Patents Issued in December 2, 2003
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Patent number: 6655450Abstract: A forced oscillatory flow type heat pipe of which a ratio (motion coefficient) of the heat transport capacity to the oscillating energy is maintained within an appropriate range is provided. A heat pipe body (1) has a closed loop flow path (2). Operation of the vibrator (3), which is provided at a connecting portion (2a) between the ends of the flow path (2), causes an oscillatory flow of the charged liquid sealed in the flow path (2). The phases of the oscillatory flows of the charged liquid in the adjacent tube portions of the flow path are inverted. From a viewpoint that the dimensionless effective thermal diffusivity kef* of the COSMOS type heat pipe has a larger range in the modified Womersley number &agr; than that of the dream type heat pipe, the modified Womersley number &agr; is 0.4 to 7.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: TS Heatronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigefumi Nishio, Hisashi Tanaka, Kouji Kubo
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Patent number: 6655451Abstract: A heat transfer tube for a falling film type evaporator, in which water spreading characteristics, particularly the water spreading characteristics in the tube axis direction, enhancing the heat transfer ability. Three types of projections 2, 3, and 4 are formed on an external surface 1a of a heat transfer tube body 1. A respective plurality of projections 2 to 4 are arranged spirally in parallel to one another, forming projection groups 2a to 4a. The number of each projection group 2 to 4 is one. Pitches P2 to P4 for the projections 2 to 4 are in the range of 0.35 mm≦P4<P3<P2≦5.95 mm. Heights h2 to h4 of the projections 2 to 4 are in the range of 0.1 mm≦h4<h3<h2≦0.5 mm. Pitches for the projection groups 2a to 4a is in the range of 0.72 to 1.12 mm.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshio Tada, Chikara Saeki, Hiroyuki Takahashi
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Patent number: 6655452Abstract: A carrier apparatus for connection with a pipe string for use in transporting at least one gauge downhole through a borehole. The apparatus includes a tubular body for connection with the pipe string having a bore for conducting a fluid therethrough and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface has at least one longitudinal recess formed therein. Further, at least one insert defining an internal chamber for receiving a gauge is mounted with the body such that at least a portion of the insert is receivable within the recess for engagement therewith. The apparatus also includes an interlocking interface comprised of the engagement between the insert and the recess, wherein the interlocking interface is configured such that the insert inhibits radial expansion of the body adjacent the recess. Finally, at least one passage provides fluid communication between the gauge and one of the bore of the body and the borehole.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Fred Zillinger
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Patent number: 6655453Abstract: A drillpipe line installation system, the drillpipe string being composed of drillpipe sections which are added and removed to increase and decrease the length of the drillpipe, and a length of cable is disposed within the drillpipe string. The length of this cable is greater than that of the drilipipe string when the cable is put in the drill pipe. The system includes a lower cable storage means which stows the cable in a compact manner and pays the cable out when the length of the drillpipe is increases, and an upper cable storage means which can take up the cable in a compact manner when the length of the drillpipe is decreased.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignees: XL Technology LTD, TSL TechnologyInventor: Philip Head
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Patent number: 6655454Abstract: A check enhancer for use in a well comprises an outer housing portion and an inner injector portion disposed in the housing portion. The housing portion includes an outer body defining a fluid cavity therein with a plurality of body ports in communication with the fluid cavity and an adapter which slidably receives a portion of a length of tubing therethrough. A tubing fitting connects the tubing to the adapter. The injector portion includes a check valve and a dispersement nipple attached thereto. The check valve is connected to the tubing in the fluid cavity by another tubing fitting, and the check valve allows fluid flow from the tubing through nipple ports defined in the dispersement nipple. The nipple ports are longitudinally spaced from the body ports so that the fluid cavity remains substantially filled with fluid with the dispersement nipple substantially submerged within the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Danny Joe Floyd
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Patent number: 6655455Abstract: A flow completion system for controlling the flow of fluid from a well bore, the flow completion system comprising a tubing spool, a tubing hanger supporting a tubing string which extends into the well bore and defines a tubing annulus surrounding the tubing string; a first closure member which is positioned in the production bore above the production passageway; a first annular seal wherein the first closure member and the first seal comprise a first pressure-containing barrier between the well bore and a surrounding environment; a second closure member which is positioned in the production bore above the first closure member; and a second annular seal wherein the second closure member and the second seal comprise a second pressure-containing barrier between the well bore and the environment; and wherein both the first and the second barriers are associated with the tubing hanger.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Christopher D. Bartlett, Christopher E. Cunningham, Richard D. Kent, Nicholas Gatherar, David Harrold
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Patent number: 6655456Abstract: There is disclosed a system in which a liner is lowered into and landed within an outer casing. The casing includes a casing joint having upwardly facing landing shoulders formed about its bore, and the liner has a recess thereabout which receives a “C” shaped hanger carried in a retracted position as it is lowered into the bore. The hanger has teeth about it which are arranged to seat upon the landing shoulders when the hanger is released to expand against the bore so that its teeth may be lowered onto the landing surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.Inventors: John M. Yokley, Larry E. Reimert
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Patent number: 6655457Abstract: The invention relates to a method for use in sampling, flow measuring, quantity gauging, or possibly other analysis performed in reservoir fluid found in a ground formation. An object of the invention is to perform the sampling, flow measuring and quantity gauging or the remaining analyses in situ on stabilized reservoir fluid that contains a negligible amount drill fluid. Analysis is possible by sealing off an area of the well at the hydrocarbon carrying layer and passing a volume of reservoir fluid into a drill string for analysis by accessories located in the drill string. After the analyses are performed, the reservoir fluid is returned to the hydrocarbon carrying layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Bjorn Dybdahl
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Patent number: 6655458Abstract: A well logging instrument is disclosed which includes a housing operatively coupled to a well logging conveyance and movable within the wellbore. The housing has therein a formation testing system and an axial extension mechanism. The axial extension mechanism controllably extends and retracts to allow the formation testing system to perform tests and take samples in an axially fixed position in the wellbore while the housing moves through the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Andrew L. Kurkjian, John B. Elmer, William B. Underhill
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Patent number: 6655459Abstract: An apparatus and methods for preventing the accumulation of unwanted materials in an enlarged inner diameter portion of a casing or housing. In one aspect of the invention, a sleeve is disposed in the housing to isolate an annular area defined by the outer surface sleeve and the wall of the enlarged inner diameter portion. The sleeve prevents unwanted materials from being disposed in the annular area. The sleeve can later be expanded into the enlarged inner diameter portion, removed from the wellbore or destroyed. In another aspect of the invention, the sleeve is provided and disposed to cover the enlarged inner diameter portion. By covering the enlarged inner diameter portion, unwanted material is prevented from accumulating at said portion and from interfering with the expansion of the next casing into said portion to form a monobore. The sleeve can be made from materials that are dissolvable, elastically deformable, or retrievable.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Alexander Craig Mackay
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Patent number: 6655460Abstract: The present invention generally provides a downhole tool with an improved means of transmitting data to and from the tool through the use of wired pipe capable of transmitting a signal and/or power between the surface of the well and any components in a drill string. In one aspect, a downhole tool includes a body, and a mandrel disposed in the body and movable in relation to the body. A conducive wire runs the length of the body and permits signals and/or power to be transmitted though the body as the tool changes its length.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, Michael Nero, Timothy L. Wilson
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Patent number: 6655461Abstract: A straddle packer tool for treatment of wells has a tool body supporting sealing elements in spaced relation for defining a sealed annulus zone within a wellbore. The tool body defines a treatment fluid passage having treatment ports that open to the sealed annulus zone for formation fracturing or other well treatment. The tool body has a bypass passage therethrough which is isolated from the treatment fluid passage and communicates with the wellbore above and below the sealed annulus zone. A check valve permits downward flow of well fluid from the bypass passage into the wellbore below the tool and prevents upward flow of fluid into the bypass passage. Bypass ports conduct fluid flow to and from the bypass passage and the wellbore above and below the sealed annulus zone. A packer actuated bypass valve is opened or closed to control the flow of well fluid within the bypass passage.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: David M. Eslinger, Randolph J. Sheffield, Mark C. Oettli
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Patent number: 6655462Abstract: Apparatus which can collect loose debris, particularly ferrous debris, has a body 2 with upper 3 and lower 4 stabiliser sleeve. The body 2 has a one or more integral magnets or magnetic areas 5. In one embodiment the magnets are located in a first and second row on a split sleeve 6 and are covered by a protective stainless steel sleeve7. The apparatus may alternatively comprise magnetic scraper blades or a magnetic sub. The magnets are selectively activated. There is also described a method of trapping or retaining debris in a well bore.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: SPS-AFOS International LimitedInventors: Mark Carmichael, Paul Howlett
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Patent number: 6655463Abstract: A method for drilling and completing oil wells of small intermediate diameter, in particular for application in ultra deep water. The method includes two drilling and running stages. The first stage of drilling and running provides for drilling the well and running at least first and second casings. The second stage provides for drilling and running at least two and more preferably three suspended liners.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1999Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.Inventor: Jacques Braile SaliƩs
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Patent number: 6655464Abstract: A system includes a drill string for at least partial use in the ground made up of a plurality of connectable pipe sections to align the innermost passages of attached ones of the sections. An assembly is provided including a pair of adapters for installation of a first one of the adapters in a first end of the innermost passage each pipe section and installation of a second one of the adapters in a second end of each section. The first adapter defines a first electrical contact area and the second adapter defines a second electrical contact area. The adapters are configured for resiliently biasing the first and second contact areas against one another between attached ones of the pipe sections to establish an electrical connection between the pair of adapters to complete an electrically conductive, isolated path extending through the drill string.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Merlin Technology IncInventors: Albert W. Chau, John E. Mercer
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Patent number: 6655465Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing for real time automated control of the position of a blade on a earth-moving machine. The method includes providing a geography altering machine, including a blade and a computer, the computer having stored therein a reference line and a three dimensional computer model of a desired topography, providing a user defined offset relative to the reference line, determining a blade position in local coordinates, converting the local coordinates to reference line coordinates, utilizing the reference line coordinates and the user defined offset to calculate blade movement commands, and moving the blade in a direction required by the blade movement commands.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventors: David S. Carlson, James R. Brooks, Ronald H. Soczawa, Frederick A. Rogers
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Patent number: 6655466Abstract: An apparatus is provided to facilitate sod destruction and decomposition by cutting and crushing primarily horizontal roots and rhizomes while leaving vertical roots uncut. Multiple gangs of colters are attached to a frame, the colter gangs are arranged in staggered relation with respect to each other. The staggered relationship of the colter gangs allows the apparatus to cut relatively narrow strips of sod. A method of operating the apparatus is provided in which the apparatus is operated across a sod field in a first direction to cut the field into long, narrow strips of sod. The apparatus is then operated across the same field in a direction relatively perpendicular to the first direction, cutting the strips of sod into small pieces.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Mark E. Booker
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Patent number: 6655467Abstract: A ground clearing machine including a mobile frame with a vertically adjustable support frame mounted thereon and mounting a ground clearing implement for vertical adjustment therewith, the implement including shaft mounted rotatable tines within a semi-circular drum with a downwardly opening mouth for both receiving and discharging debris with the debris pulverized within the drum between the intake and discharge thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: James W. Pfisterer
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Patent number: 6655468Abstract: A device for attaching farm implements to a tractor incorporates a top link having a central body inserted inside a sleeve. Two handles are integral with the sleeve on opposing sides and having respective projecting ends. A hook is provided on the top link for attachment to a farm implement with the hook being fixed to the central body. A joint, fixed to the central body, connects the top crossbar. A lock device locks the projecting ends of the handles inside respective seats.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.Inventors: Paolo Casali, Paul John Brooks
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Patent number: 6655469Abstract: A turf combing device. A plurality of spring biased tines are fixedly mounted to rods rotatably mounted to a frame. Pivot arms fixedly mounted to the opposite ends of the rods are pivoted thereby rotating the rods and positioning the tines relative to ground.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Greensgroomer Worldwide, Inc.Inventor: Michael E. Davis
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Patent number: 6655470Abstract: A speed changing mechanism includes two planetary gear sets and a movable gear that is controlled to be movably engaged with one of the two planetary gear sets to generate two different speeds. A third speed can be output when the movable gear is moved to a position where the movable gear is not engaged with either of the two planetary gear sets.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Power Network Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ting-Kuang Chen
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Patent number: 6655471Abstract: An impact tool control method and apparatus and an impact tool using the same. Pulses of torque applied to a fastener by the impact tool are measured. The duration and magnitude of the torque pulse are subtracted from a torque signal and the resulting difference is integrated over time to obtain a fastener angular velocity signal. The angular velocity signal is integrated over time to obtain a displacement signal which can be converted to a torque signal. The impact tool can be controlled based on the value of the torque signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Magna-Lastic Device, Inc.Inventors: David W. Cripe, Christopher Jones
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Patent number: 6655472Abstract: A device for producing an abrupt or sudden feed motion contains in a casing a feed device, which can be triggered by a trigger. The force necessary for advancing the feed device is applied by a spring, which is tensioned with the aid of a drive. The tool requires no cartridges for propellant charges.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Adolf Wuerth GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Siegfried Humm, Dirk Schroeter
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Patent number: 6655473Abstract: A hand tool with an adjustable rotational speed and torsion force includes a shaft rotatably received in a body of the hand tool and driven by a motor that is mounted in the body. A first planet gear set is longitudinally connected to one end of the shaft opposite to the motor and a second planet gear set is longitudinally connected to the first planet gear set. The shaft is longitudinally movable in the body. The hand tool only has the first planet gear set acted thereon when the shaft is pushed toward the second planet gear set. The first planet gear set and the second planet gear set are acted on the hand tool at the same time when the shaft is pulled.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Ying Fang Chi
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Patent number: 6655474Abstract: A drill for drilling wide diameter and high depth holes in the soil including a base machine (1) having a rotary (2) that is equipped with a clamp (9) and, by means of translation cylinders (8), rotates and axially moves a series of drill stem (7) having a tool (6) at the free end thereof, includes: an hydraulic joint (3) linked to the rotary (2); at least a winch (4) linked to the hydraulic joint (3) and provided with at least a wire rope (18); a carrier canister (5) slidely connected with the stem (7) between the rotary (2) and the tool (6) by means of at least the wire rope (18); at least a winch (4), a wire rope (18), a carrier canister (5) are rotated together with the stem (7) of the rotary (2) in correspondence of an operating condition of the drill.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: I.M.T. S.p.A.Inventor: Giulio Accorroni
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Patent number: 6655475Abstract: A product, system and method for treating a well bore using a concentrated treatment composition enclosed in a soluble container. The composition-filled container is deposited in the well, preferably through the drill string, followed by a solvent, such as drilling mud or water, to form a circulating solution characterized by the ability to circulate through the well. Most of the circulating solution is recovered at the surface using a mud tank, for example. In a well “sweeping” operation a partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide powder in a soluble tube is dropped down the drill string. The well bore is then flushed with water or drilling mud to form the liquified polymer down hole. The well is flushed with more water or mud to sweep the cuttings and polymer solution from the well bore.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: H. Lester Wald
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Patent number: 6655476Abstract: An earth boring bit for boring a hole having a predetermined depth into the earth. The earth boring bit includes a cylindrical drum for being mounted for rotation on the end of a boom of a mobile machine and connected to and rotated by a power supply mounted on the boom. The drum includes an exterior for defining the diameter of the hole being bored and an interior adapted for receiving upturned earth therein as the hole is being bored. A plate is carried by the drum adjacent a lower end thereof for movement between a closed position for cooperating with the interior of the drum for retaining the upturned earth therein and an open position for dispensing the upturned earth out of the interior of the drum at a predetermined location away from the hole being bored. A cutting member is carried on the plate for cutting the earth in a progressive slice and directing the earth into the drum, thereby boring the hole into the earth.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventors: Willie H. Groce, Jr., Brent L. Groce, Brian A. Groce
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Patent number: 6655477Abstract: The friction reducing drill pipe component in the form of a sub (10) is adapted to form part of a drill string. The sub (10) comprises a tubular mandrel (12) having first and second ends for connection to adjacent components of the drill string. A sleeve (18) is mounted on the mandrel (12), and first and second stops on the mandrel (16, 20) restrain the sleeve 18 against axial movement relative to the mandrel (12). One of the stops (20) is removable or retractable to permit the sleeve (18) to be removed over the first end of the mandrel.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1998Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Drilltech Services (ASIA) Pte LimitedInventors: Robert Patrick Appleton, Gholam Hossein Rastegar
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Patent number: 6655478Abstract: A fracture and wear resistant rock bit is disclosed, which includes a bit body, and at least one roller cone disposed on the bit body adapted such that at least one row of cutting elements disposed on the at least one roller cone defines a gage row. At least one cutting element disposed on the gage row has a fracture toughness of at least 20 ksi (in)0.5 and a wear number of at least 1.5.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: Dah-Ben Liang, Gary Portwood, Paul E. Cox, John L. Williams
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Patent number: 6655479Abstract: A helical drill bit (1) for rock has an axially extending shank (2) located between a chuck insert end (3) and an opposite drilling head (4) with at least one axially extending helical discharge groove (7) extending radially inwardly from the outer circumferential surface of the shank. A radially projecting groove reinforcement (9) is arranged in the base of the radial groove (8), with the reinforcement changing its geometric form or its position within the discharge groove (7) along the discharge groove (7).Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventors: Werner Kleine, Hans-Werner Bongers-Ambrosius
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Patent number: 6655480Abstract: A cutting insert for a gauge row of a percussion drill bit includes a generally cylindrical mounting portion extending along a central axis and a cutting head extending from the mounting portion. The cutting head has an exposed surface forming a non-symmetrical dome shape such that the working portion of the cutting head is enlarged with respect to a standard dome shape and a trailing portion of the cutting head is reduced with respect to a standard dome shape. The cutting head has an inner edge and an outer edge. The exposed surface is non-symmetrical along a central plane which bisects the working portion and the trailing portion. The exposed surface is symmetrical in a second plane perpendicular to the central plane such that the exposed surface forms an arc of constant radius from the inner edge to the outer edge in the second plane.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Kennametal Inc.Inventor: Micheal D. Boyd
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Patent number: 6655481Abstract: A method of fabricating the drill bit includes employing known layered-manufacturing techniques to fabricate the bit crown, positioning a bit gage mold adjacent the bit crown, and disposing a core material within an interior of the bit crown and a cavity of the bit gage mold. A mold that may be employed to fabricate the drill bit includes an initially conforming mold region, in which the prefabricated bit crown may be disposed, and a second, substantially rigid mold region including a cavity to define the gage of the drill bit. Preferably, the conforming mold region is formed of a nonwettable, granular material.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Sidney L. Findley, Trent N. Butcher, Gordon A. Tibbits
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Patent number: 6655482Abstract: A drive assembly is provided that includes a roller frame, a motor located on the roller frame, and a drive system located on the roller frame. The drive assembly may also include an endless track configured to be driven by the drive system and adaptable to provide locomotion to the track-type machine. The motor may have a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the roller frame. The drive system may be driveably engaged with the motor. The endless track may be configured to be driven by the drive system and is adaptable to provide locomotion to a track-type machine. A track-type machine having the disclosed drive assembly and method of driving such a track-type machine is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventor: Gerald Paul Simmons
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Patent number: 6655483Abstract: An electric motor vehicle includes: a floor frame with the front and rear portions raised; four wheels arranged, two at the front and two at the rear of the floor frame; a steering handle projected upward in the front portion for steering the front two wheels; an electric motor for driving the two rear wheels; an inverted U-shaped seat frame projected upward in the rear portion; and a seat with a backrest, adjustable in height and mounted on the seat frame. A rear-side housing is attached on the rear side of the seat frame. In this housing the electric motor, a controller and a charger are arranged in this order from the bottom while a cooling fan with a louver is arranged in the upper portion of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventor: Kunihiro Hayashi
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Patent number: 6655484Abstract: An internal combustion engine (12) having a crankshaft (20) is coupled to a transmission (14) through an assembly (10) comprising a rotary electric machine (16) and an engine disconnect clutch (17). The stator (38) and rotor (40) of the machine are separated by a radial air gap (42), and the machine is selectively operable as an electric motor to source torque to the powertrain and as an electric generator, or alternator, to sink torque from the powertrain. The organization and arrangement provides a powertrain and method of making a powertrain for establishing and maintaining precision in the radial air gap to secure optimal efficiency of machine operation on a production basis.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Michael Benjamin Levin
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Patent number: 6655485Abstract: A hybrid vehicle drive system including (a) an engine, (b) an electric motor, (c) a planetary gear device having a first rotary element connected to the engine, a second rotary element connected to the electric motor and connected through a first clutch to an output member connected to vehicle drive wheel, and a third rotary element connected through a second clutch to the output member, (d) a forward-motor-drive control device for engaging the first clutch and releasing the second clutch to thereby establish a forward motor drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in a forward direction by the electric motor, (e) a forward-engine-drive control device for engaging at least the second clutch to establish an engine-drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in the forward direction by the engine, and (f) a second-clutch control device operable upon switching of a vehicle drive mode from the forward motor drive mode to the forward engine drive mode, for engaging the second clutch only after the engine speed hasType: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masatoshi Ito, Hidehiro Oba, Hiroatsu Endo, Kazumi Hoshiya
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Patent number: 6655486Abstract: An engine enclosure for a construction vehicle which is simply constructed and small-sized, while improving the cooling efficiency and lowering the noise. The engine enclosure including: an engine hood 15 having an ambient air inlet port 24; and engine side covers 16 having ambient air inlet ports 38. The engine enclosure is constructed to include an ambient air screening wall around a muffler 5 so that the cooling ambient air taken from the ambient air inlet ports 24 and 38 may flow to a fan without contacting with the muffler 5. With this construction, the air around the muffler and especially at a high temperature in the engine room and the cooling ambient air taken from the engine hood and the engine side covers can be screened from each other so that the temperature rise in the cooling ambient air to be fed to a heat exchanger such as a radiator can be reduced to improve the cooling efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Yushi Oshikawa, Masataka Uno
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Patent number: 6655487Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle includes an upper A-arm and a lower A-arm. A leg with an axis is rotatably connected to both the upper A-arm and the lower A-arm. A mechanical link is rotatably connected to the leg so that movement of the mechanical link applies rotational force to the leg to cause the leg to rotate about the axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Bombardier Inc.Inventors: Bertrand Mallette, Bruno Girouard, Berthold Fecteau, Mario CotƩ
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Patent number: 6655488Abstract: A gearbox, particularly for an automotive vehicle with a telescopic load-carrying arm, is adapted to transmit directly or indirectly the drive movement of an internal combustion motor (M) with at least one front or rear axle provided with driven wheels. This gearbox includes a casing (13) containing an angled transmission (15) arranged to transmit the movement of the output shaft (17) of the motor, to a drive shaft (9 or 10) of the front or rear axle, or both. The gearbox further comprises a power takeoff through shaft (16) arranged to drive a pump that generates hydraulic or hydrostatic energy.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Manitou BFInventor: Marcel-Claude Braud
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Patent number: 6655489Abstract: A vehicular pedal displacement prevention structure has a rotatable lever, which can be brought into contact with a pedal arm, provided at an end of an extending side of a pedal bracket, and a guide member opposed to the rotatable lever provided in a deck cross pipe disposed at the rear of a vehicle to be remote from a dash panel. When an external force equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied to the front of the vehicle to move a pedal bracket toward the rear of the vehicle, the rotatable member is brought into contact with the guide member, which causes the rotatable member to rotate. The rotating action of the rotatable lever relatively displaces the pedal arm toward the front of the vehicle. This prevents rearward displacement of a pedal in a head-on collision of the vehicle with a simple structure that does not require high assembling accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Taro Kawai, Isao Ueda
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Patent number: 6655490Abstract: A steer-by-wire system of the preferred embodiment of the invention includes a steering subsystem, a turning subsystem, and a controller subsystem. The steering subsystem further includes a steering sensor to sense steering factors of a steering input, and a steering actuator to generate a steering feedback. The turning subsystem further includes a turning actuator to adjust a turning angle of a road wheel of the vehicle, and a turning sensor to sense turning factors of the turning actuator. The controller subsystem is connected to the steering sensor and to the turning sensor and controls the turning actuator and the steering actuator.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Andonian, Bing Zheng, Gregory J. Stout, Muqtada Husain, Maged Radamis
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Patent number: 6655491Abstract: A power steering apparatus (10) includes a housing (22) defining a chamber (25) for holding power steering fluid. The housing (22) has an opening (62, 104, 154) defined by a projection (64, 102, 152) integrally formed on the housing. A conduit (50) extends into the opening (62, 104, 154) and is connected with the projection (64, 102, 152) on the housing (22). A connector assembly (60, 100, 150) connects the conduit (50) with the projection (64, 102, 152) on the housing (22). The connector assembly (60, 100, 150) includes a clip (68, 108, 158) having a base (78, 118, 168) with an opening (82, 126, 176) and a plurality of resilient fingers (80, 122, 170) extending from the base. Either the conduit (50) or the projection (64, 102, 152) extends through the opening (82, 126, 176) in the base (78, 118, 168) and engages the base. The fingers (80, 122, 170) engage the other of the conduit (50) and the projection (64, 102, 152).Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Stoll, Rogerio De Moura Maradini
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Patent number: 6655492Abstract: A steering system and a method for steering a vehicle, that has a wheel steering and an articulated steering. The steering system (1) has a steering unit (2), a first steering motor arrangement (7), which acts upon steered wheels, a second steering motor arrangement (8), which acts upon a converting kit, and a selection valve (6), which connects the steering unit (2) with either the first steering motor arrangement (7) or the second steering motor arrangement (8) in such a way that a steering will activate either the wheel steering or the articulated steering.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss Holding A/SInventors: Torben Juul, Tom Rudolph
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Patent number: 6655493Abstract: An electric power steering system for a vehicle comprising a hand wheel in operable communication with a shaft, a motor in mechanical communication with the shaft, and a non-compliant torque sensor located between about a midpoint along the shaft and an upper end of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ratko Menjak, James Myrl Card, Stephen Vincent Gillman
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Patent number: 6655494Abstract: A steering actuator comprising an intermediate shaft, an electric motor, a transmission, a first stopping device, a second stopping device, and a controller is provided. The steering column transmits a first rotational force to the intermediate shaft. The electric motor generates a second rotational force on a rotor shaft upon application of an electric current. The transmission transmits either or both of the first rotational force and the second rotational force to a lower shaft of a steering gear. The first stopping device prevents the first rotational force from being transmitted to the rotor shaft. Similarly, the second stopping device prevents the second rotational force from being transmitted to the steering column. The controller operates the steering actuator in a first mode, a second mode, or a third mode by selectively applying the electric current to the electric motor and the stopping devices.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ratko Menjak, James Myrl Card
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Patent number: 6655495Abstract: A damper 3A is provided with an inner peripheral waveform portion 11 and an outer peripheral waveform portion 12. A flat portion 10 is provided between the inner peripheral waveform portion 11 and the outer peripheral waveform portion 12. When the damper is used for a loudspeaker, the flat portion 10 does not elastically deform in a radial direction R, so that linearity of the damper 3A in a vibrating direction Z is ensured by elastic deformation of the waveform portions. In addition, a rolling phenomenon of a voice coil bobbin and a diaphragm can be suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsukazu Kuze, Hiroyuki Takewa, Kazue Satoh, Mikio Iwasa
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Patent number: 6655497Abstract: A stabiliser for ladders comprises a rigid, generally flat base (10; 71) having a linear channel (11; 70) extending along a first, upper surface thereof, which channel is defined by a pair of generally parallel, upwardly-extending side members having upper edges directed towards each other, and at least one ladder attachment (18, 19; 30, 35; 50, 53) by means of which a ladder stile (17; 66, 67) may be extended downwardly.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Barrie Weatherall
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Patent number: 6655498Abstract: This invention provides a pipe coupling used for changing oil in an engine oil pan with an oil drain port. A drain plug has a drain plug main body having one end to be attached to the oil drain port of the engine oil pan, a recess formed in its outer surface of the other end projecting outward from the oil pan, and an axial oil flow path extending in an axial direction, a valve holder to be arranged in the plug main body, and a valve body held by the valve holder and capable of closing the flow path.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeya Sasa, Yoshikazu Ozaki
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Patent number: 6655499Abstract: A sealing device for securing an oil plug in threaded engagement with the oil pan to prevent inadvertent loss of lubricating oil therefrom. The sealing device includes an elastomeric washer that underlies the bolt head of the oil plug, a partially closed-ended cylindrical sleeve that surrounds and is integral with the washer, and a cap that is interconnected to the sleeve by a membrane. The sleeve has a protruding lip extending about its upper periphery that interlocks with an abutment extending inwardly from an upper peripheral portion of the cap. Once engaged, the cap prevents the oil plug from being tampered with and from inadvertently dropping out.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: William D. Metheney, Jr.
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Patent number: 6655500Abstract: In a traction sheave elevator, the elevator car is suspended on hoisting ropes by a diverting pulley. The diverting pulley used to suspend the elevator car on the hoisting ropes is mounted on one side of the elevator car.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Kone CorporationInventors: Jaakko Orrman, Jorma Mustalahti