Patents Issued in February 11, 2003
  • Patent number: 6516852
    Abstract: A label applying apparatus and method for concentrically applying annular labels (having adhesive on one side) to compact discs. The apparatus has a similar size and shape as that of a conventional jewel case and has first and second platforms capable of hinging relative to each other between open and closed positions. When in the open position, a compact disc may be mounted on the first platform, and an annular label delicately retained on the second platform with the adhesive side up. Preferably, the annular label is retained on the second platform by means of several centrally located fingers which contact an inner circumference edge of the annular label. When the first and second platforms are hinged to the closed position, the annular label and the compact disc are concentrically aligned and joined together in a bonding relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Codax Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Sandor
  • Patent number: 6516853
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for manufacturing elastic hair fasteners that eliminate the need for a metal clamp in the fastener assembly. The apparatus of the present invention that employs the inventive process is an incremental, automatic system that utilizes intricate mechanisms that are pneumatically actuated and controlled electrically. The machine feeds textile feedstock from a bulk supply along a feed track to a predefined staging position. Once the feedstock has reached this position, it is cut into an extension having a predetermined length and a pair of opposed free ends. The extension is rolled into a half circle, and one free end is positioned in a precise location. In this location, adhesive is applied to the free end, and the other half of the extension is thereafter rolled into a half circle, completing the loop. At this point, the two loop ends are positioned adjacent one another so as to be adhesively joined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Loctite Corporation
    Inventors: Karl Gabrielson, James Serenson, Salvatore J. Shifrin, Chris Sivo, Michael R. McKinley, Richard F. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6516854
    Abstract: An automatic label sticking device for automatically applying labels to a product such as an optical disc driver is provided. The automatic label sticking device includes a transport mechanism; a paper-peeling mechanism located above a fixed position; and, a paper-sticking mechanism spaced from a portion of the paper-peeling mechanism. The paper-peeling mechanism includes a main roller and a secondary roller disposed between paper feeding and recycling reels for guiding a label tape through a winding path. The main and secondary rollers are positioned such that they frictionally capture a portion of the label tape therebetween, to advance it along the winding path. The main roller is driven to rotate by a driving device, while the secondary roller is indirectly rotated to turn the recycling reel responsive to a driving force frictionally transmitted thereto through the captured portion of the label tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Behavior Tech Corporation
    Inventor: Meng-Chi Tsai
  • Patent number: 6516855
    Abstract: A wheel rim locking device for tire removal machines, comprising, for supporting the wheel rim, an upper plate provided with an axial hole and supported at the top of a hollow vertical rotary shaft, conical means to be inserted axially into said hole and into the cavity of said shaft to lock the wheel rim in a centered position, means driving said conical means towards the wheel rim and axially locking them, and means for rotatably locking said hollow shaft relative to said wheel rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: RGHI S.p.A.
    Inventor: Remo Corghi
  • Patent number: 6516856
    Abstract: A multi-functional shading device includes a first shading arrangement including a top traverse supporter adapted for affixing to a top beam of a ceiling, a first shading arrangement downwardly extended from the top traverse supporter including a base member and a first operator for selectively lifting up the base member towards the traverse supporter and unlifting the base member to drop downwardly away from the traverse supporter, and a second shading arrangement including a base stabilizer, a translucent fabric, which is folded in a Z-shaped manner, downwardly extended from the base member to the base stabilizer, and a second operator for folding and unfolding the translucent fabric. Therefore, the first and second shading arrangements having different light intensity blocking abilities are adapted for selectively blocking lights passing through from one side to another side of the shading arrangements respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Tony Lai
  • Patent number: 6516857
    Abstract: An interchangeable window covering system for providing a plurality of interchangeable widow coverings for a window. The interchangeable window covering system includes a frame member that is designed to be attached to a window, and a plurality of interchangeable window coverings designed to be selectively coupled to the frame member as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventors: Edward Gajtka, Sandra M. Gajtka
  • Patent number: 6516858
    Abstract: A headrail including a detachable battery holder for powered coverings for architectural openings is disclosed. The headrail comprises a housing defining an interior into which a battery magazine is removably mounted. In this manner, the batteries are hidden within the headrail for a more aesthetically pleasing look than can be achieved when the batteries are mounted outside of the headrail. The housing may include one or more small slots into which corresponding tabs on end caps mounted on the ends of the battery magazine may be inserted. The housing may also include a larger opening through which batteries may be inserted into or extracted from the battery magazine while it is mounted in the housing. Further, the housing may include one or more elongated openings for cooling, or through which installed batteries may be inspected, or into which tools may be inserted to move the batteries that are installed in the battery magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventors: Richard N. Anderson, Donald E. Fraser, Everett S. Coleman
  • Patent number: 6516859
    Abstract: Foam core vanes useful with door or window coverings and which may be hung vertically or horizontally include an outer fabric cover and an inner foam core. Preferably, the vanes are shaped to have a blunt forward edge, gently curving sides and a pointed rear edge, resembling an air foil. A method of preparing the vanes includes injecting foam producing chemicals into a fold of the outer fabric as the fabric enters a mold section comprised of upper and lower molds moving along tracks. The foam expands to press the fabric into the mold and cures during travel through the mold section. A rotary knife cuts the foam core vanes to the desired length. Preferred foams are urethane and polyisocyanurate foams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Bryan K. Ruggles
  • Patent number: 6516860
    Abstract: A telescoping wand safely encloses the control ends of a set of lift cords of vertically raisable “blinds” (as defined in the specification). The wand includes a selectively releasable cord locking mechanism which cooperates with a lift cord tensioner and a cord locking mechanism in the blinds' headrail to allow a user to raise and lower the blinds by one-handed operation of the wand. The blinds are raised by reciprocatingly moving an outer handle tube telescopically along a stationary inner tube. Each time the handle is pumped up and down, the blinds are raised a discrete amount. The wand's cord locking mechanism allows the lift cords to slip through the wand on the handle's upward stroke, but grabs and pulls the lift cords on the handle's downward stroke. Two or three quick pumps of the handle are all that is typically needed to fully raise a set of blinds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventors: E. Leon Weaver, Sergio Ruffo Appel
  • Patent number: 6516861
    Abstract: An injection spool for use in the injection of a fluid, for example a slurry of drilling cuttings, into a subsea wellhead assembly has an outer housing having a central bore therethrough. The housing has a first end for connection to a wellhead assembly such that the central bore of the housing is aligned with the central bore of the wellhead assembly. An inner housing, for example an isolation sleeve, having a central bore therethrough is disposed within the central bore in the outer housing, whereby a cavity is formed between the inner housing and the outer housing. A port in the outer housing has an opening into the cavity between the inner housing and the outer housing, through which a fluid may be injected. The inner housing has a portion extending from within the outer housing beyond the first end of the outer housing for forming a cavity within a wellhead assembly to which the injection spool is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Cooper Cameron Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy J. Allen
  • Patent number: 6516862
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a porous metal structure of a molten liquid metal within a casting chamber to form a porous solid structure upon controlled chamber cooling and depressurization. The method includes provision of a pressurizable stationary mold casting chamber having a gas pressure release valve, a gas pressure measurement sensor, and a plurality of sites with respective surface-temperature or heat flux sensors and respective independently operable temperature controllers for regulating each respective site temperature. A data base driven microprocessor receives pressure and temperature data and selectively and independently adjusts pressure and temperature in accord with algorithmic commands relative required pressure reduction for pore formation and cooling for solidification to chosen extents of porosity and of solidification over a time period terminating upon porous solid-structure fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: John F. Klein
  • Patent number: 6516863
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for preparing foundry sand mixes, using a pre-mix tank to pre-mix water and particulate bond material to make a water/bond slurry, then feeding the slurry to a mullor or other foundry sand mixer. The slurry is received in the mullor/mixer, mixed with return sand, and then discharged for use in making foundry molds. Preferably, the particulate bond material is added to the pre-mix tank as a falling stream of such particles, and a disperse spray of water is projected onto the particles with sufficient gentleness to not deleteriously distract the particles from their downward path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: New Ideas, LLC
    Inventor: Duane Alan McVane
  • Patent number: 6516864
    Abstract: A tool (40) has a ledge portion (46) and a cutting blade portion (50) for cutting a groove (24, 26, 28) in a wax model (32) for an article of jewelry. The groove is formed after the wax model is formed by mechanical removal of the wax, preferably by cutting with tool (40). The wax model and gems are then placed in an investment mold where the lost wax technique is used to form an article of jewelry with the gems set therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventors: Harout Ounjian, Avo Ounjian
  • Patent number: 6516865
    Abstract: In a hollow-cast component, a core opening (13) created during manufacturing is closed with a closure piece (14). This closure piece is located inside a recess (15) in the component, whereby the recess is arranged so that it is imbedded completely in the cast material, and completely covers the core opening. Because of this installation, the closure piece is fixed in a form-fitting manner in the direction of two spatial axes, so that the closure piece only needs to be secured with an additional joint in the installation direction. It is preferred that the installation direction is normal in relation to the direction of maximal stress of the closure piece, so that a joint is subject to a relatively small stress and therefore can be produced with little expenditure and a high degree of operational safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Alstom
    Inventors: Alexander Beeck, Erhard Kreis, Ibrahim El-Nashar, Beat Von Arx
  • Patent number: 6516866
    Abstract: A simplified lost-core molding system that combines otherwise redundant features such as platens and hydraulic cylinders ordinarily found in separate core molding stations and product molding stations. The preferred system locates the core mold and the product mold between the platens of an injection molding machine and applies a common clamping force to the core mold and to the product mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Fastcore LLC
    Inventor: Kirk Jones
  • Patent number: 6516867
    Abstract: A device and method for manufacturing a heat sink that has a base and heat radiating fins of various shapes and has a prescribed strength, high heat-radiating efficiency, and whose base and heat-radiating fins are formed integrally. The heat sink manufacturing device includes a die casting machine which has the cavity for a base and heat-radiating fins, and which includes a fixed mold, a movable mold that can move in the vertical or up-down direction, and a slide mold that can move in the horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ootori, Chiyoshi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6516868
    Abstract: A bottom heated holder furnace (12) for containing a supply of molten metal includes a storage vessel (30) having sidewalls (32) and a bottom wall (34) defining a molten metal receiving chamber (36). A furnace insulating layer (42) lines the molten metal receiving chamber (36). A thermally conductive heat exchanger block (54) is located at the bottom of the molten metal receiving chamber (36) for heating the supply of molten metal. The heat exchanger block (54) includes a bottom face (65), side faces (66), and a top face (67). The heat exchanger block (54) includes a plurality of electrical heaters (70) extending therein and projecting outward from at least one of the faces of the heat exchanger block (54), and further extending through the furnace insulating layer (42) and one of the sidewalls (32) of the storage vessel (30) for connection to a source of electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Kinosz, Thomas N. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6516869
    Abstract: A mould structure for producing metal castings by solidifying molten metal, in particular for producing a light-alloy engine crank-case, which includes a plurality of cores defining a mould cavity and a primary inlet aperture for feeding the molten metal into the bottom region of the mould cavity through the walls of one of the said cores, which includes: a metal containment structure, open at the top, with a bottom wall and side walls having a plurality of reference elements which have surface portions which complement surface portions of the said cores, the said cores being assembled inside the containment structure so that they are engaged with each other and with the said reference elements, and being shaped so as to define interstices between their surfaces facing outwardly of the mould cavity and the walls of the containment structure; and at least one cover element made of a highly heat-conductive material, supported by the side walls of the containment structure and by some of the said cores and servi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Teksid Aluminum S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gianni Crivellone, Sergio Gallo, Claudio Mus
  • Patent number: 6516870
    Abstract: A process for continuously casting steel wherein liquid steel is teemed from a ladle through a shroud into the pour box section of a tundish and poured from the tundish through one or more outlets remote from the pour box, and wherein the surface of the steel in the tundish is covered with a first flux in the area of the pour box and with a second flux in the remaining areas of the tundish. The flux used in the pour box area has a higher melting temperature than the flux used in the remaining areas. Preferably all fluxes used are basic fluxes containing CaO and Al2O3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: National Steel Corporation
    Inventor: Sanjib Chakraborty
  • Patent number: 6516871
    Abstract: The thermal performance of the heat transfer element assemblies for rotary regenerative air preheaters is enhanced to provide a desired level of heat transfer and pressure drop with a reduced weight. The heat transfer plates in the assemblies have spaced apart dimples for maintaining plate spacing and oblique undulations with the undulations on adjacent plates preferably extending at opposite oblique angles. The dimples may be on every other plate and alternate between the two sides of the plates or they may be on every plate and all extend to the same side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Alstom (Switzerland) Ltd.
    Inventors: Gary Foster Brown, Michael Ming-Ming Chen, Wayne S. Counterman, Donald J. Dugan, Scott Frederick Harting
  • Patent number: 6516872
    Abstract: A regenerative circuit structure is built up by implementing the following steps in particular: an intermediate layer is made on a support core representing the inner profile of the structure; a series of channels regularly distributed around the core is made with the channels opening to face the intermediate layer, each of the channels being provided with a soluble insert; the support core is preheated and the body of the structure is made by thermal spraying under a vacuum; channels are machined in the body from the outside, and said channels are filled by means of soluble inserts; a closure layer is formed to close the channels in the body, and an outer envelope is formed by thermal spraying under a vacuum, after preheating; and all of the soluble inserts and the intermediate layer are eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation -S.N.E.C.M.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Cornu, Christophe Verdy, Jean-Michel De Monicault, Christian Coddet
  • Patent number: 6516873
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for a multi-stage air compressor. The heat exchanger includes several cooling chambers. Each cooling chamber is configured to receive compressed air from one of the compressor stages. A cooling tube is positioned to carry cooling fluid through each of the cooling chamber sequentially. The cooling chambers are also positioned in series so that heated fluid leaving the outlet of a first cooling chamber enters the inlet of a second cooling chamber after passing through an additional compressor stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Ronald L. Haugen
  • Patent number: 6516874
    Abstract: The invention relates to an all-welded plate heat exchanger comprised of a plurality of plates welded together to form cassettes that are stacked one upon the other so as to provide primary and secondary alternating channels through which fluids are adapted to flow for exchanging heat. The primary channels provided within the cassettes connect at opposite ends with inlet and outlet openings. The cassettes are welded along two opposing sides via resistance seam welding. Baffle clips are fastened between the cassettes to partially close off the sides of the secondary channels provided between the cassettes. Two inlet headers, two outlet headers, a top cover member and a bottom cover member enclose the stacked cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Achint P. Mathur, Chuanbao Gu, Jason Michael Fulmer
  • Patent number: 6516875
    Abstract: A completion component such as a tubing hanger includes a lockdown mechanism with an actuating mandrel that includes a positively acting anti-backout mechanism, which can be remotely deployed. The mechanism comprises a tooth on an inwardly biased retention ring carried by the mandrel, and positively engageable with a corresponding profile on the tubing hanger. Detent pins are outwardly biased by a tubing hanger running tool latch piston to hold the tooth and profile out of engagement during installation of the tubing hanger and setting of the actuating mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin T. Reilly, Richard Kent, Alasdair MacFarlane
  • Patent number: 6516876
    Abstract: A running tool for a wellhead has an outer sleeve, a piston, an inner sleeve, each with respective hydraulic chambers, and a pair of collets for engaging a tubing hanger in a wellhead. Pressure is applied to the various chambers to actuate the collets and engage and/or release the tubing hanger. This process is gradual so that the tubing hanger is landed softly in a production bore of a tree or wellhead. The piston is forced downward to actuate a lower sleeve and move locking dogs into a bore profile to secure the tubing hanger. This process is reversed to release the collets and detach the running tool from the tubing hanger. The running tool is then brought back to the surface without the tubing hanger, which remains landed in the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 6516877
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing abrasive wear within a housing that includes a body having at least one protrusion selectively positioned and extending outwardly from the outer surface thereof, the body being placed concentrically within the housing and rubbing against the inside surface thereof as the body is moved within the housing. The body is provided with a plurality of slides residing in a like number of grooves formed on the outside surface thereof, each of the slides having a groove formed in at least one side surface thereof The slides are affixed to the body by deforming the material comprising the body into the groove formed in the slide by striking the surface of the material comprising the body adjacent the groove in which the slide resides with enough force to deform the material comprising the body into the groove formed in the side surface of the slide. The apparatus is particularly effective for use with the sucker rod of a pump jack for a subterranean petroleum well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Marcus Terry
  • Patent number: 6516878
    Abstract: A downhole equipment for use in the gas and oil drilling industry includes a first elongate member arranged in telescopic relation with a second elongate member, the elongate members being moveable relative to one another between a retracted position in which at least one tooth provided on the first elongate member is engaged with at least one tooth provided on the second elongate member so as to prevent relative rotation therebetween, and an extended position in which the at least one tooth of the second elongate member so as to permit relative rotation between the elongate members and in which abutment surfaces of the elongate members are in mechanical communication with each other so as to prevent further extending telescopic movement, Thus, the apparatus may be located between a spear and rotary easing cutter for setting the spear and for holding a casing and cutting string in tension while the casing is severed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce McGarian, Lawrence R. Barr
  • Patent number: 6516879
    Abstract: A method of producing gas through liquid level detection in oil or gas wells uses various types of artificial lift systems that include sub surface gas lift, beam pumps, progressive cavity pump and submersible pumps. The artificial lift systems are controlled in response to a known liquid level within the well bore to prevent the well from pumping off and damaging the artificial lift system or from reducing the liquid level in the well bore to an unnecessarily low level to thereby increase the energy required by the artificial lift system to remove the liquid from the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Michael D. Hershberger
  • Patent number: 6516880
    Abstract: A data resource specific to a pipe coupling centrally positioned within the coupling, intermediate the coupling ends. Multiple couplings are employed to connect together a string of well pipe. The data resource is adapted to be deployed at the coupling center in the space formed between the abutting ends of pipe made up into the coupling. The data resource provides information regarding the physical characteristics and locations of the coupling, the attached string pipe or the environment within which the coupling is disposed. The data resource may be a read-only component or it may be a readable and writeable component. The resource communicates with an instrument movable through the pipe and coupling. The data resource may be removably positioned at the center of the coupling or it may be permanently cemented in place. The data resource may take on the form of an annular ring with a crushable structure and suitable recesses for holding a data resource module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Grant Prideco, L.P.
    Inventors: Gregory K. Otten, Martin McIville Morrish
  • Patent number: 6516881
    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) that is positioned within the wellbore and a tube and manifold system (62) positioned between the sand control screen (78) and the wellbore. The tube and manifold system (62) delivers a fluid slurry to a plurality of levels within the interval when the apparatus (60) is in an operable position. The tubes (64, 70, 76) of the tube and manifold system (62) have first and second ends which are open such that the fluid slurry may enter one end, travel through the entire length of the tube (64, 70, 76) and exit the other end. The manifolds (66, 72) of the tube and manifold system (62) each have at least one exit port (68, 74) for the discharge of the fluid slurry from the tube and manifold system (62).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Travis T. Hailey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6516882
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald W. McGregor, David A. Hejl, Travis T. Hailey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6516883
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of cementing pipe in well bores and low density cement compositions having enhanced compressive, tensile and bond strengths upon setting. The composition of the invention are basically comprised of a hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a slurry and hollow glass microspheres surface treated with a mixture of organosilane coupling agents present in an amount sufficient to produce a cement composition density in the range of from about 6 to about 12 pounds per gallon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, Roger S. Cromwell, Darrel C. Brenneis, Bobby J. King
  • Patent number: 6516884
    Abstract: The present invention provides stable well cementing methods and compositions for sealing subterranean zones penetrated by well bores. The improved thermally stable and degradation resistant well cement compositions are basically comprised of a hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a pumpable slurry, an aqueous hydrogenated styrene-butadiene rubber latex and a latex stabilizer present in an amount sufficient to stabilize the hydrogenated styrene-butadiene latex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, Roger S. Cromwell, Bobby J. King, Darrel C. Brenneis, Ronald J. Crook
  • Patent number: 6516885
    Abstract: A water shut-off is provided in a hydrocarbon well by injecting a first chemical composition, effective as a relative permeability modifier polymer, into the hydrocarbon and a water zone of the well followed immediately by the injection of a second chemical composition, which forms a flow blocking polymer composition, into the zones and, after a shut-in period for reaction of the relative permeability modifier polymer, back producing the polymer compositions from they hydrocarbon zones to provide a path for the hydrocarbons from the zones while allowing the flow blocking polymer compositions to form the water shut-off in the water zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Lattice Intellectual Property LTD
    Inventor: Keith Munday
  • Patent number: 6516886
    Abstract: A formation isolation valve assembly for use in a well includes first and second fluid paths that are coupled to at least first and second completion zones. A first valve controls fluid flow from the first zone to the first fluid path, and a second valve controls fluid flow from a second zone to the second fluid path. The valves may include ball valves and sleeve valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Dinesh R. Patel
  • Patent number: 6516887
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a tubular member under tension is provided, the member secured to and extending between a first and second fixed assembly. The apparatus comprises a first tubular assembly connectable at a first region to the tubular member to be tensioned and a second tubular assembly having a first and a second engageable portion, the second tubular assembly being arranged concentrically with respect to the first tubular assembly and movable longitudinally with respect to the first tubular assembly. A first engagement assembly is provided for engaging the first engageable portion of the second tubular assembly with the first fixed assembly, such that movement of the second tubular assembly toward the tubular member to be tensioned is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Cooper Cameron Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis P. Nguyen, Delbert E. Vanderford
  • Patent number: 6516888
    Abstract: A device for mutually independent control of regulating devices for controlling fluid flow between a hydrocarbon reservoir and a well includes a flow controller and a hydraulic actuator. The actuator is flow-relatedly arranged in series with at least two associated control valves in a path between two hydraulic pipes. The control valves are controlled to open for the flow of hydraulic liquid to the actuator by the pressure in the two hydraulic pipes, and the combination of two hydraulic pipes which are connected to an actuator is different for independently controllable regulating devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Triangle Equipment AS
    Inventors: Bengt Gunnarson, Per Olav Haughom
  • Patent number: 6516889
    Abstract: A high load wireline lock features a plurality of dogs supported by a fishing neck. Radial loads, transmitted through the dogs when the lock is engaged, are in turn directed into the fishing neck in the manner so as to distribute the load into the wall of the fishing neck. The contact between the dogs and the fishing neck is along sloping surface which minimize the radial forces against the fishing neck and in turn applies forces in a near tangential direction through the wall of the fishing neck thus greatly increasing the load capacity of the wireline lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Kurt A. Hickey
  • Patent number: 6516890
    Abstract: A protective member that is disposed within the longitudinal bore of a well tool, the well tool including an actuating mechanism adapted to be mechanically activated from the longitudinal bore. The actuating mechanism includes an engagement section, preferably a profile. The protective member, preferably a sleeve, substantially covers the actuating mechanism while leaving the engagement section exposed to the longitudinal bore. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve is slidably disposed within the longitudinal bore between a first position and a second position. A biasing mechanism biases the sleeve into the first position, in which a sleeve first end is proximate the profile. Operation of the apparatus enables a method for preventing the inadvertent mechanical activation of the actuating mechanism of a well tool as peripheral equipment is passed through the longitudinal bore of the well tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. Jackson, John R. Whitsitt, David R. Mandeville
  • Patent number: 6516891
    Abstract: A coil tubing injector assembly includes a frame structure and a pair of gripper chain drive systems mounted to the frame structure. The pair of gripper chain drive systems are disposed in a common plane and spaced apart from each other, and adapted to engage a first and a second coil tubing string to inject both of the first and second coil tubing strings into, and withdraw both the first and second strings from, a subterranean well. The first and second coil tubing strings may be injected synchronously or asynchronously depending on the structure of the injector. The coil tubing injector assembly reduces the time required to perform many downhole operations, and therefore reduces well completion, stimulation and re-completion expenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: L. Murray Dallas
  • Patent number: 6516892
    Abstract: A coiled tubing rig is operable to simultaneously translate and rotate coiled tubing in a borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: Patrick J. Reilly
  • Patent number: 6516893
    Abstract: In the particular embodiments disclosed in the specification, a residential sprinkler arrangement includes a sprinkler body with an axial passage having an outlet opening providing a K factor of about 4 to about 6 which is normally closed by a cap retained in position by a thermally responsive element and a planar deflector spaced from the outlet opening and supported from the sprinkler body by a pair of frame arms. The deflector has a circumferential array of peripheral slots, a first set of which, located in the plane of the frame arms, has a length greater than that of any of the other slot-like openings and a second set of which, located in the plane perpendicular of the plane of the frame arms, has a length less than that of the first set but greater than that of any of the other slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co.,Inc.
    Inventor: Oliver S. Pahila
  • Patent number: 6516894
    Abstract: A process for and a machine which builds levees in gumbo with moldboards which have knives welded to a blade which makes strips and then lumps of a sheet of gumbo. The machine is attached to a tractor by a three point hitch. The moldboards are adjusted by plates and discs which are connected by bolts in various holes in the plates and discs. A push board is attached to the rear of the machine for repairing damaged levees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Miller-Newton Joint Venture
    Inventors: James N. Newton, Arthur E. Miller, John Taylor
  • Patent number: 6516895
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a shank including a shank holder having a passage for receiving the shank, the passage having at one end opposite tapering surfaces which define with the leading edge of the shank opposite tapering spaces for receiving wedge members. Bolts are provided between the wedging members and holder to urge the wedging members longitudinally of the passage to wedge the shank in a selected position relative to the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Allan James Yeomans
  • Patent number: 6516896
    Abstract: A method of controlling electric- and fluid-powered torque-applying tools to avoid torque overshoot and unwanted joint stresses. During a fastening operation, a controller monitors the peak torque applied to a joint at specified intervals in time and adjusts the speed of the tool appropriately to reach a programmed torque value without overshooting. The method may be applied to arbitrary types of joints and allows the tool to adapt to the characteristics of a joint while a fastening operation is underway, without a separate “learning” or “adaptation” phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: Duane R. Bookshar, John A. Borries, Daniel Bogert
  • Patent number: 6516897
    Abstract: A self-contained excavation device, with specific application as a beach umbrella excavator and anchor apparatus, includes a cutting head with a stepped cutting edge to penetrate thin shell layers, recesses defining anchor shelves to prevent pullout from wind, and anchor sweep faces for severing a structural connection between the compacted formation material and the recesses for easy removal of the device. The self-contained excavation device also includes a pressure limit chamber to prevent overpressure of the drilling fluid, a floating piston with straight intake ports for easy maintenance, and a self-cleaning valve to prevent debris from accumulating and clogging the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Michael C. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6516898
    Abstract: The present invention provides continuous or near continuous motion drill strings which include motion sensitive and other MWD sensors which take stationary measurements while the drilling assembly is continuing to drill the wellbore. For simultaneous continuous drilling and stationary measurements, the present invention provides a drilling assembly wherein a force application system almost-continuously applies force on the drill bit while maintaining a housing or drill collar section stationary. Motion sensitive sensors carried by the drill collar take stationary measurements. A steering device between the drill bit and the force application system maintains drilling of the wellbore along a prescribed well path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Volker Krueger
  • Patent number: 6516899
    Abstract: A drill head of directional boring includes a bit, a holder for a device for detecting angular orientation of the bit, and a hammer including a striker, wherein the bit assembly, holder and hammer are connected head to tail with the bit at a front end. The bit has a frontwardly facing main cutting surface having a plurality of main cutting teeth disposed thereon and a gage tower extending radially outwardly from the main cutting surface, which gage tower has at least one frontwardly facing gage cutting tooth thereon suitable for cutting over an angle defined by less than a full rotation of the bit. In one embodiment, the main cutting surface is substantially flat and circular and has fluid ejection ports thereon, and the drill head has passages for conducting a drill fluid therethrough to the ejection ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignees: Earth Tool Company, L.L.C., Vermeer Manufacturing Company (US)
    Inventors: Steven W. Wentworth, Robert F. Crane, Randy R. Runquist, Mark K. Van Houwelingen
  • Patent number: 6516900
    Abstract: Grip and guiding device for directional drilling, in order to drill straight or curved holes with a predetermined path. The device includes a drill string (11-21) comprising parts which rotate during drilling, including a drill bit (11) or a water hammer on its front end and a non-rotating packer unit (14) with a packer tubing (28) comprising one or several projecting pressure pads (25,31-32) arranged behind the drill bit (11) or the water hammer. The pressure pad or pads are arranged to be pressed out towards the drill hole wall by means of the pressure from a drill fluid when this exceeds a certain level. The pressure pad (25) or the pressure pads (25A-25C) may be arranged asymmetrically and/or affects the packer tubing (28) asymmetrically, e.g. by having different heights. The pressure pad(s) force guiding ribs on the opposite side into the hole wall in order to prevent rotation of the packer unit (14). The pressure pad or pressure pads can on deactivation be withdrawn for performing linear drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Devico AS
    Inventor: Victor Tokle
  • Patent number: 6516901
    Abstract: Opposite ends, or terminals, of the sub are connected by a tubular arbor with threaded pins on each end. The arbor is bent in the middle. A mating threaded box on the upper terminal is tilted an amount equal to the bend angle of the arbor and mates with the bent end of the arbor. If the arbor is rotated in the box, the centerline of the other threaded end describes a cone. One line on the cone is the axis of rotation of the upper terminal. If the lower terminal is locked in that position, the sub is in the straight configuration. Locked in any other rotational position, the sub is bent an angle that is a function of the amount of arbor rotation. To make the arbor adjustable from the outside, an indicator ring is mounted on splines on the arbor. The ring can slide axially on the arbor. The lower terminal can be tightened on the lower end of the arbor to jam the indicator against the upper arbor, locking the assembly for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas E. Falgout, Sr.