Patents Issued in April 29, 2003
  • Patent number: 6554037
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tire the sidewalls of which comprise a vulcanized elastomeric composition, and a process for forming an even, varnished film on at least one of said sidewalls. According to the invention, the composition comprises in combination: a polymer containing an oxy radical of the formula —O— therein, the polymer having an alkyl group on one side of the oxy radical and, on the other side of the oxy radical, at least one alkene polyoxide block of the formula (CnH2nO)z joined to a hydrogen atom at the chain end thereof, such that the hydrogen atom and the end terminal oxygen of the alkene polyoxide block form an alcohol function, in the amount of between 0.3 and 5 phr (parts by weight per 100 parts elastomer), and an alkali metal salt of an alkylsulphonic or alkylsulphuric acid, in an amount of between 0.5 and 10 phr.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Francois Bataille, Claude Ringot
  • Patent number: 6554038
    Abstract: A tire having a radial carcass reinforcement of low H/S ratio, at least one bead provided with an axially outer protuberance, the maximum axial width of which is greater than the space taken up by the rim, characterized in that the protuberance is provided with incisions of a width other than zero, of a depth of at most 5 mm and arranged circumferentially parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Compagnie Générale des Etablissements Michelin - Michelin & Cie
    Inventors: Pierre Chandezon, Jean-Jacques Drieux, Olivier Muhlhoff
  • Patent number: 6554039
    Abstract: A tire includes a toroidal carcass and a tread band. The toroidal carcass includes a central crown and two sidewalls terminating in a pair of annular beads. Each annular bead includes a metallic bead core for anchoring to corresponding bead seats of a wheel rim. The metallic bead cores include at least one annular portion made of a material having characteristics of superelasticity and shape memory. The material having characteristics of superelasticity and shape memory is deformable at ambient temperature in response to a constant force and recovers to an original shape upon removal of the constant force to facilitate mounting the tire on the wheel rim. The wheel rim includes a central cylindrical channel from which branches off, axially and outwardly, from opposite sides, diverging surfaces each terminating in a peripheral flange. The diverging surfaces form the bead seats for respective annular beads of the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Pirelli Pneumatici S.p.A.
    Inventors: Guido Riva, Gurdev Orjela, Syed Khawja Mowdood, Alessandro Volpi, Claudio Villani
  • Patent number: 6554040
    Abstract: A device for placing a seal, such as a water seal, on a motor vehicle body. This device includes a jig which is placed in contact with the body of the motor vehicle, a carriage borne by the jig and able to move on the latter so as to ensure placement of the seal, and rails for guiding and orienting the carriage on the jig. A method for operating this device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignees: Process Conception Ingenierie S. A., Technorop Automation
    Inventors: Jean-Yves Cueff, Alain De Bentzmann, Jean-Paul Rousse
  • Patent number: 6554041
    Abstract: An apparatus for making rubber component parts such as tire rubber parts comprises: a tape maker for making an unvulcanized rubber tape which comprises an extruder for extruding unvulcanized rubber; a winding drum around which the unvulcanized rubber tape is wound into a rubber component part; a conveyor for conveying the unvulcanized rubber tape toward the winding drum which comprises a conveyor belt winding around rollers and having a right side on which the unvulcanized rubber tape is put; and a traverser for moving the conveyor belt in the axial direction of the winding drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Ohki, Takeshi Toyoshima, Norio Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 6554042
    Abstract: A foil applicator for evenly applying an adhesive backed foil to edges or pieces of stained glass. The applicator includes guide members which direct a foil strip from a foil spool through an adjustable grasping roller mechanism and past a horizontal, raised planar table where foil is applied manually to the edges of glass pieces, nuggets, or jewels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Carlson, Wendell B. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6554043
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying sealant material to an insulated glass panel assembly having first, second, third and fourth edges for receiving sealant material therein, which includes a sealant assembly for applying sealant material to the insulated glass panel assembly. A glass advance assembly is provided for advancing and moving forward the insulated glass panel assembly into the sealant assembly for applying sealant material thereto. The sealant assembly for applying sealant material includes a first sealant dispensing assembly and a second sealant dispensing assembly for applying sealant material to the first, second, third and fourth edges of the insulated glass panel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Albert A. Simone
  • Patent number: 6554044
    Abstract: A reverse image printer that has a backing web carrying a laminate layer upon which a reverse image is printed. The laminate layer is laminated onto a card. The backing web carrying the transfer layer is separated from the laminate layer after the laminate layer and card have been laminated together using a peel-off assembly that guides the backing web at a selected desired separation angle relative to the plane of movement of the card and the laminate layer after lamination. The peel-off assembly uses two guide members to maintain the desired separation angle regardless of changes in diameter of a take-up roller used for the backing web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Fargo Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley A. Paulson, Brent D. Lien, Ted M. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6554045
    Abstract: A film-tape eraser with normally retracted dispensing head includes an upper case, a lower case, and a dispensing mechanism pivotally connected to and located in the lower case. The upper case is also pivotally connected to the lower case to shield an upper part of the latter, while the dispensing mechanism is partially exposed from a top of the upper case. A downward push at a top of the dispensing mechanism would sink the dispensing mechanism and bring the dispensing head to a position exposed from a lower front of the lower case. When the dispensing mechanism is released from the downward push, an elastic strip at the bottom of the dispensing mechanism springs the dispensing mechanism up and brings the dispensing head to a retracted position in the lower case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Chong-Z International Co.
    Inventor: James Lee
  • Patent number: 6554046
    Abstract: A cleaving tool provides pressurized gas to the edge of a substrate to cleave the substrate at a selected interface. A substrate, such as a bonded substrate, is loaded into the cleaving tool, and two halves of the tool are brought together to apply a selected pressure to the substrate. A compliant pad of selected elastic resistance provides support to the substrate while allowing the substrate to expand during the cleaving process. Bringing the two halves of the tool together also compresses an edge seal against the perimeter of the substrate. A thin tube connected to a high-pressure gas source extends through the edge seal and provides a burst of gas to separate the substrate into at least two sheets. In a further embodiment, the perimeter of the substrate is struck with an edge prior to applying the gas pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Silicon Genesis Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Bryan, James K. Kai
  • Patent number: 6554047
    Abstract: Guide track assemblies for upward acting doors include substantially linear vertical and horizontal track sections and curvilinear transition sections formed as portions of each of the vertical and horizontal linear sections. The track assemblies are supported, respectively, by mounting brackets which also support a counterbalance mechanism for the door. The curvilinear transition track sections are formed integral with the vertical and horizontal track sections and may have a constant or elliptical radius of curvature, the latter to provide clearance for the guide track assemblies in low headroom installations. The mounting brackets are formed of stamped metal plates which are folded to provide a first flange for attaching the mounting bracket to a structural wall, a support part including a flag portion for connection to the guide track sections and a second flange for connection to a door counterbalance mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph J. Mondragon, Richard K. Hoofard, Robert K. Wright, James W. Compton, LeRoy G. Krupke, Robert S. Cogger
  • Patent number: 6554048
    Abstract: A raised panel door section (22, 54, 64) for an overhead garage door (20, 50, 60) includes a sheet metal layer (32, 56, 66) formed from sheet metal stock (74) that is embossed to produce a raised panel design by an automated method that selects one of a first die set (84) and a second die set (90) in response to a predetermined embossment style, installs the selected one of the first and second die sets (84, 90) into an embossing press (36) and embosses the sheet metal stock (74) with the predetermined embossment style. The predetermined embossment style includes one of a vertical raised panel design (30), a horizontal raised panel design (52), and a horizontal long raised panel design (62). An overhead garage door (20) includes three of the raised panel door sections (22) having the sheet metal layer (32) embossed with the vertical raised panel design (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: 1st United Door Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Jellá
  • Patent number: 6554049
    Abstract: Sand, bentonite clay and organics recovered as foundry waste from a green sand mold foundry are reclaimed for reuse in making new green sand molds and mold cores by a multi-step process involving both hydraulic and mechanical separation steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Foundry Advanced Clay Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert C. Steele, Allen James Huff
  • Patent number: 6554050
    Abstract: Irregularly shaped mold-core assemblies are retained for casting within a thin-wall container by solid particulate material. In the process, the mold and core elements are formed from the core sand. After the mold and core elements, both of which are formed from core sand, are assembled, the assembly is placed in a container large enough to provide space around the assembled mold and core elements, and solid particulate material is placed in the space around the mold-core assembly to hold the assembled mold and core elements together during pouring of the molten iron alloy into the mold-core assembly and the cooling period, during which the molten iron alloy solidifies to form the casting. After the casting is formed, the solid particles and the core sand from the mold elements and core elements are recovered, processed and reused in further casting operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Edward A. Reelfs, Billy J. Cagle, Paul T. Cody, D. Gary Wildrick, II
  • Patent number: 6554051
    Abstract: A method of preparing foundry shapes, e.g. molds and cores, by mixing a foundry aggregate with a foundry binder, shaping the mixture in a pattern, curing the mixture, and removing the mixture from the pattern. The foundry binder is a phenolic urethane binder that utilizes a phenolic resin prepared by reacting a phenol, an aldehyde, bisphenol-A-tar, and a divalent metal catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventors: Andreas Werner, Diether Koch
  • Patent number: 6554052
    Abstract: There is provided a method or process for fabricating a hollow jewelry article which is hollowed or bored out to an arcuate estent of 200° or greater. In accordance with this process, a metal ring model is prepared comprising a solid shank and a metal plate supported along the internal perimeter of the shank and arcuately extending at least 200° therealong. A first metal mold is produced from the metal ring model having the external shape of the jewelry article to be manufactured. From this mold, a wax model of the jewelry article is produced which is first filed down and then cast in order to form a metal model of a core insert; the core insert, like the ring model, has a plate disposed along the perimeter of the shank. This core insert is used to produce a second metal mold. This second mold may then be used repeatedly in order to form a soluble wax core insert model which is then inserted into the cavity of the first mold in order to define the hollow region of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Unimold Cast, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ervant Hashimian, Garabed Ayvazian
  • Patent number: 6554053
    Abstract: A method of minimizing the size of primary Si in Al—Si alloy which includes a step of adding P to molten Al—Si alloy, a step of contacting a metal substrate plated with Zn or a copper substrate, and a step of removing the substrate from the molten Al—Si alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignees: Tozuka-Tendo Co., Ltd, Metal Science Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Takata, Yasuaki Kawai, Mayuki Morinaka
  • Patent number: 6554054
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in centrifugal casting of metal articles forms a compacted lining of a particulate refractory material on an inner surface of the mold. An amount of a dry binderless particulate refractory material is dispensed on the inner surface of a rotating mold body to form a centrifugally densified layer. A plowing tool is brought into contact with a layer of refractory material while continuously rotating the mold body to plow and compact the layer of particles. The tool is oriented at an angle with respect to the direction of travel of the layer of particles to penetrate the layer and compact the particles toward the inner surface of the mold body. The combination of the centrifugal force and the mechanical compaction of the particles results in a dense, air impervious, compacted mold lining having interlocked particles and voids between the particles that are not interconnected with an adjacent void.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Charles H. Noble
  • Patent number: 6554055
    Abstract: An apparatus for the horizontal continuous casting of profiles includes a receptacle for molten metal and an ingot mold connectable to the receptacle by a ramming frame. The ingot mold forms a casting gap having a refractory lining that cannot be wetted by the molten metal. An oscillation drive oscillates the ingot mold in a casting direction and is supported on the receptacle and on the ingot mold. A sliding guide associated with the receptacle and extending in the casting direction supports the ingot mold, and a web is arranged in a transition area between the receptacle and the ingot mold, the web being prestressed with a minimum pressure corresponding to the hydraulic pressure of the molten metal and consisting of refractory fibers that cannot be wetted by the molten metal, to provide a seal against the molten metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Roland Leder
  • Patent number: 6554056
    Abstract: A method of forming prototype metal castings by forming and modifying one or more sand mold elements of a sand mold assembly. The method includes molding and patterning sand into shapes of the sand mold elements and then forming a first metal casting by filling the internal cavity of the first sand mold assembly with molten metal material. The first metal casting is evaluated for strength or other desirable characteristics. Once a defect is noted the sand mold elements are modified by machining sand away from at least one of the sand mold elements of a later formed sand mold assembly to modify the shape of the internal cavity between mold elements. Machining modifications are determined from evaluating the first metal casting. Then a modified metal casting is made by filling the modified internal cavity of the modified sand mold assembly with molten metal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald L. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 6554057
    Abstract: A method for process monitoring during diecasting or thixotropic molding of metals in a diecasting or thixotropic molding installation which contains a casting chamber, a casting piston and a mould with a mold cavity. The method includes measuring temporal development of molding pressure p(t), determining time-related speed of the casting piston v(t); calculating energy E(t) supplied by the casting piston as a function of process time t, and calculating total energy Etot supplied by the casting piston during the diecasting or thixotropic molding process based on time-related development of the moulding pressure p(t) and the casting piston speed v(t), and using the total energy Etot as a parameter for monitoring the diecasting or thixotropic molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Alcan Technology & Management Ltd.
    Inventors: Grégoire Arnold, Christophe Bagnoud, Mirsolaw Plata
  • Patent number: 6554058
    Abstract: The invention relates to a glassmaking furnace regenerator including a stack of several rows of refractory members defining a plurality of channels, characterized in that the stack comprises, in the hot gas flow direction, a first zone at the hot gas inlet, for rapidly cooling the hot gases, a second zone, or central zone, for condensing and trapping chemical species liable to generate dust, and a third zone, at the cooled gas outlet, for evacuating condensates, the rows of stacked refractory members constituting said central zone including at least two adjacent rows whose channels have a projected surface area at least 20% less than those of the channels of the first and third zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Centre de Recherches et d'Etudes Europeen
    Inventors: Alain Zanoli, Yves Boussant-Roux, Olivier Citti
  • Patent number: 6554059
    Abstract: In a ceiling embedded type indoor unit for an air conditioner, an wind sound is reduced while preventing a beat sound of blowers with keeping a high air conditioning capacity. In the ceiling embedded type indoor unit provided with a U-shaped heat exchanger which is placed in a casing embedded in a ceiling and is constituted by two side portions and a bottom portion connecting the side portions at one end side, blowers arranged in an inner space of the heat exchanger, a decorative panel mounted to a lower surface of the casing and having two elongated air outlet ports in correspondence to the side portions of the heat exchanger and an air suction port formed between the air outlet ports, and a control apparatus, the control apparatus controls so that the number of rotation of the blower near a valley portion of the U-shaped heat exchanger becomes high and the number of rotation of the blower near the open end of the U-shaped heat exchanger becomes low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiki Hata, Takashi Sano, Shinichi Kosugi
  • Patent number: 6554060
    Abstract: A heat sink with fins comprising a group of heat dissipating fins which comprise combination of heat dissipating fins made of at least two kinds of metals having different heat conductivity, and a metal base plate on which surface portion the group of heat dissipating fins are densely jointed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Noda, Kenya Kawabata
  • Patent number: 6554061
    Abstract: A recuperative and conductive heat transfer system (10, 10′) that is operative to effect therewith the heating within the second portion (20, 20′) of the heat transfer system (10, 10′) of a “working fluid” flowing through the heat s transfer surfaces (32, 32′) as a consequence of the transfer thereto by conduction of heat from a multiplicity of regenerative solids (24, 24′). The multiplicity of regenerative solids (24, 24′) derive their heat from a recuperation thereby within the first portion (12, 12′) of the heat transfer system (10, 10′) from either an internally generated or an externally generated source of heat (22, 22′).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Alstom (Switzerland) Ltd
    Inventors: Glen D. Jukkola, Paul R. Thibeault, Michael S. McCartney
  • Patent number: 6554062
    Abstract: The well reference apparatus and method of the present invention includes an anchor member with a orientation member preferably permanently installed within the borehole at a preferred depth and orientation in one trip into the well. The orientation member provides a permanent reference for the orientation of well operations, particularly in a multi-lateral well. The assembly of the present invention includes disposing the anchor member and orientation member on the end of a pipe string. An orienting tool such as an MWD collar is disposed in the pipe string above the anchor member. This assembly is lowered into the borehole on the pipe string. Once the preferred depth is attained, the MWD is activated to determine the orientation of the orientation member. If the orientation member is not oriented in the preferred direction, the pipe string is rotated to align the orientation member in the preferred direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles H. Dewey, Mark J. Murray, Wei Xu
  • Patent number: 6554063
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating multiple branch wells from a parent well is disclosed. According to a first embodiment of the invention a multiple branching sub is provided for placement at a branching node of a well. Such sub includes a branching chamber and a plurality of branching outlet members. The outlet members, during construction of the branching sub, have previously been distorted into oblong shapes so that all of the branching outlet members fit within an imaginary cylinder which is coaxial with and substantially the same radius as the branching chamber. According to one embodiment, the distorted outlet members are characterized by an outer convex shape. In another embodiment, the distorted outlet members are characterized by an outer concave shape when in a retracted state. After deployment of the branching sub via a parent casing in the well, a forming tool is lowered to the interior of the sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Herve Ohmer
  • Patent number: 6554064
    Abstract: Sensors are attached directly to portions of the sand screen of a gravel packing assembly, with connectors to the sensors run through elements of the screen that are hollow for that purpose. The hollow element can be the trapezoidal wire that is circumferentially wrapped to form the outer screen or one of the outer spacers used to provide a stand-off of the wire from the underlying tubing. Sensors can detect such conditions as pressure, temperature, flow rate, density, etc., and can provide real-time information on the effectiveness of gravel placement during packing and on well conditions during production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry L. Restarick, Clark E. Robison, Roger L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 6554065
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and method for evaluating the integrity of gravel packing. A screen is disposed in an annulus between the wellbore and a production tubing. A tubing, such as a wash pipe, is placed inside the production tubing to provide a fluid path for the gravel slurry for gravel packing the screen. A self-contained memory logging nuclear tool is located in the tubing below (downhole) the screen. After gravel packing, the tubing with the tool is retrieved from the well at a selected speed. The tool is activated to record data in the memory carried by the tool as it passes across the screen. The data stored in the memory is downloaded at the surface to produce a log which provides a measure of the integrity of gravel packing of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Core Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Fisher, David Berneking, J. Thomas Hampton, III
  • Patent number: 6554066
    Abstract: This relates to a gas separator (8) of the cascade type, with stratified or non-stratified flow, equipped with automatic level control to perform a process of the gravitational separation of two immiscible fluids of different densities, particularly to separate the gaseous phase from a two-phase mixture (liquid and gas). It is installed at the bottom of an oil well, upstream from a lifting pump (12) in order to minimize the entry of gas into pump (12). The level control system comprises a valve (29), a spring (30) and a packer (26). It is based on the combined effects of the abovementioned components (26, 29, 30), the gas pressure on the region of perforated casing (10) and the thrust exerted on a settling vessel (3) by the liquid on which it floats. The separator according to the invention has a control system for the level of the liquid stored in settling vessel (3) mounted within its separator (8), ensuring flow of the mixture which is ideal for the occurrence of gas separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.-Petrobras
    Inventors: Divonsir Lopes, Robson de Oliveira Souza, Rogerio Floriao Soares
  • Patent number: 6554067
    Abstract: A method for consolidating sand around a well, involving injecting hot water or steam through well casing perforations in to create a cement-like area around the perforation of sufficient rigidity to prevent sand from flowing into and obstructing the well. The cement area has several wormholes that provide fluid passageways between the well and the formation, while still inhibiting sand inflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Tidelands Oil Production Company
    Inventors: David K. Davies, Julius J. Mondragon, III, Philip Scott Hara
  • Patent number: 6554068
    Abstract: A method of downhole fluid displacement and a plug utilized in the method according to which the plug is inserted in a pipe between two fluids for separating and displacing one of the fluids. The plug has a specific gravity of less than the fluid above it, so that, after the displacement operation, the plug floats to the top of the latter fluid for recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Service,s Inc.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, B. Raghava Reddy, Frank Zamora, Roger S Cromwell
  • Patent number: 6554069
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for removing a water-based drilling fluid from surfaces in a well bore and leaving the surfaces water-wet. A method of the invention basically comprises the following steps. A water-based drilling fluid removal solution comprised of water and a mixture of a sulfonated kraft lignin salt and an N-methyl-N-oleyltaurine salt dissolved therein is provided. The drilling fluid is displaced from the well bore and the well bore surfaces are contacted with the removal solution to thereby remove the drilling fluid from the surfaces and make the surfaces water-wet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, Sears T. Dealy, Ronald J. Crook
  • Patent number: 6554070
    Abstract: A method for sealing an annular space between a bore hole and a casing includes the steps of: providing a fluid sealing system comprising a particulate material and a bonding agent; positioning the fluid sealing system in the annular space whereby the particulate material adheres to walls of the bore hole and the casing; and curing the fluid sealing system so as to form a solid seal in the annular space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Intevep, S.A.
    Inventors: Luis Carlos Genolet, Juan Carlos Chavez, Douglas Espin, Marie Alejandra Jimenez
  • Patent number: 6554071
    Abstract: Encapsulated water soluble chemicals for use in controlled time release applications, methods of encapsulating the chemicals and methods of using the encapsulated chemicals are provided. The methods of encapsulating the chemicals are basically comprised of forming a first coating of a dry hydrophobic film forming material or a sparingly soluble material which provides a dry shield on the chemical and then forming a second coating of a porous cross-linked hydrophilic polymer on the first coating which prevents the substantial dissolution of the resulting encapsulated chemical for a selected period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Baireddy R. Reddy, Ronald J. Crook, Dennis W. Gray, Russell M. Fitzgerald, Bradley L. Todd, Steven B. Laramay
  • Patent number: 6554072
    Abstract: A tensioner for providing a conduit, e.g., drilling and production riser strings, from a floating vessel at the surface of the ocean to the blowout preventer stack, production tree, or other assembly which is connected to the wellhead at the sea floor. The tensioner compensates for vessel motion induced by wave action and heave and maintains a variable tension to the riser string alleviating the potential for compression and thus buckling or failure of the riser string. The tensioner of the present invention preferably includes at least one mandrel having at least one hang-off donut; at least one upper flexjoint swivel assembly, at least one radially ported manifold, and at least one tensioning cylinder co-linearly combined in a single unit. Methods for assembling risers are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Control Flow Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy I. Mournian, Graeme E. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6554073
    Abstract: A method of cutting a well casing located beneath a subsea wellhead wherein a cutting assembly is made and lowered into an operative position. A mounting device is secured to the wellhead and the cutter is radially expanded into engagement with the casing. The motor is operated so as to rotate the tubing string and thereby rotate the cutter to cut the casing. A cutting assembly is used to cut a well casing. The cutting assembly has a motor mounting device, a motor, an output shaft, a radially expandable cutter and a tubing string. The tubing string connects the cutter to the output shaft of the motor and clamp members secure the mounting device to the wellhead so that the rotary reaction forces from the mounting device are transmitted to the wellhead. Axial reaction forces are also transmitted from the mounting device to a radially extending surface of the wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce McGarian
  • Patent number: 6554074
    Abstract: A lift fluid driven downhole electrical generator and method for generating and controlling the electrical output from the electrical generator is disclosed. The electrical generator comprises a housing having a lift fluid port in a sidewall portion thereof for allowing the flow of lift fluids therethrough. A rotor is rotatably disposed within the housing. The rotor converts lift fluid pressure to rotary motion when the lift fluid travels through the lift fluid port and impinges the rotor. The electrical generator also includes an electromagnetic assembly having a first portion that is rotatable with the rotor and a second portion that is stationary with the housing. The electromagnetic assembly converts the rotary motion to electricity as the first portion of an electromagnetic assembly rotates relative to the second portion of the electromagnetic assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim Robert Longbottom
  • Patent number: 6554075
    Abstract: A drilling rig includes a tower, a stabilizer for lifting/lowering an injector and BOP stack, and a powered arm adapted to manipulate BHA segments. The tower includes a plurality of interlocking modules and is mounted on a two perpendicularly aligned skids. The tower is also provided with an opening that enables the side loading of equipment. The preferred rig includes one module adapted to support a stabilizer that includes hydraulic lifts that can raise the injector and BOP stack off the wellhead. The stabilizer also accommodates the thermal expansion of the BOP stack by rising and lowering the stack during well servicing operations. The powered arm attaches to the tower and includes an articulated gripper for manipulating the bottom hole assembly segments. Preferably, the powered arm is controlled by a general purpose computer that guides the powered arm through a predetermined sweep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Fikes, Mark Farabee, E. Alan Coats
  • Patent number: 6554076
    Abstract: The present invention relates to packers adapted to seal an annular space within a wellbore. The packers, for example, may be utilized to circulate or reverse circulate a fluid. In one embodiment, the present apparatus comprises a first tubular subunit and a second tubular subunit moveably coupled together, a flexible packing element disposed between the first tubular subunit and the second tubular subunit, and a temporary mechanical connection adapted to restrain the first tubular subunit and the second tubular subunit from compressing the flexible packing element, in which the temporary mechanical connection is adapted to be hydraulically disengaged. In another embodiment, the present apparatus further comprises a valve. The valve may be selectively opened to allow fluid to flow between the annular space and the central bore of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Guillory, Chris Cuffe, Mike Betik, Mike Dion, Ken Whanger
  • Patent number: 6554077
    Abstract: The sprinkler arrangements described in the specification include a sprinkler body with an axial passage and an axially movable assembly movable between a sealing position and an open position and including a Belleville washer engageable with a shoulder in the sprinkler body to seal the axial passage in the sealing position and a deflector to distribute water emerging from the passage when the movable assembly is in the open position. A locking assembly which is separable from the sprinkler body normally retains the axially movable assembly in the sealing position and is releasable by a temperature sensitive apparatus at an elevated temperature to permit the movable assembly to move to the open position. In one embodiment the axially movable member has a central post which is slidably guided by a tripod at the outer end of the axial passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventor: George S. Polan
  • Patent number: 6554078
    Abstract: The farm implement of this invention is movable across ground along a direction of travel for tillage. The farm implement includes at least a frame and a disc/drive unit. The disc/drive unit includes first and second pluralities of discs, each having a ground-engaging outer periphery defining a plane angled acutely relative to the direction of travel. The first discs are angled to an opposite side of the direction of travel than the second discs. Positioned in front of the first discs is a ground-engaging driver rotatably coupled to the frame for rotating as the driver engages and is moved across the ground along the direction of travel. A driven flow controller is rotatably coupled and situated between the plurality of first discs and the plurality of second discs. The ground-engaging driver is operatively controlling and preferably accelerating the rotational speed of the driven flow controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin G. McDonald
  • Patent number: 6554079
    Abstract: A tillage member in the shape of a disc which has large notches which cause the disc to turn at the same speed as the forward speed of an implement to which it is attached, thereby mixing the soil instead of merely turning over the soil. In order to achieve this mixing and pulling up of the soil for incorporation purposes, the disc has an outer periphery with a concave side and a convex side. An opening in the center of the disc is provided for adapting the disc to be mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal axis. The disc has a plurality of notches in the outer periphery thereof and a plurality of projections disposed respectively between adjacent ones of the notches. The number of notches is no less than six and no more than nine and the number of projections is no less than six and no more than nine. Also, the depth of each notch is approximately fifty percent of the width of each notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Douglas G. Bruce
  • Patent number: 6554080
    Abstract: A motor grader can be adapted for laying down a layer of granular material such as base rock or cold mix asphalt by mounting a dispensing hopper attachment onto the front of the motor grader and a spreading and leveling screed onto the moldboard. As the motor grader advances, it pushes a dump truck that continuously loads materials into the hopper. Those materials are in turn continuously discharged at a metered rate of flow through the bottom of the hopper and onto the roadbed. The resulting swath of materials passes between the front wheels of the grader as the grader continues to advance, whereupon the screed engages the swath and spreads the materials in opposite lateral directions while leveling them to the desired depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Horner Grade Contracting, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale R. Horner
  • Patent number: 6554081
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to reduce interference resulting from activation of explosive devices. One type of interference is charge-to-charge interference, and another type of interference is pre-shock interference between a detonating cord and an explosive, such as a shaped charge. To reduce interference, one or more shock impeding elements are placed proximal one or more explosives to impede propagation of shock caused by detonation of the explosives. The shock impeding elements include a porous material, such as a porous liquid or solid. In another arrangement, a shock barrier may be positioned between a detonating cord and an explosive to reduce pre-shock interference. In yet another feature, an encapsulant may be provided around one or more shaped charges to enhance structural support for the shaped charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Brooks, Wenbo Yang, Brenden M. Grove, Ian C. Walton, Manish Kothari, Lawrence A. Behrmann, Alfredo Fayard, Daniel C. Markel, Wallace E. Voreck
  • Patent number: 6554082
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an underground boring machine during boring or reaming operations. A boring tool is displaced along an underground path while being rotated. In response to variations in underground conditions impacting boring tool progress along the underground path, a control system modifies the rate of boring tool displacement along the underground path while rotating the boring tool at a selected rotation rate to optimize excavation productivity. The controller may also monitor the rate at which liquid is pumped through the borehole and automatically adjust the rate of displacement and/or the liquid flow rate so that sufficient liquid is flowing through the borehole to remove the cuttings and debris generated by the boring tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Brian John Bischel, James Richard Rankin
  • Patent number: 6554083
    Abstract: An adjustable bent housing adapter for downhole mud motor directional drilling operations including a cylindrical housing having a first and a second end defining a central bore there through, the housing being divided into first and second body members, the body members being axially offsetable to one another, said first body member having a mandrel portion insertable along a portion of its length into the bore of the second body member with angularity between the first and second body members achieved by rotational displacement of a first outer indexing sleeve, having non-parallel ends, disposed annularly about the mandrel and a second inner eccentric sleeve also disposed annularly about the mandrel, the inner sleeve having a locking member for connecting to the outer sleeve and being axially movable relative to the mandrel in response to rotation of the outer sleeve, and a locking means provided for securing the outer sleeve to prevent rotation between the outer indexing sleeve and the first body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Scott Kerstetter
  • Patent number: 6554084
    Abstract: Front wheels (3A, 3B) are operably connected to hydraulic motors (21A, 21B), and hydraulic pumps (26A, 26B) driven by an engine (25) are provided, each hydraulic pump (26A, 26B) being connected to one of the hydraulic motors (21A, 21B). Control of speed is effected by switching the direction of oil flow from the hydraulic pumps (26A, 26B), changing the direction of rotation of the hydraulic motors (21A, 21B), controlling the rpm of the engine (25) and the flow rate of oil from the hydraulic pumps (26A, 26B), and changing the rpm's of the hydraulic motors (21A, 21B). Control of turning is made possible by controlling, based on the turning angle of a steering wheel or the turning angles of the rear wheels, the respective rotation speeds (equal or different) or the respective directions of rotation (same or opposite) of the front wheels (3A, 3B). Provided is a hydraulically driven forklift employing a 2-pump 2-motor system, which improves maneuverability and reduces the turning radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: TCM Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Enmeiji
  • Patent number: 6554085
    Abstract: A multi-wheel vehicle provided with at least six running wheels, that is, a pair of first running wheels serving as driving wheels, a pair of second running wheels such as castors disposed before or behind said pair of first running wheels so as to be laterally turned in the traveling direction of said vehicle, and a pair of third running wheels disposed before or behind said first running wheels. The vehicle comprises a prime mover, a speed change operation device, a steering operation device, a transmission drivingly connected with said prime mover, and a pair of running-driving axles onto which said respective first running wheels are attached. The transmission applies composite force of first equal rotational forces in the same directions and second equal rotational forces in opposite directions onto said pair of first running wheels. The speed change operation device is manipulated so as to regulate the direction and magnitude of said first rotational forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Hasegawa, Koji Irikura, Hiroaki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6554086
    Abstract: A curb-climbing wheelchair having pivotal arm assemblies. The pivotal arm assemblies include at least one front caster and have the ability to rotate or pivot. The pivot arms rotate or pivot in response to moments generated by accelerating or decelerating the wheelchair thereby raising or lowering the front caster(s) through the rotational movement of the pivot arms. By raising or lowering the front caster(s) in such a manner, curb-like obstacles can be traversed in a low-impact manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Jr.