Patents Issued in January 29, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040016536
    Abstract: An automotive HVAC unit includes a housing defining a first outlet adapted to connect to HVAC ductwork to provide conditioned air to a first temperature zone, a second outlet adapted to connect to HVAC ductwork to provide conditioned air to a second temperature zone, a third outlet adapted to connect to HVAC ductwork to provide conditioned air to a third temperature zone, and a fourth rear outlet adapted to connect to HVAC ductwork to provide conditioned air to a fourth temperature zone within the vehicle. The HVAC unit further includes an evaporator adapted to cool air passing therethrough, a heater core adapted to heat air passing therethrough, a blower adapted to force air through the evaporator and the heater core, and a modular insert mounted within the housing and being adapted to control the flow of conditioned air to the first, second, third and fourth outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Soenke Auer, Stefan Brand
  • Publication number: 20040016537
    Abstract: Air is introduced into an automotive air-conditioner from a front side of a vehicle, and the air conditioned in the air-conditioner is supplied to a passenger compartment from a rear side of an air-conditioner casing. An aspirator for drawing air in the passenger compartment to a temperature sensor is mounted on a rear wall or a sidewall of the casing, so that the aspirator is exposed to a space that is always communicating with the conditioned air in the air-conditioner. In this manner, the air in the passenger compartment is surely supplied to the temperature sensor irrespective of operating modes of the air-conditioner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Takeshi Nakamura, Toshihiro Tahara, Takahiro Tokunaga
  • Publication number: 20040016538
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing or limiting the rotation of cementing plugs in a casing string during drillout. The apparatus includes an outer housing with a sleeve disposed therein. The sleeve has an inner surface configured to engage cementing plugs received therein to cause an interference fit. The sleeve will hold the cementing plugs when rotational forces, such as drilling forces, are applied so that during drillout, rotation of the cementing plug is prevented or is at least limited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Charles A. Butterfield, Henry E. Rogers, Seth R. Moore, Donald M. Garrett, Ronald J. Holubec, Anthony M. Badalamenti, Earl D. Webb, Michael D. Stevens, Steven L. Holden, John C. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20040016539
    Abstract: An expanding screen with an associated spirally wrapped exterior control line is disclosed. The control line rests in a spiral trough made up in an exterior perforated jacket. The trough can be made by a pair of ridges disposed substantially parallel to each other or by an ordered spacing of raised dimples in the outer perforated jacket to create spiral troughs. At the screen connections centralizers having a spiral path or paths within can serve a dual function of locating the screen prior to expansion and protecting the control line in the joint area. A fiber optic cable can be placed in the control line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Bennett M. Richard
  • Publication number: 20040016540
    Abstract: A device for cleaning an inner pipe which comprises a nozzle head comprised of a feed borehole axially disposed therein, at least two rotation nozzles communicating with the feed borehole, at least two cleaning nozzles communicating with the feed borehole and a shaft. A rinsing nozzle communicates with the feed borehole and extends upwardly at an angle from the longitudinal axis of the feed borehole. The shaft is received in an outer sleeve whereby when the device is inserted into an inner pipe and a medium is flowed through the borehole and out of the rotation nozzles a force is generated when the medium emerging from the rotation nozzles contacts the wall of the inner pipe which force causes the nozzle head to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Jarchau, Egbert Helmig
  • Publication number: 20040016541
    Abstract: Solutions for the propagation of a hydraulic fracture in a permeable elastic rock and driven by injection of a Newtonian fluid. Through scaling, the dependence of the solution on the problem parameters is reduced to a small number of dimensionless parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Emmanuel Detournay, Jose Ignacio Adachi, Dmitriy Igor Garagash, Alexei A. Savitski
  • Publication number: 20040016542
    Abstract: A method for conveying a tool into a borehole with the use of a tool conveying apparatus includes deploying the tool conveying apparatus into the borehole, transmitting fluid through the tool conveying apparatus, the tool conveying apparatus generating power from the flow of fluid therethrough, discharging fluid from the tool conveying apparatus and providing power to at least one tool carried thereby. The tool conveying apparatus also includes a communication system for transmitting data bi-directionally between the tool and the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Hache
  • Publication number: 20040016543
    Abstract: A method and materials for stabilizing a wellbore against excess fluid pressure is described. It comprises forming or placing a flexible and essentially impermeable lining on or in the wellbore wall. The flexibility of the lining ensures that it remains in compression as the pressure in the wellbore is increased above the fluid pressure in the surrounding rock and it therefore does not need high tensile strength. The lining may be a preformed elastomer sleeve or formed in situ by the use of a reactive drilling fluid. Appropriate reactive formulations are described for the situation where the rock contains significant quantities of clay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: John Peter Crawshaw, Paul William Way, Marc Thiercelin
  • Publication number: 20040016544
    Abstract: A system for forming a patch in a well at a location along a tubular string which has lost sealing integrity includes a central patch body 60, an upper expander body 52 carrying an upper seal 50 or 56, and a lower expander body 98 carrying a lower seal 102, 104. The running tool includes an inner mandrel 14 axially moveable relative to the central patch body, and one or more pistons 20, 30, 20A axially moveable relative to the inner mandrel in response to fluid pressure within the running tool. Top expander 48 is axially moveable downward relative to the upper expander body in response to movement of the one or more pistons, and a bottom expander 120 is axially moveable upward relative to a lower expander body. After the upper expander body and a lower expander body have been moved radially outward into sealing engagement with a downhole tubular string, the running tool is retrieved to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Britt O. Braddick
  • Publication number: 20040016545
    Abstract: A method for securing and sealing one tubular to another downhole facilitates cementing prior to sealing and allows for suspension of one tubular in the other by virtue of pipe expansion techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: John L. Baugh, Rod Bennett, George Givens
  • Publication number: 20040016546
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring material in a wellbore in which materials are introduced into a casing located in the wellbore and is directed to different areas of an annulus defined between the casing and the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Ronald J. Crook
  • Publication number: 20040016547
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting a lateral well bore to a vertical well bore using a tieback liner while providing full bore access in the vertical well bore casing. The tieback liner is rotationally aligned with respect to a window of the casing by locating a key slot formed above the window and longitudinally aligned by using a no-go device to locate the bottom edge of the window. The tieback liner includes a snap sleeve that extends into a window of the main well bore casing and connects the tieback liner to the casing. The section of the casing receiving the snap sleeve is of a larger inner diameter than the other sections of casing. The connection between the tieback liner and casing prevents the tieback liner from rotating, tilting, or moving laterally with respect to the casing. The connection imparts significant resistance to formation loading applied at the junction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Charles G. Brunet, Michel J. Bouchard
  • Publication number: 20040016548
    Abstract: A jumper for transferring fluids from an umbilical to a subsea tree assembly has a plurality of steel tubes. The steel tubes are bent so that the jumper is in a serpentine or w-shape while in a natural state. The steel allows resists damage to the jumper from the fluids and chemicals being transferred to the tree assembly. The w-shape of the jumper allows the jumper to be stretched or contracted so that the distance between the connectors on each end of the jumper can vary. The contracted width jumper is attached to a terminal plate located on the tree assembly as it is landed on a subsea wellhead. An ROV disconnects the jumper and connects the jumper to receptors on the tree assembly and the umbilical, while stretching the jumper to the necessary length to reach the receptors. The jumper can be disconnected from the tree assembly when maintenance is necessary without moving the umbilical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Richard Kenneth Oakley Barratt, Robert Duane Fross
  • Publication number: 20040016549
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for causing pressure variations in a wellbore. A valve mechanism and a sealing device are provided in the wellbore. The valve mechanism is part of a valve device which may be actuated between an open position and a closed position. The valve device is actuated to the closed position to allow an increase in pressure below the sealing device and is actuated to the open position to allow a fluid to pass through the valve device up the wellbore. The valve device is alternately actuated between the closed position and the open position to cause cyclical pressure variations in the wellbore below the sealing device. The valve device includes the valve mechanism, a fluid passage, a control mechanism for controlling the valve mechanism, and a delay mechanism for delaying the actuation of the valve device from the open position to the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Richard Selinger
    Inventors: Richard Selinger, Clifford J. Anderson, Brian R. Thicke, Michael F. Schoettler
  • Publication number: 20040016550
    Abstract: A retrievable packer (50) for establishing a sealing and gripping engagement between a tubing string and a well casing (34) disposed in a wellbore is disclosed. The retrievable packer (50) comprises a collet member (64) that is slidably disposed about a packer mandrel (52). The collet member (64) has a first operating position wherein the collet member (64) applies an axial force on a support ring (76) to positively position the support ring (76) at least partially between a first slip wedge (90) and the packer mandrel (52) to set a seal assembly (96, 98, 100). In addition, the collet member (64) has a second operating position wherein the collet member (64) applies an axial force on a slip assembly (80) to set the slip assembly (80).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: David G. Dearing
  • Publication number: 20040016551
    Abstract: A fire control system according to various aspects of the present invention includes an extinguishant having a suppressant and a thermal absorbant. The suppressant is configured to suppress the fire. The thermal absorbant is configured to absorb heat from the fire. In one embodiment, the thermal absorbant is configured to absorb thermal radiation from the fire and inhibit reflection of thermal radiation from the suppressant and/or other surfaces back into the fire. In additional and alternative embodiments, the thermal absorbant may be configured to transfer heat into the surface and/or interior of suppressant particles or droplets to promote activation of the suppressant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph Michael Bennett
  • Publication number: 20040016552
    Abstract: The method of the invention comprises the steps of proportioning a foam concentrate into a non-flammable liquid to form a foam concentrate/liquid mixture and creating a flowing stream of the foam concentrate/liquid mixture. Nitrogen is introduced to the stream of the foam/liquid mixture to initiate the formation of a nitrogen expanded foam fire suppressant. The flowing stream carrying the initially nitrogen expanded foam is dispensed, which completes the full expansion of the nitrogen expanded foam fire suppressant, into the confined area involved in fire thereby to smother the fire and to substantially close off contact between combustible material involved in fire and the ambient atmosphere substantially reducing the danger of explosion or flash fires. The apparatus of the invention is adapted for expanding and dispensing foam and comprises a housing defining an interior through which extend a discharge line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Alden Ozment
  • Publication number: 20040016553
    Abstract: A tine assembly comprising a plurality of individual tines, each tine with an arcuate shaped base section and a blade section. Each time is mountable between a pair of hubs suds that each blade extends radially outward therefrom. The base portions are clamped, secured, or otherwise engaged between the hub assemblies. The blades may be positioned to be twisted in various angles about a line extending substantially radially outwards, by the use of wedge-shaped, arcuate blocks. The blocks and individual tines may be positioned in a multitude of different configurations to providing desired rotational positioning of the tine blade sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: James Martindale
  • Publication number: 20040016554
    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 multi-disc unit. The multi-disc unit includes pluralities of first and second 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 between the plurality of first discs and the plurality of second discs is a first flow controller assembly, preferably a coulter assembly. Positioned behind the plurality of second discs is a second flow controller assembly, preferably a coulter assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin G. McDonald
  • Publication number: 20040016555
    Abstract: A method of snow plough from a site using a snowplough with at least two plough blades (5) forming together a ploughing angle and there being on the ploughing site fixed objects, such as airport lamps (1), rising over the site surface. In the method, when the snow plough faces an object, the plough front end is opened and the area, with the object on it, left un-ploughed by the open front end, is cleaned by means of brushes (6, 7) in the rear of the plough front end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Tapio Heikki Ortamala
  • Publication number: 20040016556
    Abstract: Different sections of an agricultural implement can be raised and lowered independently and by varying amounts by a unique hydraulic system. That system incorporates a three-position, four-way primary control valve which selectively connects a supply line and a tank return line to first and second hydraulic lines. A plurality of double acting hydraulic cylinders are provided to produce movement of lift assemblies with respect to a frame of the implement. A separate electrohydraulic lift control valve for each hydraulic cylinder couples one cylinder chamber to the first hydraulic line and the other cylinder chamber is connected directly to the second hydraulic line. Operation of the primary control valve determines the movement direction and selective activation of the lift control valves determines whether the associated section of the implement moves and the amount of such movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis R. Barber
  • Publication number: 20040016557
    Abstract: Cutting elements having coarse grain substrates and ultra hard material layers are provided. The substrates are formed from coarse grain size particles of tungsten carbide. A method of forming such cutting elements and a drag bit incorporating such cutting elements are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Madapusi K. Keshavan, Anthony Griffo, David Truax, Dah-Ben Liang
  • Publication number: 20040016558
    Abstract: The striking mechanism has a hammer barrel (3), which has at least one control opening (23) through which, in an idle position, the air can escape from the hammer barrel (3), and which in a striking position is closed by a covering (25) that prevents the escape of air. To achieve the greatest possible sealing off of the at least one control opening (23) and thus high efficiency of the striking mechanism, the covering (25) is molded from an elastomer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Frank Mueller, Gerhard Meixner
  • Publication number: 20040016559
    Abstract: An electrical connector for a cable, a sleeve for a cable, and a method for fabricating an electrical connection. The connector, sleeve, and the method can all used for high-voltage electrical devices, for example, x-ray generating devices. In particular, the invention may be used for high-voltage electrical devices fabricated with an encapsulant, for example, a silicone potting material. In one aspect of the invention, the connector provides a high-voltage electrical connection having an integral bond between the high-voltage cable and the encapsulant with little or no air gaps. The connector includes a high-voltage cable having a sheath made from a first material, for example, polyethylene, and a sleeve made from a second material, for example, a silicone-based material, that is compatible with the encapsulant. Other aspects of the invention include a method for fabricating the connector and the sleeve used in the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: X-RAY OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Ian Radley
  • Publication number: 20040016560
    Abstract: A magnetic device and method for making it involve a magnetic device specifically constructed of grains in a matrix. The matrix may be cement or plaster. The grains have an average diameter that is greater than their magnetic domains. The device may be applied to shielding applications for frequencies ranging from 100 kHz to 10 GHz. The shielding may be applied to walls of a building, consumer products such as magnetic disks, and the like. The grains may be any ferromagnetic material, including ferrite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Epcos AG
    Inventors: Mauricio Esguerra, Ralph Lucke
  • Publication number: 20040016561
    Abstract: An electrical back box of galvanized metal or plastic with a barrier mounted in its interior. This barrier is the support for a low voltage transformer and the means of separating the low and high voltage wiring chambers. Knockouts provide access into these tow chambers for the required electrical wires. Retainer slots located in the interior of the box at the mounting end and at the opposite end provide and insertion point for wire springs. These wire springs are attached to a chime or any type of equipment that may utilize this backbox. When thrust into the retention slots, these springs provide a pulling force that snug the equipment up to the opening of the box. When this back box and transformer are used only for a source of low voltage power then there are two different types of covers that will cover the opening either flush or surface mounted and these make it electrically safe. These covers are mounted by the same wire springs method and are of plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: R. Lloyd Barnes
  • Publication number: 20040016562
    Abstract: A harness protector for accommodating a wire harness in a protector main body in a curved shape includes a friction member for holding the wire harness in the accommodating state temporarily. The friction member abuts resiliently on the wire harness. The harness protector is provided on a sliding member or a fixed member. The wire harness is wired from the harness protector to the sliding member and the fixed member. The friction member temporarily prevents the wire harness from being removed while the sliding member moves. An spring member for biasing the wire harness in a direction where the wire harness is accommodated is provided in the harness protector. The wire harness compresses the spring member to the maximum at a first moving end of the sliding member. The friction member is disposed a position so as not to interfere with a restoring of the spring member during moving the sliding member from the first moving end to a second moving end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tohru Aoki, Tsukasa Sekino, Mitsunori Tsunoda
  • Publication number: 20040016563
    Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting at least two angled conductors together. The electrical connector includes a first section and a second section. The first section has a first conductor receiving channel with a first channel axis. The second section has a second conductor receiving channel with a second channel axis angled relative to the first channel axis. The first and second sections are comprised of a single extruded metal member which has been formed to angle the first and second channel axes relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. DiTroia
  • Publication number: 20040016564
    Abstract: A protective assembly for covering cable connections and splices and the like. The protective assembly comprises a rigid support structure including a resin composition. The rigid support structure has the shape of a hollow elongate tube in a central portion thereof and further includes a first reinforced end portion opposite a second reinforced end portion. A rigid support structure supports an elastic tube capable of recovering substantially to its original dimensions after being stretched and released. The elastic tube in the protective assembly is held in an expanded condition extending beyond the end of a rigid support structure placed inside the elastic tube. The rigid support structure is susceptible to breaking upon the application of a force beyond that exerted by the tube while in its expanded condition. Application of the force breaks the rigid support structure to permit recovery of the elastic tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Robert L. Lambert
  • Publication number: 20040016565
    Abstract: An elongated electrical cable or flexible circuit board includes an electrically conductive path and an insulating body encompassing and electrically isolating the conductive path, the insulating body including an exposed surface having an array of fastener elements extending therefrom, the fastener elements arranged and constructed to engage mating fastener elements associated with a supporting surface to selectively secure the cable or flexible circuit board to the supporting surface. The fastener elements can be loop-engageable fasteners and/or loops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher M. Gallant, Michel Labrecque, Mark A. Clarner, John Demain
  • Publication number: 20040016566
    Abstract: A detectable woven tape having multiple metallic conductors for use in detection of underground dielectric communications cable is provided. The tape provides a highly functional low electrical resistance at a wide range of frequencies to help permit accurate and reliable detection of buried cable in different field conditions using commercially available detection equipment. In particular, the tape helps provide accurate and reliable detection of buried cable over a long distance or over a long span of conduit. The tape is lightweight and flexible and suited for use in detecting and installing fiber optic communications cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph M. Sylvia, L. Dwayne Garrett
  • Publication number: 20040016567
    Abstract: A surface mounted electronic component includes a case and a board mounting part. The board mounting part includes a leg bent in parallel with a printed circuit board at its tip, an outer frame soldered to a land of a mounted part on the board, and a projection disposed in the outer frame and inserted into a hole in the mounted part. The electronic component is mounted on a surface of the printed circuit board in various electronic instruments, and can keep to be mounted on the board tightly even when an external force is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Masato Yamasaki, Koji Ono, Takumi Nishimoto, Jun Sato
  • Publication number: 20040016568
    Abstract: An electronic device and coupled flexible circuit board and method of manufacturing. The electronic device is coupled to the flexible circuit board by a plurality of Z-interconnections. The electronic device includes a substrate with electronic components coupled to it. The substrate also has a plurality of device electrical contacts coupled to its back surface that are electrically coupled to the electronic components. The flexible circuit board includes a flexible substrate having a front surface and a back surface and a plurality of circuit board electrical contacts coupled to the front surface of the flexible substrate. The plurality of circuit board electrical contacts correspond to plurality of device electrical contacts. Each Z-interconnection is electrically and mechanically coupled to one device electrical contact and a corresponding circuit board electrical contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Ponnusamy Palanisamy
  • Publication number: 20040016569
    Abstract: A technique to simultaneously reduce high-frequency insertion loss and cross-talk for a multi-layered add-in card is disclosed. The technique is based on selective removal of ground and power planes beneath the edge fingers. This selective removal of power and ground planes removes excess capacitance at the edge fingers, lowering the insertion loss at high frequencies, while maintaining an impedance match with an associated connector. Simultaneously, the leftover metallic ground/power plane provides electromagnetic shielding and thus reduces the cross-talk between the differential pairs. Optimum performance of the connector with minimized insertion loss and cross-talk can be obtained for high-speed analog and digital applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Jason A. Mix, Yun Ling, Alok Tripathi, Kent E. Mallory
  • Publication number: 20040016570
    Abstract: It is an object to provide a method of efficiently manufacturing a double-sided circuit board having a metallic via hole which can suitably be used as a submount for mounting a semiconductor device, that is, a substrate in which the electrical contact of a metallic via hole and a circuit pattern is excellent and an element can easily be bonded and positioned. In a ceramic substrate having a via hole filled with a conductive material, a ceramic portion of at least one of faces of the ceramic substrate has a surface roughness of Ra≦0.8 &mgr;m, a substrate in which the conductive material filled in the via hole present on at least one of the faces is protruded from a surface of the face with a height of 0.3 to 5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Reo Yamamoto, Yoshihide Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20040016571
    Abstract: A closed-loop drilling system utilizes a bottom hole assembly (“BHA”) having a steering assembly having a rotating member and a non-rotating sleeve disposed thereon. The sleeve has a plurality of expandable force application members that engage a borehole wall. A power source and associated electronics for energizing the force application members are located outside of the non-rotating sleeve. A preferred drilling system includes a surface control unit and a BHA processor cooperate to guide the drill bit along a selected well trajectory in response to parameters detected by one or more sensors. In a preferred closed-loop mode of operation, the BHA processor automatically adjusts the force application members in response to data provided by one or more sensors. In a preferred embodiment, the non-rotating sleeve and rotating member include a sensor that determines the orientation of the sleeve relative to the rotating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Volker Krueger
  • Publication number: 20040016572
    Abstract: A system and method for developing and recycling drilling fluids at the site of a subterranean well is described, thus eliminating the need for transporting the fluids to the site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Glenda Wylie, Frank Zamora, Donald L. Whitfill
  • Publication number: 20040016573
    Abstract: A drill steel for use in mine roof bolting operations. To eliminate or reduce the possibility of fracture in drill steels used in the roof bolting operations in mines the square or hexagonal surfaces of such drill steels or the elements such as couplings, collars, and recesses that are to be connected to drill steels are machined rather than forged or welded. Pieces are joined by press fitting for assembly purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: American Mine Services
    Inventors: Terry L. Rein, Terry L. Rein
  • Publication number: 20040016574
    Abstract: A rock drilling apparatus includes a drill string terminating in a drill chuck (32) and a drill bit (16) detachably fitted into the drill chuck, the drill bit having a shank (18) received in the drill chuck, the drill chuck (32) and the drill bit shank (18) having complementary splines and grooves allowing rotation or movement of the drill chuck to be transmitted to the drill bit whilst allowing limited longitudinal movement of the drill chuck relative to the drill bit. The drill bit has a drill head (22) at its lower end which is of greater diameter than said shank, said head having a part (26) above that lower end and below the splined region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Halco Drilling International Limited
    Inventor: Christopher J. Green
  • Publication number: 20040016575
    Abstract: A gripping apparatus for supporting a tubular includes a longitudinal opening extending therethrough. A bowl is formed on an inner wall of the housing to provide an incline surface for one or more gripping members. As the gripping members are move down along the incline, the incline causes the gripping members to move radially toward the tubular and contact the tubular. In one embodiment, the housing comprises two body portions coupled together using one or mores hinges. In one aspect, the bowl is formed as a recess in the inner wall of the housing. The hinges of the housing are progressively curved to accommodate the recess bowl, thereby increasing the tubular size handling capacity of the gripping apparatus. In another embodiment, the apparatus may include guide keys that mate with guide slots formed on an outer surface of the gripping members to minimize the rotational movement of the gripping members relative to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: David Shahin, Karsten Heidecke
  • Publication number: 20040016576
    Abstract: A load cell and system for detecting the quantity of liquid carbon dioxide in a tank includes load cells positioned between the legs of the tank and a surface. Each load cell includes a frame constructed from a folded metal plate so that a top panel, sides and ends are formed. A beam having proximal and distal ends is suspended from the top panel of the frame by its proximal end and a spacer. A platform support is positioned upon the distal end of the beam with a platform on top. The platform support passes through an opening formed in the top panel of the frame so that the platform is supported above the frame top panel. A leg of the tank is secured to the platform. A strain gauge circuit is mounted to the top surface of the beam and a summary board receives the signals from the strain gauge circuits of multiple load cells so that the quantity of liquid in the tank is determined. This quantity may be displayed and/or transmitted as telemetry to a centralized delivery truck dispatching facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Kuechenmeister, Greg Voss
  • Publication number: 20040016577
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided that classifies a seat occupant into one of several different weight classes based on an estimated value of the seat occupant weight. An occupant's measured weight varies when the occupant's seating position changes or when the vehicle travels over adverse road conditions. A plurality of weight sensors are used to measure the weight exerted by a seat occupant against a seat bottom and are used to determine center of gravity for the seat occupant. A seat belt force sensor is also used to assist in classifying the seat occupant. Compensation factors using the seat belt force and center of gravity information are used to generate an estimated weight value. The estimated value of the occupant weight is compared to a series of upper and lower weight thresholds assigned to each of the weight classes to generate an occupant weight sample class. Over a period of time, several estimated weight values are compared to the weight class thresholds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Harald Lichtinger, Brian M. Curtis, Robert Graf, Daniel Reich, Scott Morrell, Maria Kremer
  • Publication number: 20040016578
    Abstract: This invention relates to vehicles equipped with rubber tires used to drive over diverse types of terrain and, more particularly, to a tire track which consists in one or more rubber track segments, attached with a joint assembly and designed to accommodate any types of wheel diameter, thickness and ground surface, when installed on top of rubber tires. Each rubber track segment is made from a profiled outside layer and an inner layer comprising side guides to hold the track on the tire. Each segment is linked with the next one by a joint assembly using links and fastening means to ensure complete covering of the tires periphery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Yves St-Pierre, Francois Duquette
  • Publication number: 20040016579
    Abstract: A vehicle having a load frame with wheels, a drive frame, a drive wheel, a non-driven rigid castor wheel, and a pivot link assembly. The drive wheel and non-driven rigid castor wheel are each fixed to move with the drive frame. The pivot link assembly couples the drive frame to the load frame to permit the drive frame to move vertically relative to the load frame. The pivot link assembly also has a first pivot axis about which the drive frame is rotatable relative to the load frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Jon L. Coveyou, Lewis R. Poole
  • Publication number: 20040016580
    Abstract: A vehicle battery mounting method and thermal regulation system eliminate seat removal during battery maintenance and costly seat modifications. The thermal regulation system maintains the battery at a desired temperature range to encourage efficient charging and prolonged battery life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Walter J. Kronner, Robert E. Tilley, James E. Van Hout
  • Publication number: 20040016581
    Abstract: An article transfer method using a self-propelled carriage capable of supporting an article and travelling along a fixed path is provided in which an article supporting body forming a final operating section is turned without performing lateral movement and with making little protrusion toward the article handling section, by combining longitudinal movement of a movable body with respect to a vehicle body and turning movement of a turnable body with respect to the movable body. As a result, means for performing lateral movement of the article supporting body can be omitted, and hence the overall device can be constituted in a simple and inexpensive manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Haruhiro Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20040016582
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, a front wheel mounted on the frame, a rear wheel mounted on the frame, an engine mounted on the frame, a motor mounted on the frame and a transmission connecting the rear wheel with the engine and the motor. A battery is mounted on the frame for providing energy to the motor. The motor can be used as a generator so as to transform motive energy produced via the engine into electric energy for storage in the battery. The engine may include a crankshaft, a pulley connected with the transmission and a first clutch arranged between the crankshaft and the pulley. The first clutch does not transmit power from the crankshaft to the pulley until an angular speed of the crankshaft reaches a pre-determined value. In a first aspect, the engine includes a manual starter connected therewith. In a second aspect, the engine includes an automatic starter connected therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Chien-Chang Ho
  • Publication number: 20040016583
    Abstract: A swing arm for a snowmobile has an upwardly curved, stepped, or angled intermediate portion that increases the swing arm's ground clearance relative to conventional, straight swing arms. The increased ground clearance permits more snow and other elements to pass underneath the swing without contacting the swing arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Tapani Pyykonen
  • Publication number: 20040016584
    Abstract: A transporter for transporting a first person and one or more riders over a surface. The transporter includes a first support platform for supporting the first person, the first support platform having left and right sides and defining a fore-aft vertical plane and a lateral plane. At least one ground-contacting element is coupled to the first support platform such that the first support platform is capable of tilting in the fore-aft plane about a tilt axis. The at least one ground-contacting element is driven by a motorized drive arrangement so as to cause locomotion of the transporter. A controller commands the motorized drive arrangement. The controller is configured so that at least one of fore and aft sustained motion of the transporter is based at least on fore-aft tilting of the first support platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Dean L. Kamen, J. Douglas Field, John David Heinzmann
  • Publication number: 20040016585
    Abstract: A four-wheel drive vehicle provides a torque distribution clutch mechanism which directly transmits the driving force generated from the engine to one of tow front wheels or two rear wheels, and which transmits it to the other wheels therethrough in order to control the engaging force in accordance with a traveling status of the four-wheel drive vehicle. The vehicle further comprises a tight corner judging means, a normal mode setting means, a low friction road judging means and a tight mode setting means. The tight corner judging means judges whether the vehicle travels at a large turning angle or not, and the normal mode setting means sets a normal mode to control the engaging force when it is judged by the tight corner judging means that the vehicle does not travel at the large turning angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: TOYODA KOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hisaaki Wakao, Fukami Imai