Patents Issued in May 6, 2003
  • Patent number: 6557598
    Abstract: A device is shown for filling a wildlife feeder with material. The device has a primary conduit and a pressure source connected to the primary conduit for propelling air through the primary conduit. A secondary conduit extends from the primary conduit such that at least a portion of the air flowing though the primary conduit flows through the secondary conduit and into a primary receptacle wherein a pressure is created inside the primary receptacle that is equal to or greater than the pressure in the primary conduit. The primary receptacle has a sealable feed port for receiving material to be conveyed and an outlet connected to the primary conduit down stream from the pressure source and the secondary conduit such that material can pass from the primary receptacle by gravity flow through the outlet and become entrained in the movement of the air created by the pressure source and into a secondary receptacle which is located at an elevated location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventors: Nolan S. Glover, Dan Cloud
  • Patent number: 6557599
    Abstract: A wood planing machine includes a first drive transmission member transmitting a rotating force of a cutting member to a first transmission shaft with two gears mounted thereon. Two gears are splined on a second transmission shaft and are movable along an axis of the shaft such that one gear meshes with a respective one of the gears on the first transmission shaft so as to result in two reduction drives of the second transmission shaft. A second drive transmission member transmits one of the reduction drives to a feed-in rolling member. An actuating member is rotated with a rotating force which is transformed by a cam member into a translation force to move the gears on the second transmission shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Juei-Seng Liao
  • Patent number: 6557600
    Abstract: A hold down apparatus for a commercial molder is provided. The hold down apparatus generally includes a number of hold down plates adapted to hold down a work piece as it is conveyed through the commercial molder. A method of holding down a work piece in a commercial molder is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Infinite Reverse Profiling
    Inventor: David C. VeNard
  • Patent number: 6557601
    Abstract: An expandable mechanical stop is provided for positioning a workpiece during woodworking or other operations. The mechanical stop includes a positioning body which is adjustably attached to a track, the track having a vertical face that abuts an edge of the workpiece during operation. A stop arm is connected to the positioning body and includes a rear face that is substantially adjacent to the vertical face of the track. Anti-biasing means are provided to prevent the workpiece from dislodging the stop arm by sliding between the stop arm and the track. In one configuration, tabs are provided on the rear face and are received by grooves on the vertical face to serve as the anti-biasing means. In another configuration, grooves are provided on the rear face and receive tabs disposed on the vertical face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Taylor Design Group
    Inventor: Christopher L. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6557602
    Abstract: An enclosed wet saw table for containing debris distributed by a wet type table saw. The enclosed wet saw table includes a table apparatus with a sink section for placing a wet saw on. There are walls on three sides of the sink for containing any splashing of liquid and debris during the cutting process. The liquid and debris drains through into a container having a pump member for filtering and re-circulating the liquid back up to the wet saw. All of the sections of the table apparatus are selectively couplable allowing the user to transport the unit and set it up on site in short order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Le Roy S. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 6557603
    Abstract: A tube tire capable of simply, positively preventing the generation of a puncture due to contact of opposing portions of the wall surface of a tube. Double wall portions are formed at rim striking portions of a tube contained in a tire, and the internal spaces of the double wall portions are filled with a sealant. When the tire rides over an obstacle and the tire and the tube are clamped between the flange portions of a rim and the obstacle, the shock is damped by the double wall portions to prevent damage of the tube. Even if the double wall portions are damaged, the damaged portion is repaired with the sealant, thereby eliminating the generation of leakage of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Yamazaki, Kengo Nakayama, Hirohisa Takahashi, Toshio Yamagiwa
  • Patent number: 6557604
    Abstract: A safety liner (20) for a vehicle tire (500) includes a toroidal tube (22) having at least one hole (24). At least one plug (26) is selectively insertable into the at least one hole (24). Toroidal tube (22) is compressible into a flattened circular shape by a compressive force, and when the compressive force is removed, the toroidal tube (22) resiliently assumes its original toroidal shape. Safety liner (20) is installed in the cavity (503) of vehicle tire (500) as the vehicle tire (500) is being installed on the tire rim (502). If a blowout or other leak occurs, safety liner (20) will cause the shape and pressure of vehicle tire (500) to be retained for a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Donald Albrecht
  • Patent number: 6557605
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises: a carcass extending between bead portions through a tread portion and sidewall portions; a breaker disposed radially outside a crown portion of the carcass; a pair of axially spaced high modulus edge bands disposed radially outward of edge portions of the breaker and each made of one or more high modulus cords having a sectional area SH and a 2% modulus MH and wound substantially parallel to the tire circumferential direction at a cord count DH; a low modulus middle band disposed radial outward of the breaker between the high modulus edge bands; and an elongation resistance index PH of each of the high modulus edge bands, which is defined as the product of the 2% modulus MH in N/sq.mm, the sectional area SH in sq.mm and the cord count DH per 1 cm width divided by 100, being in a range of 160 to 700.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Yukawa, Kazumi Yamazaki, Takashi Tanaka, Yasuo Wada, Makoto Hizume
  • Patent number: 6557606
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and a method for inserting a security and/or identification element between two layers of a marking strip for items of baggage, the two layers being an overlayer and a substrate joined together at least in sub-sections by way of an adhesive layer which adheres to the overlayer when the substrate is delaminated. The marking strips are manufactured with integrated security/identification elements at low cost. The marking strips are available in web form and are guided in a running direction past a vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Meto International GmbH
    Inventor: Detlef Duschek
  • Patent number: 6557607
    Abstract: A substrate on which a plurality of thin films having a plurality of cross-sections corresponding to the cross-section of a micro-structure are formed is placed on a substrate holder. The substrate holder is elevated to bond a thin film formed on the substrate to the surface of a stage, and by lowering the substrate holder, the thin film is separated from the substrate and transferred to the stage side. The transfer process is repeated to laminate a plurality of thin films on the stage and to form the micro-structure. Accordingly, there are provided a micro-structure having high dimensional precision, especially high resolution in the lamination direction, which can be manufactured from a metal or an insulator such as ceramics and can be manufactured in the combined form of structural elements together, and a manufacturing method and an apparatus thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Yamada, Mutsuya Takahashi, Masaki Nagata
  • Patent number: 6557608
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermally attaching web-based polishing pads in a chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) system. Specifically, one end of a first web-based polishing pad and an end of a second web-based polishing pad are inserted in a thermal sealing unit. The ends of the polishing pads are brought into contact with each other and secured in place within the thermal sealing unit. A heating element within thermal sealing unit is activated, thereby fusing the polishing pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron T. Bartlett, Gary O. Henderson
  • Patent number: 6557609
    Abstract: At least one transverse blade (19) is mounted on one end of the body of the pressing device (12) which cyclically acts on the packaging film (1) so as to fix it to an underlying tearing strip (7) which is directed towards the film with an adhesive surface and is supported by a conveyor belt (3), said blade (19) cutting and dividing up to the required dimension the said tearing strip from the continuous tape from which the strip itself is obtained, while the said belt acts as a cutter counter-piece. Auxiliary blades (21, 121) are also mounted laterally and parallel on one end of the body of the pressing device, said blades (21, 121), during the active working phase of the said pressing device, interfering with the edge of the packaging film in order to form, on the latter, incisions located on the sides of the front gripping end of the tearing strip, in order to facilitate tearing of the packaging when the said strip (7) is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: BFB S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fabio Fini, Giorgio Tassi
  • Patent number: 6557610
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for seating a tire bead in the bead seat of a wheel includes the basic steps of: engaging the wheel and generating reciprocating movement of the wheel along the axis of rotation to fully seat the tire bead on the wheel. The method and apparatus further involves the step of rotating the tire and wheel about the wheel's axis of rotation while generating the reciprocating movement, as well as the step of applying pressure to the side walls of the tire while generating the reciprocating movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Fori Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Koerner, Paul G. Doan
  • Patent number: 6557611
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for securing a window or similar opening and includes a fair of frames slidably mated to one another. The apparatus further includes one or more sensors or switches that would be triggered in the event that the apparatus is moved or removed, thereby initiating an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Larry Fuentes
  • Patent number: 6557612
    Abstract: An articulated arm for an awning such as for a patio or deck including at least first and second arm parts joined by an articulation. Longitudinal axes of the arm parts are orthogonal to the articulation axis. The articulated arm also includes at least two springs arranged adjacent each other and first ends of the springs are fixed to the first arm part. At least two traction elements are also and are individually connected to second ends of the springs. The traction elements are led via the articulation to the second arm part and are fixed thereto. The traction elements are wire cables which include a plastic coat in at least a region adjacent the articulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Paul Voss GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Voss
  • Patent number: 6557613
    Abstract: The invention involves an insulating glass arrangement with at least one area between the panes, sealed up by glass panes (1, 1′) and an edge layer connection (2), and with a foil shade located in the area between the panes consisting of a sun-blocking foil the end (40) of which is attached to one of the sides of the glass panes (1, 1′) to be covered and which rolls up to a winding (41) on a movable winding shaft (3) or rolls out to a flat surface (42). It also consists of a winding drive unit for transmitting a torque to the winding shaft and of a lateral guide mechanism (5a, 5b) for guiding a bearing system of the winding shaft (3) along a linear path (S), and of a shade drive unit for actuating the foil shade. According to the invention, an internal linear guide mechanism (6a, 6b) is provided for aligning the winding shaft (3) at a right angle to the linear path (S).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Manfred Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6557614
    Abstract: A retractable screen panel installation for a garage door in which the screen panel may be held latched in a position overlying a lowermost section of a garage door, and selectively released to slide down to cover an opening created when the door is partially raised. A one handed operation of two laterally spaced latching mechanisms releases the screen panel by squeezing together two angled end pivoted release levers each connected to a respective cable release element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Nicholas Lampers
  • Patent number: 6557615
    Abstract: A horizontal window blind apparatus having at least a first and a second slat disposed parallel and spaced relative to each other is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first tab which is secured to the first slat, the first tab defining a first opening and a second opening disposed between the first opening and the first slat. A second tab is secured to the second slat, the second tab being aligned relative to the first tab. The second tab defines a third opening and a fourth opening disposed between the third opening and the second slat. A first elongate control extends through the first and the third openings and a first locking device is provided for selectively locking the first control relative to the first tab. A second locking device is provided for selectively locking the first control relative to the second tab. A second elongate control extends through the second and the fourth openings. A third locking device selectively locks the second control relative to the first tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Innovations, LLC.
    Inventor: Brian W. Smith
  • Patent number: 6557616
    Abstract: A rear windowpane roll-up blind is reeled out with the aid of actuating levers 9, 11. The actuating levers 9, 11 are the sole elements which carry the pull rod 13 of the roll-up blind 5. In order to prevent a damaging of the heating wires on the inside of the rear window pane 4, guide rollers 56 are rotatably supported on the outer ends of the pull rod 13. Mechanisms 42 70 are provided which allow the guide rollers 56 to yield under spring tension so that the force with which the rollers 56 are pressed on the pane 4 is held within a prescribed range regardless of installation and vehicle body tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: BOS GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Werner P. Schlect
  • Patent number: 6557617
    Abstract: A method for process monitoring during die casting or vacuum thixoforming of metals in a mold, wherein the time lapse of temperature (T) is continuously measured on at least one point of the system and the temperature progression of the system is calculated in real time using a program. The time lapse of the heat flow (W) is calculated from the temperature progression of the system and the time lapse of the energy (U) of the system and the solidification heat portion (UE) of the metal solidified in the mold are calculated from the heat flow. At a given time, the calculated values are used as monitoring parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Alcan Technology & Management Ltd.
    Inventors: Christophe Bagnoud, Miroslaw Plata, Jurgen Wust, Klaus Wahrisch
  • Patent number: 6557618
    Abstract: The present invention relates to metal casting and can be used in producing large sized blades with directional and single crystal structure having large horizontal shoulders. The apparatus comprises a vacuum chamber inside which there is positioned a mold preheating furnace with a ceramic mold and a vertical shield disposed therein, and a crystallizer. The shield is positioned concentrically to the casting vertical axis and is fixed on the mold upper portion or on a hanger. The shield can be made integral or as a row of members having projecting flanges which telescopically insert into each other. The shield is made of a graphitized foil or a carbon/carbon based composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignees: General Electric Company, All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Aviation Materials
    Inventors: Vegeny Nikolaevich Kablov, Viktor Vladimirovich Gerasimov, Joseph Markovich Demonis, Elena Mikhailovna Visik
  • Patent number: 6557619
    Abstract: For improvement in production efficiency by elimination of a centering of an ingot supplier to an ingot supply opening upon reconnection of a melting and holding furnace to a die cast machine, there are provided an intermediate handler having a receiving case configured substantially in a channel shape open at both ends thereof, and pivoted on the furnace cover to be movable between a substantially horizontal lying position with one end thereof coincident with an ingot exit of the preheater to allow for a preheated ingot to be forward therein in a lying position with a longitudinal axis thereof set substantially horizontal and a substantially vertical standing position with the other end thereof coincident with the ingot supply opening to bring a distal end of the preheated ingot forwarded therein into abutment with the shutter to make the preheated ingot stand thereon, and an ingot supplier having a pawl chuck configured to enter inside the receiving case from an open side of the receiving case in the substa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Toshiba, Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinichi Katoh
  • Patent number: 6557620
    Abstract: An attachment apparatus for a heater for attaching the heater, which is configured in an almost circular shape in its side view and cut at a circumferential portion thereof to form opposite circumferential end portions, to an external peripheral portion of a heated member of a cylindrical or column shape, includes a pair of stop metal members fixed near the circumferential end portions of the heater and a spring, both end portions of the spring engaged with the stop metal members in a state being pulled by the stop metal members with a predetermined tension, respectively, the opposite circumferential end portions of the heater are attracted to each other and so the heater is elastically adhered to the external peripheral portion of the heated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Oshimo
  • Patent number: 6557621
    Abstract: An integral ceramic casting core includes a base portion with a plurality of rods extending therefrom and a plurality of apertures formed therein. The base portion defines a passageway for the passage of a cooling media within a cast component. The plurality of rods forming cooling media inlet passages to the passageway and the plurality of apertures are adapted to receive molten metal therein and form heat transfer pedestals within the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignees: Allison Advanced Development Comapny, Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas D. Dierksmeier, Jeffrey A. Ruppel
  • Patent number: 6557622
    Abstract: Surface defects in rolled steel are remedied by quenching a surface layer of the steel product downstream of the caster and upstream of the reheat furnace by transversely differentiated quenching to match the transverse temperature profile of the steel product. The flow rate of the quench spray is differentially adjustable across the width and optionally the length of the steel product. An array of spray nozzles controlled in transversely or longitudinally arranged groups provides the quench spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: IPSCO Enterprises Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Frank, Jonathan Dorricott, Laurie E. Collins, Joseph D. Russo, Robert J. Boecker, Brian H. Wales
  • Patent number: 6557623
    Abstract: Molten steel is poured using an immersion nozzle and a direct current magnetic field zone is applied to a cast slab over the entire width in the thickness direction thereof at a predetermined distance below the molten metal level in a continuously-casting mold. The immersion nozzle is provided with ejection holes located in at least upper and lower stages, at least one lower ejection hole is disposed such that these satisfy the following formula (1). The supply rate of molten steel from the upper ejection holes is set smaller than the rate consumed by solidification in an upper pool, and a particular solute element is added to the molten steel in the upper pool. 0<h<(½)·w·tan &thgr;  (1) where, &thgr;: downward angle of lower ejection hole(s) (°); w: length of mold in width direction (m); and h: distance from center of lower ejection hole to center of height of magnetic pole (m).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Kawasaki Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Hiromitu Shibata, Yasuo Kishimoto, Shuji Takeuchi, Koji Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6557624
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for cooling a room having one or more heat generating objects. A number of heat exchangers are disposed adjacent a floor or ceiling and extends substantially entirely or partially between the walls of the room. A fan unit is disposed adjacent the heat exchanger and draws or blows cooled air from the heat exchanger and directs the drawn air into the room. The fan unit is capable of being repositioned along a different portion of the heat exchanger so as to redefine the flow of cooled air into the room. The cooling system components are modularized enabling configuration of a number of components to cool a room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Liebert Corporation
    Inventors: Lennart Stahl, Christian L. Belady
  • Patent number: 6557625
    Abstract: A heat sink assembly includes a socket (50), a CPU (40), a heat sink (30) and a clip (10). The socket has a pair of positioning blocks (52) formed on one side thereof. A pair of pivot holes (53) is respectively defined in opposing inner faces of the blocks. A cutout (54) is defined in each block under and in communication with a corresponding pivot hole. The clip has first and second legs (14, 12). A connecting portion (16) connects to the first leg of the clip. Two C-shaped pivot portions (18) are respectively formed at opposite ends of the connecting portion. In assembly, the pivot portions are resiliently deformed to pass through the cutouts and enter the-pivot holes of the blocks of the socket. An aperture (13) defined in the second leg engagingly receives a catch (56) formed-on an-opposite side of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hao-Yun Ma
  • Patent number: 6557626
    Abstract: A heat sink assembly includes a heat exchanging section having a thermally conductive sheet folded into alternating ridges and troughs defining spaced fins having first and second end edges. The folded sheet is formed into a generally cylindrical configuration defining an axis. The troughs form an inner segmented cylinder, the ridges form an outer segmented cylinder generally concentric with the inner cylinder and the fins radiate generally outwardly from the axis. A thermally conductive core is provided within the inner segmented cylinder defined by the troughs of the cylindrically folded sheet to transfer the heat to be dissipated from the heat generating component to the heat exchanging section. A retainer is engageable with the cylindrically folded sheet generally at the second end edges of the fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael O'Sullivan, Kent E. Regnier, Blaine C. Woting
  • Patent number: 6557627
    Abstract: A blow-molded plastic carrier for a motor vehicle radiator fan has at least one opening for cooling air to pass therethrough, means for fixing at least one fan thereto and at least one integrated liquid container or the like. The carrier has a preferably metal reinforcing insert around which the plastic material of the carrier is molded and at least partially penetrates therethrough. The reinforcing insert has fixing means for fixing the carrier in position and for mounting further functional components thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jurgen Moltzheim, Axel Birk, Malcom Claydon
  • Patent number: 6557628
    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: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corportion
    Inventor: Herve Ohmer
  • Patent number: 6557629
    Abstract: A wellhead isolation tool for use with a wellhead assembly from which a tubing string is suspended comprises a tubular mandrel which includes an axial passage that extends therethrough and lower end that is adapted to engage the tubing string, a pumping head which is connected over the wellhead assembly and which includes an internal chamber that is in fluid communication with the axial passage and a port that extends through the pumping head to the chamber, and an actuator which is connected over the pumping head for moving the mandrel axially through the pumping head and into engagement with the tubing string. When the mandrel is engaged with the tubing string, fluid may be communicated through the port, the chamber and the mandrel and into the tubing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Wong, Roy W. Benefield, George E. Guthrie, Christopher P. Egan
  • Patent number: 6557630
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to determine the temperature profile of a wellbore using a fiber optic cable and an anchor are disclosed. Furthermore, a pressurized wellhead spool that couples to a standard Christmas tree structure on a well head to facilitate the injection of fiber optic cable into an oil and gas well is disclosed. The wellhead spool is portable and may be connected to fiber optic cable already located at the site, for quick connection to on-site instrumentation. A method of using the apparatuses disclosed to measure wellbore temperature at multiple depths of investigation is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Sensor Highway Limited
    Inventors: Gary O. Harkins, Christian Koeniger
  • Patent number: 6557631
    Abstract: A self contained logging tool comprising electronic apparatus for logging a well is disclosed. This tool includes a normally open fluid flow valve structure being activated to operation by differential movement of drill pipe in which the logging tool resides. The valve structure operates to gradually close and thereby restrict the flow of fluid through the valve, which in turn restricts the flow of fluid within the drill pipe. This flow restriction results in increasing the back pressure within drill pipe to provide an indication at the surface that the logging tool is struck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Reeves Wireline Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Charles Spencer, Harry Medlock
  • Patent number: 6557632
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is given for evaluating a well fluid sub-sample at the well surface as the sample is transported to the well surface from a downhole wellbore location. The invention collects a formation fluid sample under pressure. The fluid sample is further pressurized with a traveling piston powered by the hydrostatic wellbore pressure. The pressurized formation fluid sample is contained under high pressure within a fixed volume chamber for retrieval to the well surface. Multiple collection tanks can be lowered into the wellbore during the same run to sample different zones with minimal rig time. A pair of valves in series along the supply/discharge conduit respective to each tank accommodates extraction of a field sample to verify the sample integrity while still on location. The tanks can be emptied at the well surface with an evacuation pressure so that the fluid sample pressure is maintained above a selected pressure at all times or transported to an analytical laboratory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: James T. Cernosek
  • Patent number: 6557633
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for removing contaminates, in particular, volatile organic contaminates from groundwater by providing a well that combines air stripping and air sparging apparatus within a single well to provide in-ground treatment of contaminated groundwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Mohamed Abouodah
  • Patent number: 6557634
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an outer tubular (110) forming a first annulus with the wellbore and an inner tubular (114) disposed within the outer tubular (110) forming a second annulus therebetween. The second annulus includes an axially extending slurry passageway (194) and an axially extending production pathway (190). The portion of the outer tubular (110) adjacent the slurry passageway (194) has an outlet (128). The portion of both the outer and inner tubulars (110, 114) adjacent the production pathway (190) has a plurality of openings (122, 146). The slurry passageway (194) is in fluid isolation from the production pathway (190) such that when a fluid slurry containing gravel is injected through the slurry passageway (194), the fluid slurry exits through the outlet (128) leaving gravel in the first annulus, thereby gravel packing the interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis T. Hailey, Jr., William David Henderson, Stephen Lee Crow, Philip D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6557635
    Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing an unconsolidated subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of placing a slotted liner having an internal sand screen disposed therein in the zone, isolating the slotted liner and the well bore in the zone and injecting particulate material into the annuli between the sand screen and the slotted liner and the slotted liner and the well bore to thereby form packs of particulate material therein to prevent the migration of fines and sand with produced fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Ronald G. Dusterhoft
  • Patent number: 6557636
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for perforating tubular members coaxial outside and inside surfaces with a continuous wall extending therebetween attaches at least one explosive charge in direct contact with the wall of the tubular with at least one detonation device in communication with the explosive device. A control station in wireless and cableless communication with the at least one detonation device selects from radio waves, infrared waves, acoustic waves, optical light waves, seismic waves, and combinations thereof to activate the at least one detonation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Edward Paul Cernocky, Allen J. Lindfors
  • Patent number: 6557637
    Abstract: A subsea riser disconnect assembly 10 may be actuated from a drilling rig DR by axial movement of an upper riser 35 relative to a lower riser 28, for disconnecting the upper riser 35 from the lower riser 28. A subsea riser valve assembly 20 may be actuated from the drilling rig DR by axial movement of the upper riser 35 relative to the lower riser 28, for sealing an interior portion of the lower riser 28 and well bore WB below the subsea riser valve assembly 20. A drill pipe disconnect 30 may be actuated from a drilling rig DR, either onshore or offshore, for disconnecting an upper portion of drill pipe 236 from a lower portion of drill pipe 240. The drill pipe disconnect 30 may be actuatable by hydraulic and/or mechanical forces applied to the drill pipe disconnect 30 from the drilling rig DR. The drill pipe disconnect 30 may be compatible for use with or without the subsea riser disconnect assembly 10 and/or the subsea riser valve assembly 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: TIW Corporation
    Inventors: Eddie E. Dore, Britt O. Braddick
  • Patent number: 6557638
    Abstract: The concentric tubing completion system of the present invention comprises a surface Christmas tree which is located on a surface structure, a tieback connector which is secured to a mudline wellhead that is installed at the upper end of a subsea well bore, a mudline tubing hanger which is supported in the tieback connector, and a pair of concentric tubing strings which are suspended from corresponding tubing hangers in the surface Christmas tree and connected to the mudline tubing hanger. The annulus between the concentric tubing strings communicates with a number of passages in the mudline tubing hanger which are connected to the tubing annulus below the mudline tubing hanger. Thus, lift gas or other fluids may be communicated between the surface christmas tree and the tubing annulus through this annulus between the concentric tubing strings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Cunningham, Christopher D. Bartlett, Marcus A. Smedley, Russell E. McBeth, Robert B. Baten
  • Patent number: 6557639
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for pumping fluids in a wellbore. The apparatus includes a pipe string in the wellbore extending between a wellhead end and a production end, the pipe string defining an interior fluid path. A swivel device is connected into the pipe string so that an upper portion of the pipe string rotates relative to a lower portion thereof. A lower connector connects the lower portion with a stator of a rotary pump such that a fluid pumped by the pump is conducted through the interior fluid path of the pipe string. An upper connector connects the upper portion with a rotor of the rotary pump such that rotation of the upper portion rotates the rotor and thus pumps the fluid. The method includes rotatably supporting the upper portion in the wellbore at the wellhead end, connecting the lower portion with the stator, connecting the upper portion with the rotor, positioning the pump in the wellbore and rotating the upper portion in order to rotate the rotor to pump the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Innovative Production Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Ed Matthews, Gary Anderson, Shawn Deugo, Jim Anaka, Mel Paton
  • Patent number: 6557640
    Abstract: An expansion mandrel includes a lubrication system for lubricating the trailing edge portion of the interface between the expansion mandrel and a tubular member during the radial expansion of the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Robert Lance Cook, David Paul Brisco, R. Bruce Stewart, Reece E. Wyant, Lev Ring, James Jang Woo Nahm, Richard Carl Haut, Robert Donald Mack, Alan B. Duell, Andrei Gregory Filippov
  • Patent number: 6557641
    Abstract: A wellbore tubular handling system and method is provided for operation in holding and lowering tubulars, such as casing strings, at a rig site. The handling system utilizes a plurality of interchangeable gripping modules for use with both the elevator slips and the spider. Because the gripping modules are completely interchangeable, only one additional gripping module is needed to provide redundancy at the well site to thereby reduce the equipment normally required. An elevator module receives the interchangeable gripping module therein. An interchangeable gripping module may also preferably be flush mounted in many standard rotary table types. Alternatively a top mount spider module is provided to receive a gripping module for other rig floor and/or rotary table constructions. The gripping module has three inner support rings and slips between approximately one and two feet in length to permit load support while protecting any thin walled casing that is used in the casing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Sipos, Donald E. Mosing
  • Patent number: 6557642
    Abstract: An oil flow line and power device system has a tube for the transportation of oil and a power device which can be received in the tube. The tube is provided with an electric power transmission line extending along at least some of the length and has a first power transfer unit which can cooperate with a second power transfer unit on the power outlet device such that the other power transfer units cooperate to transfer power from the transmission line to the power device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignees: XL Technology LTD, TSL Technology
    Inventor: Philip Head
  • Patent number: 6557643
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided which holds a rod or tubular within a well, allowing a well service provider or operator to safely and more cost effectively disassemble, remove, or otherwise work on a drive assembly. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises an annular body having at least one radial aperture formed therethrough and at least one rod holder disposed through each aperture. The rod holder comprises a push jaw disposed on a first end of a screw. In one aspect, the method comprises shutting down a drive assembly and supporting a rod or tubular with an annular body comprising at least one radial aperture formed there-through, at least one threaded member disposed within the aperture, and at least one push jaw disposed on a first end of the threaded member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Melvin Hall, Richard Dale Stephens
  • Patent number: 6557644
    Abstract: The invention is an adjustable tubing hanger for suspending a tubular string from a wellhead. The adjustable tubing hanger has an upper body having a seal, a lower body attached to the upper body and the tubular string, a carrier assembly located between the upper body and the lower body providing at least one metal seal for an annulus, and a drive lock assembly attached to the lower body with a tension lock and numerous segments. Each segment has an outer diameter with a grooved profile forming a load bearing interlock for the drive lock assembly. The tension on the tubular string is adjustable depending on adjustments made to the interlock position of the grooved profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Kvaerner Oilfield Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael John Miller, Ralph Anthony Alvarez
  • Patent number: 6557645
    Abstract: A differential-type dry pipe valve for a fire protection sprinkler system has a ratio of effective air sealing area to service water sealing area that is smaller than a ratio of service water pressure to system air pressure at which the fire protection sprinkler system is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Grinnell Corporation
    Inventor: Yoram Ringer
  • Patent number: 6557646
    Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement employing a series of apparatus to perform one-pass primary tillage is disclosed. A cutting disk is the first apparatus that works the field. These disks cut the residue laterally (across the machine) and mix the majority of the residue throughout the disk tillage profile. Additional conditioning occurs by knocking residue/stalks over into a prone position with large cast spools between each disk for quicker decay. Next, chisel plow units work the soil to fracture and loosen the soil, providing proper soil aggregate size and air pore space relationship throughout the shank tillage profile. The last apparatus to work the field is a set of leveling disks, or a combination of leveling disks and a rotary reel/drag harrow. The function of these will provide is to reduce clod size and leave the soil level and smooth enough to allow one-pass secondary tillage in the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Case, LLC
    Inventors: Paul A. Hurtis, Joseph M. Keeler, Timothy R. Blunier, Marvin D. Kuebler
  • Patent number: 6557647
    Abstract: An impact hammer system for driving an elongate member comprising a ram member, a frame assembly, an actuator assembly, and a power source. The ram member defines a ram bore. The frame assembly supports the ram member such that the ram member may move relative to the frame assembly between first and second positions. The actuator assembly is operatively connected between the frame assembly and the ram member and is operable in extended and retracted configurations. At least a portion of the actuator assembly is disposed within the ram bore and a substantial portion of the actuator assembly extends out of the ram bore when the cylinder is in the extended position. The power source is operatively connected to the actuator assembly to place the actuator assembly in the extended and retracted configurations. Extension and retraction of the actuator assembly moves the ram member between the first and second positions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: American Piledriving Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. White