Patents Issued in February 17, 2004
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Patent number: 6691760Abstract: A lift cord tensioning device is provided for use with a window covering having at least one lift cord that extends downward though a shade portion from a head rail to a bottom rail. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tensioning device includes a pliable material having an aperture through which the lift cord extends. The aperture is sized to yieldably resist passage of the lift cord such that tension remains on the portion of the lift cord that resides in the head rail even when an upward directed force is applied to the bottom rail. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the tensioning device includes a pair of laterally offset holes through which the lift cord extends. In another alternate embodiment of the present invention, the tensioning device includes a resiliently biased gate through which the lift cord extends.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Comfortex CorporationInventors: Raymond E. Randall, Jr., Vinny Grosso
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Patent number: 6691761Abstract: A rolled screen for a screen opening which may be part of a casement window frame unwinds to close the screen opening. The extended lateral edges of said screen pass through lateral slots and the screen is shaped or treated to prevent the movement of edges inwardly through the slots.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Viper Profile LimitedInventors: Boulos Paul Alkhoury, Pasqualino D'Uva, Arturo Grassi, Philip Spatafora
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Patent number: 6691762Abstract: A collapsible automobile shades comprising a pleated screen which can be selectively moved between an opened position and a collapsed position. The shade can be mounted to either an automobile's visor, to shade the vehicle from sunlight which would otherwise enter the car through the front windshield, or to a side window of the vehicle, to shade the vehicle from sunlight which would otherwise enter the vehicle through a side window of the vehicle. The shade includes a mounting assembly to mount the shade to the visor or the side window. It is also preferably provided with a closure, such as a strap which extends around the shade, to maintain the shade in the collapsed position.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Inventor: Sunny Huang
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Patent number: 6691763Abstract: A system for producing a die includes means for generating a reference CAD model of a die of desired dimensions and a production facility arranged to produce an oversized casting of the die from a mould thereof. The system includes, further means for measuring the actual dimensions of the oversized casting, a comparator for comparing the measured dimensions of the oversized die against the reference CAD model, and a machining facility operable to machine the oversized casting until its dimensions are substantially the same as those of the reference CAD model.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Rapid Design Technologies (PTY) LimitedInventor: Robert James Bond
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Patent number: 6691764Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a dental prosthesis comprising: obtaining three-dimensional digital data relating to a patient's dentition; designing a virtual prosthesis for the dentition using the three-dimensional digital data; transmitting digital data corresponding to the virtual prosthesis to an automated prototyping system; producing a prototype of the dental prosthesis with the automated prototyping system, the prototype made of a material that can be ablated; covering at least the prototype with a hardening material and removing the prototype from within said hardening material to produce a mold for the dental prosthesis; casting the dental prosthesis by filling the mold with a metal and removing the hardening material.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Cynovad Inc.Inventors: Hugo Embert, Jean-Marc Perot
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Patent number: 6691765Abstract: A system and method for producing foundry quality sand from non-conventional starting materials through the combination of oolitization and classification. Incoming particulate matter is first directed into a controlled energy attrition unit where the particles are made to collide with one another. Such collisions clean and round the particles by chipping away surface projections and coatings without crushing the particles. The particle stream is then directed through a multi-fraction classifier where it is separated into two or more useable grades of foundry sand. An air classifier is preferred for the classification stage.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Noram Technology, Ltd.Inventors: Robert E. Sparks, Kenneth Hillel Peter Harris
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Patent number: 6691766Abstract: An electronics cooling system in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes an electronics cabinet that is thermally connected with the ground in the vicinity of the cabinet. The cabinet may or may not sit directly on the earth, but the thermal connection is made with the earth below, and in the near vicinity of, the cabinet, thereby employing the earth as a heat sink. In an illustrative embodiment, an enclosed cabinet includes a heat pipe that makes thermal contact with the ground in the immediate vicinity of the electronics cabinet. An electronics cabinet in accordance with the principles of the present invention is particularly suited for use in uncontrolled environments, such as may be encountered by remote telecommunications switches and wireless telecommunications equipment, for example.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2000Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventor: Kaveh Azar
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Patent number: 6691767Abstract: A metal heat exchanger tank has a molded plastic attachment bracket that can be secured thereto anywhere along the length of the tank with a simple press fit that is very solid. A relatively short metal flange running the length of the tank is inserted into a pocket on the plastic bracket, as cross beams in the pocket insert within notches in the flange and resilient fingers in the pocket snap into indentations in the flange. The bracket is thus preventing from pulling away from the tank or from shifting along the length of the tank. One pocket wall is long enough to cover most a flat back of the tank, which is flush to a back face of the flange, and a footer on the bracket abuts with a flat side of the tank. This gives great twisting resistance to the bracket in any direction relative to the tank.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David A. Southwick, Scott Edward Kent
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Patent number: 6691768Abstract: The present invention discloses improved heatsink designs and methods for cooling a heat source. One embodiment is a heatsink assembly for removing heat from an electronic component, the heatsink assembly comprising a copper-based core section having a first surface generally adapted to conform to an exposed mating surface of an electronic device and a second surface having a generally convex curvature having a greater surface area than the first surface. An aluminum-based outer section has a first surface comprising a concave curvature that is generally adapted to conform to the convex curvature of the core and a second surface. A plurality of fin elements protrude outwardly from the second surface of the outer section. At least one cooling fan can be positioned to direct airflow onto the fin elements. The core section can comprise a semi-spherical shape and can be joined by a finger-joint type connection to the outer section.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Teh-Ming Hsieh, Bryan H. Tran, Julian A. Alipio
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Patent number: 6691769Abstract: A heat sink for free convection cooling in horizontal applications is provided. Specifically, the heat sink includes a plurality of spaced apart cooling fins, which are supported by an angled base. The cooling fins are transversely attached to the base and extend in a substantially vertical direction. In addition, the cooling fins extend beyond an outer edge of the base so that air can flow horizontally beneath the base and then vertically through the spaced apart cooling fins.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Eric Arthur Johnson, Randall Joseph Stutzman
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Patent number: 6691770Abstract: A heat sink comprises a core member comprising at least one core member first surface. The core member first surface is adapted to contact or be located adjacent at least a portion of the heat source. At least one outer peripheral surface is located on the core member. At least one cooling fin is operatively connected to the outer peripheral surface and extends in a direction substantially normal to the core member first surface. At least a portion of the outer peripheral surface is tapered, wherein the circumference of the outer peripheral surface in the proximity of the first surface is greater than the circumference of the outer peripheral surface not in the proximity of the first surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Guy R. Wagner
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Patent number: 6691771Abstract: A plurality of cooling tubes (7) are connected and communicated with one another in multisteps in a vertical direction bridging a pair of header pipes (3). One of the header pipes (3) is provided with a liquid tank (9) for storing a cooling medium in a liquid phase which has been condensed and liquidized by cooling, and an auxiliary machinery part (23) is fitted to a peripheral wall face 9a of the liquid tank which serves as a large mounting face.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2000Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Calsonic Kansei CorporationInventors: Masayoshi Shinhama, Jinichi Hiyama
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Patent number: 6691772Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a pair of hollow headers, a plurality of tubes communicated with the headers, corrugated fins disposed between adjacent tubes and at an outside of an outermost tube and a side plate disposed at an outside of an outermost corrugated fin. The header insertion end portion of the side plate is formed into the same or approximately the same cross-sectional peripheral configuration as that of an end portion of the tube, and the side plate fitting aperture is formed into the same configuration as that of the tube fitting aperture. This becomes unnecessary to form a special fitting configuration at the end portion of the side plate, and moreover the workability for forming the side plate fitting apertures and the tube fitting apertures can be enhanced, resulting in enhanced productivity, which in turn can reduce the manufacturing cost.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.Inventor: Hideaki Manaka
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Patent number: 6691773Abstract: A fin and tube type heat-exchanger having a plurality of 6 mm or smaller heat tubes to allow refrigerant to move therein includes a plurality of cooling fins arranged at predetermined intervals, each cooling fin having a number of joint holes arranged in one or more stages, and a number of slits between the joint holes formed on each stage. Each slit has a projecting segment with an open portion corresponding to the direction of air flow and a pair of standing segments formed at both sides of the projecting segment for guiding the direction of air flow. The projecting segments project in the same direction from the surface of each cooling fin, and the slits are grouped in five rows. The heat tubes pass through and are jointed with the joint holes, respectively. The heat exchanger reduces pressure loss, optimizes heat-exchange efficiency, reduces manufacturing costs, and adapts to alternative refrigerants.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Dae Hyun Jin, Byeong Chul Na
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Patent number: 6691774Abstract: A process for making a multilayer plastic tube heat exchanger with a ribbon of molten polymer being poured over layers of tubes, and then another layer of tubes being added and another ribbon of polymer. Heat exchanger structures so formed are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventor: Eldon Lawrence Fletcher
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Patent number: 6691775Abstract: The disclosure describes a spoolable compliant guide, a system including a spoolable compliant guide and injector and methods for using the compliant guide, where the guide is designed to connect at one end to the injector and at its other end to a remote installation having a seal and to allow coiled tubing to be inserted into the installation through the seal. Because the guide permits a substantial distance to exist between the injector and the installation seal and functions as a crimp or band resistor for the coiled tubing, the guide enables the injector to be conveniently positioned remote from the installation such as a wellhead and assumes a compliant shape between the injector and the installation allowing dynamic relative movement between them without the use of heave compensators. Thus, for subsea installations, the injector, its control system and coiled tubing reels can all be located on the water's surface for ease of access and maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Inventor: Colin Stuart Headworth
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Patent number: 6691776Abstract: Apparatus for attaching a downhole isolation, production, or testing tool is disclosed, such that the tool is mechanically attached to a mandrel in a manner that is highly resistant to axial movement. In general, the connection includes at least one groove or channel cut in an outer wall of the casing mandrel, and at least one partially or fully annular slot on the inside surface of the tool oriented to correspond with the groove(s) in the outer wall of the casing mandrel. At least one lock is situated in the corresponding slot and the groove. The lock engages the flanks of the slot and groove sufficiently to resist shear loads applied by compression or tension in the string. In one embodiment, the lock is one or more wires, although other mechanical locking devices may be installed to provide the same function.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Weatherford International, Inc.Inventors: Brett W. Guillory, John W. Tokar
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Patent number: 6691777Abstract: A self-lubricating swage expands tubulars and includes a primary swaging tool supported on a mandrel that has a lubricious capacity or a primary swaging tool supported on a mandrel and a nose swage member supported on an end of the mandrel. In the latter the nose swage member is fabricated of, is coated with or otherwise includes and applies a lubricious material that smears onto a surface coming into contact with the nose swage member. The smearing of the lubricious material facilitates the sliding of the swaging member as it contacts the inner walls of the tubular.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Douglas J. Murray, William M. Bailey
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Patent number: 6691778Abstract: Methods of performing down hole operations in a wellbore. A vibrational source is positioned within a tubular member such that an annulus is formed between the vibrational source and an interior surface of the tubular member. A fluid medium, such as high bulk modulus drilling mud, is disposed within the annulus. The vibrational source forms a fluid coupling with the tubular member through the fluid medium to transfer vibrational energy to the tubular member. The vibrational energy may be used, for example, to free a stuck tubular, consolidate a cement slurry and/or detect voids within a cement slurry prior to the curing thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Jack H. Cole, David M. Weinberg, Dennis R. Wilson
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Patent number: 6691779Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling oilfield production to improve efficiency includes a remote sensing unit that is placed within a subsurface formation, an antenna structure for communicating with the remote sensing unit, a casing joint having nonconductive “windows” for allowing a internally located antenna to communicate with the remote sensing unit, and a system for obtaining subsurface formation data and for producing the formation data to a central location for subsequent analysis. The remote sensing unit is placed sufficiently far from the wellbore to reduce or eliminate effects that the wellbore might have on formation data samples taken by the remote sensing unit. The remote sensing unit is an active device with the capability of responding to control commands by determining certain subsurface formation characteristics such as pressure or temperature, and transmitting corresponding data values to a wellbore tool.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1999Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Abdurrahman Sezginer, Jacques Tabanou, Reinhart Ciglenec
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Patent number: 6691780Abstract: Compositions and methods for tracking the transport of particulate solids during the production of hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Jimmie D. Weaver, Johnny A. Barton
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Patent number: 6691781Abstract: It is common in oil extraction operations to reinject produced gas and\or water back into hydrocarbon bearing formations in order to maintain formation pressure. Conventional production facilities normally flow all formation fluids to the surface and subsequently reinject the required fluids back into the formation, which can be extremely inefficient due to the high power input required to overcome the large pressure differential between the surface and formation level. A production fluid handling method and apparatus for separating downhole at least gaseous and liquid components (16, 18, 20) of fluid produced from a hydrocarbon bearing formation (12), and reinjecting at least a portion of the gaseous and liquid components (16, 18, 20), as required, back into the formation (12). Re-injection also occurs downhole.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignees: Weir Pumps Limited, Norsk Hydro ASAInventors: Alexander Angus Grant, Per Almdahl, Per Eivind Gramme, Sven Arne Kjolberg, Bjarne Olsen, Terje Sondtvedt
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Patent number: 6691782Abstract: A method and system for downhole treatment and pumping of well fluids enhances the pumping of viscous fluids to the surface. The first step is to separate the oil and water from the well fluid and then channel the oil to a chamber that encloses the motor. The heat from the motor will increase the heat of the crude oil flowing past the motor, thereby lowering the viscosity of the crude oil. The water flows separately past the motor in another passageway, and remixes with the oil. After the oil and water recombine, the treated well fluid has a lower viscosity, and the fluid is then pumped to the surface more efficiently than without treating the oil.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Joseph E. Vandevier
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Patent number: 6691783Abstract: A novel microorganism producing a nontoxic, non-antigenic exopolysaccharide is taught. The exopolysaccharide has neutral sugars migrating at the same rate as mannose, fucose, fructose and galactose, acidic sugars migrating at the same rate as fucose and amine sugars migrating at the same rate as glucose and fucose, and wherein the ratio of galactose:fucose:glucose:mannose is about 1:2:3:6. The microbe and the exopolysaccharide have uses as a biofilm in geologic applications and have several consumer uses as food and drug polymers and use as a plasma extender.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2000Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: The Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Lee A. Bulla, Jr., John P. Turner
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Patent number: 6691784Abstract: In a substructure (10) for a floating oil or gas production platform, an arrangement to tension a plurality of risers (16) extending from the sea bed up to the substructure, the arrangement comprising: a conventional hydraulic tensioner/heave compensator (17) for each riser, in which there is a soft spring formed by a piston cylinder combination acting against an accumulator, the heave compensators for the risers being disposed to compensate for vertical oscillations of relatively short period (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Kvaerner Oil & Gas A.S.Inventor: Leiv Wanvik
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Patent number: 6691785Abstract: A downhole valve that may be opened and closed by alternatingly pressurizing/bleeding a first control line, which is in fluid communication with a first surface of an activating member, and a second control line, which is in fluid communication with a second surface of the activating member. The fluid within the control lines is the same density as the fluid found in the annulus of the wellbore. The development of a leak in the control lines therefore does not by itself result in the actuation or movement of the activating member or valve member.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Dinesh R. Patel
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Patent number: 6691786Abstract: A valve has a pair of surfaces, such as those of pipes, with an inflatable bladder disposed therebetween. Controlled inflation and deflation of the bladder provides for control of flow through the valve. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.Inventor: Dinesh R. Patel
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Patent number: 6691787Abstract: The present invention generally provides a gas operated pump having a removable and insertable valve. In one aspect, the invention includes a pump housing having a fluid path for pressurized gas and a second fluid path for exhaust gas. The fluid paths are completed when the valve is inserted into a longitudinal bore formed in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Mohammad Amani
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Patent number: 6691788Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 25, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: David G. Dearing
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Patent number: 6691789Abstract: An apparatus and method of creating a seal between two coaxial tubulars so as to create a hanger and a packer. A first tubular is disposed coaxially within a portion of a second, larger tubular. A portion of the first tubular is expanded into frictional contact with the second tubular, thereby creating a liner and a hanger. In one embodiment, a pattern of grooves and profile cuts are formed in the surface of a portion of the first tubular body. The grooves in one aspect define a continuous pattern about the circumference of the tubular body which intersect to form a plurality of substantially identical shapes, such as diamonds. The grooves and profile cuts serve to improve the tensile strength of the tubular body. At the same time, the grooves and profile cuts allow for expansion of the tubular body by use of less radial force.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Stephen L. Jackson, Patrick Maguire, Khai Tran
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Patent number: 6691790Abstract: A fire suppression sprinkler system (10), and method for installing a sprinkler system (10)in new and existing buildings. The system includes a manifold (12) that supplies fire-suppression fluid to a set of wall-mounted sprinkler heads (14) via flexible sprinkler head conduits (16) through an unobstructed path (18). The installation and retrofit methods include determining the location of the sprinkler head (14), installing the manifold (12), making sure that there is an unobstructed path (18) between the manifold (12) and the sprinkler head location, running the conduit (16) through the path (18) by snaking it where necessary through the wall (50) to which the sprinkler head (14) is mounted, connecting the conduit (16) to the manifold (12) and sprinkler head (14), and then mounting the sprinkler head (14).Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: PNM, Inc.Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald
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Patent number: 6691791Abstract: A soil aeration tine having a nose or apex end for soil penetration with a set of soil fracture faces carried thereon to fracture a portion of the soil in engagement with the soil aeration tine and a cutting tube positioned on the soil aeration tine with the soil cutting tube cutting a soil plug free of a further portion of the soil with the soil penetration tine having a lateral face for scooping out soil as the soil aeration tine is removed from the soil.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Planet Air Turf Products, LLCInventor: Scott W. Bjorge
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Patent number: 6691792Abstract: An edger attachment apparatus is provided for attaching to a drive-shaft-to-attachment coupling of a string trimmer device after the string trimmer head has been detached from the drive-shaft-to-attachment coupling. A relatively small diameter, power transmission driving gear is driven by an edger driven shaft. A relatively large diameter, power receiver gear is driven by the relatively small diameter, power transmission driving gear. A blade assembly drive shaft is connected to the relatively large diameter, power receiver gear. An edger blade assembly is driven by the blade assembly drive shaft. A wheel assembly support is attached to the gear housing, and a wheel assembly is connected to the wheel assembly support. In one embodiment, a height adjustment assembly is provided. In another embodiment, a tilt adjustment assembly is provided. In another embodiment, both a height adjustment assembly and a tilt adjustment assembly are provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Inventor: Stephen Timothy Keane
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Patent number: 6691793Abstract: A weeder includes an elongated shaft having a predetermined length and a longitudinal bore, a gripping mechanism provided at an upper end portion of the elongated shaft, a chuck mechanism provided at a lower end portion of the elongated shaft for pinching weeds, an operating lever mechanism for actuating the chuck mechanism, the operating lever mechanism provided at an axial portion of the elongated shaft which is adjacent the gripping mechanism, and a towing wire inserted in the longitudinal bore of the elongated shaft and coupling the chuck mechanism and the operating lever mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2003Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: OTA Kosan CorporationInventor: Kinjiro Ota
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Patent number: 6691794Abstract: An apparatus for securing an agricultural implement to a hitch receiving member of a vehicle, the apparatus including at least first and second elongated tongue members where the second tongue member is slidably received in the first tongue member and forms at least first and second latch receiving slots, the apparatus also including a locking assembly having an extending end receivable in the first and second slots to lock the second tongue member with respect to the first in extended and retracted positions, respectively, the apparatus further including adjustable stops and bearing members that facilitate after manufacturing adjustment of tongue assembly and locking assembly components.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Case, LLCInventors: Paul M. Paluch, James G. Jamilosa
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Patent number: 6691795Abstract: A grader vehicle has a vehicle body mounted on two drive tracks. A boom is mounted on the front of the vehicle and extends to the front of the body. A third drive track is mounted on the leading end of the boom by a steering mechanism for rotation about an upright steering axis. The three tracks are driven by separate hydraulic motors. The use of a steering, driven track on the boom provides a tractive force pulling the vehicle forwards in the desired direction of travel and positively driving the leading end of the boom in the direction of a turn. The track also provides a degree of packing at the center of the vehicle's path that can not be achieved with a ski gliding on the surface. This is of particular importance when packing ski trails with the vehicle. For grading purposes, the vehicle has a grader blade across the front of the vehicle and a second blade leading the front track.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Tri-Track International Ltd.Inventor: John L'Abbe
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Patent number: 6691796Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, a fixed ratchet seat, a drive spindle, a rotatable ratchet, and an operating knob. The ratchet seat is disposed immovably in the housing. The drive spindle extends rotatably through the ratchet seat and is axially movable between front and rear limit positions. The rotatable ratchet is mounted on the drive spindle for co-rotation therewith, and disengages the fixed ratchet seat when the drive spindle is at the front limit position, and engages the fixed ratchet seat when the drive spindle is at the rear limit position. The operating knob is sleeved rotatably on the housing, and is rotatable to drive rotation of a switching ring in the housing. The switching ring is associated operably with a latching seat on the drive spindle to enable and disable movement of the drive spindle between the front and rear limit positions.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2003Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Mobiletron Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chien-Chun Wu
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Patent number: 6691797Abstract: A device for use in combination with a pile driving apparatus for driving piles into the ground. The device (1) including a main body (13) which carries side grippers (18) and (19) each of which comprises a ram consisting of a piston and cylinder (20). A further gripper (23) is included, which extends downwardly of the main body (13) which grips the lower end of a pile, while grippers (18) and (19) are used to pick up and position a pile. A vibratory force generator (16) is operated to cause the main body (13) to vibrate thereby applying a downward vibrating force to the main body (13) and the pile held by the grippers (18, 19, 23), so driving the pile into the ground.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Inventor: Duncan Hart
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Patent number: 6691798Abstract: A hand-held power tool for use in hand working operations including a hand pressure sensing element for adjusting the power of the tool. More specifically, the invention provides a hand engraving power tool that is activated from absence of power to much greater power or anywhere in between determined by the amount of pressure exerted by a human hand on the tool's handle.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Inventor: Steven James Lindsay
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Patent number: 6691799Abstract: A tool holder for a power tool, such as a drill hammer, a chisel hammer, and both, includes a striking mechanism for strikingly driving a tool, a base body, a drive part on which the base body is releasably mounted, at least one locking body for releasably mounting the base body on the drive part, a component having a throughgoing passage in which the at least one locking body is arranged, a securing body which radially fixes the at least one locking body in its engaging position, an actuating element for unlocking the securing body from its locking position to an unlocking position for radially reieasing the at least one locking body, and at least one holding element which holds the at least one locking body in the unlocking position of the securing body in the throughgoing passage. The holding element is lowered or lowerable into the component having the throughgoing passage and is overrun by the securing body.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Axel Kuhnle, Helmut Wanek, Richard Engel
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Patent number: 6691800Abstract: A hand-held pneumatic tool includes a tubular body, an inlet device and a switch device respectively mounted in a first end of the tubular body. A pneumatic motor is mounted in a middle portion of the tubular body and has a shaft longitudinally extending from the pneumatic motor relative to the tubular body. A coupling is mounted on a free end of the shaft and has a first bevel gear formed on a distal periphery thereof. An output device is mounted in a second end of the tubular body and driven by the pneumatic motor. The output device includes a first output axle having a second bevel gear formed to engage to the first bevel gear of the coupling. A second output axle is longitudinally and securely mounted to the coupling so that the coupling directly drives the second output axle.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2003Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Inventor: Ying Fang Chi
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Patent number: 6691801Abstract: A load compensator is disclosed for use in connection with a pipe running tool. The load compensator includes an outer housing connected to the portion of the pipe running tool that holds the pipe segment. A piston is disposed within the housing, and is connected to a top drive system of the pipe running tool. The housing is formed with a first port through which pressurized air is delivered inside the housing to drive the piston within the housing. A second port is disposed at a selected location on the housing, such that when the piston is advanced past the second port, pressurized air passes through the port, and causes the control circuit to stop delivering air through the first port. Once pressurized air no longer flows through the second port, the control circuit causes air to be delivered to the first port.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Juhasz, George Boyadjieff, Brian L. Eidem, Hans Van Rijzingen
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Patent number: 6691802Abstract: A drill string is equipped with a downhole assembly having an instrumented sub and a drill bit. The instrumented sub has a power source that requires no electrical chemical batter. A mass-spring system is used, which during drilling causes a magnet to oscillate past a coil. This induces current which is used to power downhole instruments.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Orlando De Jesus, Andrew J. Osborne, Jr.
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Patent number: 6691803Abstract: A drill bit assembly for earth boring operations in which a sub is connected to a lower end of a drill string and elongated cutter blades are pivotally secured to a lower end of the body which have cutter elements preferably in the form of rotatable cutter disks along their leading edges and a fluid delivery hose leads into fluid passages in each of the cutter blades to supply fluid under pressure to a series of fluid discharge nozzles associated with the cutter disks.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Inventor: Alan L. Nackerud
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Patent number: 6691804Abstract: A directional borehole drilling system employs a controllable drill bit, which includes one or more conical drilling surfaces. Instrumentation located near the bit measures present position when the bit is static, and dynamic toolface when the bit is rotating. This data is processed to determine the error between the present position and a desired trajectory, and the position of one or more of the bit's cones is automatically changed as needed to make the bit bore in the direction necessary to reduce the error. The controllable drill bit preferably comprises three cone assemblies mounted about the bit's central axis, each of which includes a leg with “toed-out” axle. In response to a command signal, a cone translates along the axle to cause it to bear more of the bit weight, thus excavating more deeply over the commanded toolface sector and causing the bit to bore in a preferred direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Inventor: William H. Harrison
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Patent number: 6691805Abstract: An electrically conductive oil mud meeting the fluid requirements for resistive logging tools and a method for preparing such mud is disclosed. The fluid has been optimized to deliver performance in a manner as similar to that of a traditional invert emulsion drilling fluid as is practical while still maintaining the required electrical conductivity for resistivity-based logging tools. This electrically conductive oil-based mud comprises a polar synthetic ester base and complimentary ester surfactants, one being more oil soluble, the other being more water soluble. The surfactants interact synergistically to provide dense packing of micelles at the palisade layer. This fluid is oil-wetting to solids, and in general behaves like a traditional oil mud.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Carl Joseph Thaemlitz
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Patent number: 6691806Abstract: The invention concerns a drive unit for a tracked vehicle with a first and a second electric generator (6, 8) and with a first and a second internal combustion engine (10, 12), such that one generator (6, 8) can be driven respectively by one combustion engine (10, 12), and with electric drive motors (14, 16, 18, 20) for driving a right-hand and a left-hand drive track (4, 2). According to the invention it is proposed that the elements of the drive unit are linked in such manner that the right-hand drive track (4) is associated with first and second right-hand electric drive motors (14, 16), the left-hand drive track (2) is associated with first and second left-hand electric drive motors (18, 20), the two first drive motors (14, 18) being fed by the first generator (6) and the two second drive motors (16, 20) being fed by the second generator (8). Due to the wiring of the energy paths according to the invention, very great operational security is achieved even when the drive unit is partially damaged.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Werner Wolfgang, Hubert Hund, Thomas Rösch, Bruno Walter
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Patent number: 6691807Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle 10 having a propulsion system 12 which integrates a motor-generator 14 and a variable displacement internal combustion engine 16. Motor-generator 14 and engine 16 are each operatively coupled to drive train 17 of vehicle 10, and cooperatively power vehicle 10.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2000Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Chinu P. Bhavsar, Joanne T. Woestman, Prabhakar B. Patil
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Patent number: 6691808Abstract: Drive unit for motor vehicles having an internal combustion engine (1), which, via a first clutch (3) can be coupled to a first input shaft (4) in a gearbox (5), and an electric machine (8), the rotor (10) of which is drivably coupled to a second input shaft (12), and can be coupled, via a second clutch (11) to the crankshaft (2) of the internal combustion engine. The second input shaft is a hollow shaft which can, via a transmission (27, 28, 29) with a third clutch (30), drive the crown wheel (26) in a differential (23) built together with the gearbox.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Volvo Car CorporationInventors: Lars Stenvall, Fredrik Hansson
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Patent number: 6691809Abstract: At a time of backward movement, a ring gear shaft, and thus a front axle, is disconnected from a planetary gear by a clutch, and a carrier and a ring gear, and thus, a crank shaft and a sun gear shaft, are connected to each other by the clutch, whereby a hybrid motor vehicle is constructed as a series-type hybrid electric motor vehicle, thereby outputting a torque in accordance with a depressed amount of an accelerator pedal to the front axle and a rear axle by a motor MG2 and a motor MG3 at a suitable torque distribution for backward movement. When a state of charge of a battery is small, power is generated by a motor MG1 using a power obtained by driving an engine so as to be supplied to the motor MG2 and the motor MG3.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Hata, Masahiro Kojima