. The preferred compositions include a mixture of a C14-C18 5 mole ethoxylated tallow amine, 2 mole ethoxylated coconut amine, and 5 mole ethoxylated coconut amine, wherein the blend is neutralized with a C6 carboxylic acid; an aliquot of 33 parts is added to 3 parts of a 2 mole ethoxylated linear alcohol having 6 to 16 carbon atoms, and enough water to bring the total weight percentage to 70%. Ten to fifteen parts of sodium lauryl sulfate is added and the balance of water is added to bring the total up to 100%. The composition is also effective when mixed with glycol dimethyl ether, the incorporation of a filming protein based agent, dye, or foam forming materials. In addition, the composition is useful with soil bacteria for remediating soil contaminated with hydrocarbon fuel and for facilitating fuel dispersion and degradation within bacterial-action sewage systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Michael T. Greiner, Thomas G. Legare
  • Publication number: 20030010508
    Abstract: The invention is directed toward biodegradable, non-toxic firefighting concentrate compositions including a fluorescent type compound for foam visualization within the visible and ultraviolet light spectrum and a process for its use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Michael T. Greiner, Thomas G. Legare
  • Publication number: 20030010509
    Abstract: A fire extinguishing system is adapted particularly for incorporation with a clothes dryer in a home laundry area, for extinguishing any fire occurring from ignition of lint or other combustible material. The system may also be installed with other large, heat producing appliances (kitchen stove, etc.) for extinguishing any fire resulting therefrom. The system includes one or more conventional, heat activated fire extinguisher spray heads connected to the main water line of the structure. Each extinguisher head is secured in a fitting including an automatically actuated water shutoff valve, which closes after the fire has been extinguished to reduce water damage to the surrounding area. The system also includes an automatic disconnect or shutoff for at least the electrical circuit associated with the appliance which causes activation of the extinguisher head, and may further include an automatically actuated local (household) and/or distant (fire department) alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Bryan K. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20030010510
    Abstract: Two guide members cooperatively constitute a chuck portion for holding a screw head. Opening and closing of the chuck portion is regulated depending on a mutual position between a machine body and a member into which a screw is driven. Guide pin portions of respective guide members engage with a stopper portion of a push lever until a screw is driven to a predetermined depth. The chuck potion tightly holds the screw head until a screw fastening operation is substantially finished, thereby suppressing the lifting of a machine body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: HITACHI KOKI COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Takeshi Kamo, Yasuo Sasaki, Michio Wakabayashi
  • Publication number: 20030010511
    Abstract: The invention is based on a hand power tool, in particular a hammer drill, with a drivable drive mechanism (12) accommodated in a housing (10) and a mechanical hammer unit (14), which is for percussion-driving a tool (16) in a tool holding fixture (18) and has a hammer (20) that can be driven in its hammering motion by means of a driver unit (22), which has at least one annular curved path (24, 26) with raised areas and recessed areas oriented axially toward the tool and has a feeler unit (28), which is operationally connected to the hammer (20) and which, by means of at least one feeler element (30), can be brought into operational connection with the raised areas and recessed areas of the curved path (24, 26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Joachim Hecht
  • Publication number: 20030010512
    Abstract: A manually operated rotatable impact tool including: a driven member for retaining and driving a fastener about an axis, the driven member further having at least one impact stop offset from the axis; a driving member rotatably connected to the driven member for driving the driven member about the axis to loosen or tighten the fastener; an impact mass movable along a path in communication with the impact stop; a spring for biasing the impact mass away from an abutment on the driving member; a movable stop plate biased into the path and movable out from the path; and a stop mover rotating with the driving member for engaging and moving the movable stop plate from the path upon a predetermined angular rotation of the driving member; wherein rotation of the driving member forces the impact mass to abut the movable stop plate and compress the spring until the stop mover moves the movable stop plate from the path when the driving member is rotated the predetermined angular rotation thereby releasing the impact mas
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Jahangir Rastegar, Thomas Spinelli