Patents Issued in February 19, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040031579
    Abstract: A modified polysaccharide having enhanced surface charge. The polysaccharide is modified to include a cationic polymer, preferably a polyquaternary amine, and has a surface charge from about +5 to about +20 mV. The modified polysaccharide can be advantageous incorporated into a papermaking furnish with enhanced retention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Vrbanac, Sherry L. Thomson
  • Publication number: 20040031580
    Abstract: The present invention provides a casting method comprising the steps of obtaining a thermal distribution of mold sand for a casting, and determining a mold wall thickness profile based at least partially on the mold sand thermal distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040031581
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for making a sand core (112) utilizing purge air through a core box (100 and 100′) to harden the binder in the sand core (112) proximate the ejection pins (106 and 106′). The sand core (112) may be removed from the core box (100 and 100′) prior to drying the binder completely thereby resulting in an improved production rate of the sand core (112).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Richard M. Herreid, Yuliy M. Yunovich, Jeremy D. Eastman
  • Publication number: 20040031582
    Abstract: A method for the production of a layered metal slab by casting, which strip contains a central layer (2) and surface layers (3) on either side of it. The central layer (2) is introduced as a strip through a mould (4), into which is introduced molten metal (5), the mould (4) is cooled, whereupon a layered structure (1) is formed as the metal solidifies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Mika Isokyto, Saara Koski-Laine, Taisto Koskinen, Ari Lind, Kauko Rajamaki
  • Publication number: 20040031583
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method, which is used in the area of secondary metallurgy (4) in its entirety with a final temperature-determining process step (4.1) such as a ladle furnace, for controlling the temperature of steel from the surface of the bath of a continuous casting ingot mold (1) up to the furnace tap (5) of a steel producing process. According to the invention, the temperature of the steel in the surface of the bath is controlled based on the equation TML=TLI+X° C. (X=5-15° C. and while respecting the same such that a jump in temperature (9) between the surface of the bath in the ingot mold (1) and a distributor (3) is detected according to the pouring rate (6) for a predetermined billet size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Fritz-Peter Pleschiutschnigg, Lothar Parschat, Eckart Schwencke, Erwin Wosch, Bernt Rollinger, Stephan Feldhaus
  • Publication number: 20040031584
    Abstract: A heat exchange or mass transfer column in which the packing bed is formed from individual packing layers wherein the sheet metal plates of the packing have different thicknesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: JULIUS MONTZ GmbH
    Inventors: Egon Zich, Helmut Jansen, Thomas Rietfort, Bjorn Kaibel
  • Publication number: 20040031585
    Abstract: Wellbore heat loop ssystems, fillers for bores in the systems, and methods of the use of such systems; the systems in certain aspects having a heat loop wellbore in the earth having heat loop pipe extending down to one side of a bottom memeber and up therefrom on another side thereof, the bottom member in certaqin aspects having a body with first and second bores therethrough, the second bore sized and configured for securement thereat of an end of coil tubing; and, in certain aspects, filler material around the heat loop in the wellbore with a gel material mixed with the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Howard E. Johnson, Gregory M. Tinkler, Thomas R. Amerman
  • Publication number: 20040031586
    Abstract: Disclosed is a spring clip apparatus for holding one or more heat generating components, such as field effect transistors (FETs) and diodes, firmly against a heat receiving side of a finned heat radiating device having slots within or between the fins. In a finned heat sink, a moving arm of the clip slides into and makes contact with the heat sink in the slot and the confines of the slot prevent further sideways movement while another arm contact point of the clip holds the component firmly in position against the heat sink opposite the moving arm contact point. Clips may be both single and dual arm and may be configured for holding from one to multiple components in contact with the heat sink. The clip may also be used in a similar manner with a non-finned heat sink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Donald P. Rearick, James R. Walton
  • Publication number: 20040031587
    Abstract: A heat-exchanging fin device serves for enhancing heat exchange efficiency. The fin device comprises at least two fin plates. Each fin plate comprises a plurality of parallel adjacent straight banks. Each bank has the same width and comprises a plurality of convex portions and concave portions. The concave portions and convex portions are alternatively arranged. Each of the concave portions and convex portions has a U-like shape. Each of the convex portions and concave portions are opened at two ends. In assembly, adjacent banks are shifted with a predetermined length so that the convex portions and concave portions of the adjacent banks are not aligned and thus a portion between two adjacent portions of adjacent banks is opened. Thereby, a plurality of penetrating channels passing through a plurality of banks are formed along the openings of the concave portions and convex portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Wang Ching Fong
  • Publication number: 20040031588
    Abstract: A heat sink 28 is provided for removing heat from a component 30 on a circuit board 22. The heat sink 28 includes a base 12 having a top 14, a bottom 16, and opposing sides 18 and 20. The top is generally planar for being adhered to a circuit board. Each of the opposing sides has a cutout defining a stepped shoulder 26. The heat sink also includes a plurality of fins 24 extending from the bottom of the base. Locating structure 50 is provided on the top of the heat sink for locating the heat sink with respect to the circuit board 22. Since the heat sink can be glued to the circuit board, a common heat sink can be used for any power electronics component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: John Makaran
  • Publication number: 20040031589
    Abstract: A heat sink with an air guide apparatus comprises a plurality of air guides. The air guide is disposed on the surface of heat sink, and the inlet slopes down to the outlet for leading orderly to enhance the cooling performance. The heat sink apparatus could lead effectively the heat and add the touch surface in accordance with the sloping air guide for enhancing the cooling performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Hai-Ching Lin
  • Publication number: 20040031590
    Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly for a heating or cooling system, comprising an array of parallel tubes, and a mounting system comprising at least two spaced apart, elongate support members extending laterally across the array of tubes, the tubes and support members being interconnected by a plurality of connecting blocks each of which has one channel or aperture adapted to fit onto a heating tube, and another channel or aperture adapted to fit onto a support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Philip Ferdinando Vilia
  • Publication number: 20040031591
    Abstract: An onboard hydrogen storage unit with heat transfer system for a hydrogen powered vehicle. The system includes a hydrogen storage vessel containing a hydrogen storage alloy configured to receive a stream of hydrogen and provide hydrogen for use in powering a vehicle. During refueling a cooling/heating loop is used to remove the heat of hydride formation from the hydrogen storage alloy and during operation of the vehicle the heating/cooling loop is used to supply heat to the hydrogen storage alloy to aid in hydrogen desorption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Vitaliy Myasnikov, Rosa Young, Yang Li, Stanford R. Ovshinsky
  • Publication number: 20040031592
    Abstract: The invention is a process and device for exchanging heat energy between three or more streams in a microchannel heat exchanger which can be integrated with a microchannel reactor to form an integrated microchannel processing unit. The invention enables the combining of a plurality of integrated microchannel devices to provide the benefits of large-scale operation. In particular, the microchannel heat exchanger of the present invention enables flexible heat transfer between multiple streams and total heat transfer rates of about 1 Watt or more per core unit volume expressed as W/cc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: James Allen Mathias, G. Bradley Chadwell, Dongming Qiu, Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Steven T. Perry, Matthew B. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20040031593
    Abstract: A heat pipe diode assembly is provided that includes at least two heat pipes and at least two working fluid reservoirs, with one working fluid reservoir arranged in fluid communication with each the heat pipes. A cold finger is arranged in thermal engagement with each of the heat pipes. A device to be cooled is arranged in thermal engagement with a portion of each of the heat pipes. Another embodiment provides a heat pipe diode assembly formed in accordance with the invention includes three heat pipes and six working fluid reservoirs, with two working fluid reservoirs arranged in fluid communication with each of the three heat pipes. Three cold fingers are provided, with one arranged in thermal engagement with each of the three heat pipes. A device to be cooled is arranged in thermal engagement with a portion of each of the three heat pipes. Methods are also provided for operation of a heat pipe diode assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Donald M. Ernst, Walter Bienert
  • Publication number: 20040031594
    Abstract: A cooling mechanism within an integrated circuit includes an internal pump for circulating thermally conductive fluid within closed loop channels. The cooling channels are embedded within an integrated circuit die, such as in interlevel dielectric layers between metal levels. The channels are formed by engineering deposition of a layer to line trenches and form continuous voids along the trenches. Exemplary heat pumps comprise cavities, formed in communication with the channels, covered by piezoelectric actuators. Preferably, the actuators are wired to act in sequence as a peristaltic pump, circulating the fluid within the channels. The channels are positioned to carry heat from active devices within the integrated circuit, and a heat sink carries heat from the die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Venkateshwaran Vaiyapuri, Fred Fishburn
  • Publication number: 20040031595
    Abstract: In a fin forming step, fins of heat exchangers are formed into a connected state where the fins are connected to each other via a parting portion. In a fin attaching step, the fins in the connected state are temporarily attached to the respective heat exchangers. In a fin fixing step, an integrated heat exchanger in which the fins are temporarily attached is passed through a heating oven to braze the fins to the respective heat exchangers. In a fin separating step W4, the fins in the connected state of the respective heat exchangers are separated from each other in the parting portion. Therefore, each of the heat exchangers can independently perform a heat exchanging operation without being affected by heat conduction from the other heat exchanger via the fins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: CALSONIC KANSEI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsuru Iwasaki, Kazunori Namai, Hiroshi Chikuma
  • Publication number: 20040031596
    Abstract: In a heat exchanging apparatus for a vapor compression refrigerant cycle, an internal heat exchanger is attached to an end of a radiator. The internal heat exchanger is arranged such that high-pressure refrigerant passages are closer to the radiator than low-pressure refrigerant passages. The heat exchanging apparatus can be mounted on a vehicle such that the radiator receives cooling air more than the internal heat exchanger. Because the internal heat exchanger performs heat exchange between high-pressure refrigerant and low-pressure refrigerant, performance of the internal heat exchanger is not degraded even if it is located at a part receiving less cooling air. Thus, the heat exchanging apparatus is easily mounted on a vehicle by integrating the internal heat exchanger with the radiator, without reducing a cooling capacity of the radiator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Z-Man Fishing Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Shin Nishida, Masaaki Kawakubo, Yoshitaka Tomatsu
  • Publication number: 20040031597
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes at least two ducts for separating a first heat exchange fluid, inside the ducts, from a second heat exchange fluid, outside the ducts, the ducts having longitudinal axes that are substantially parallel to one another. A substantially planar cooling element is formed with apertures through which the ducts extend. The cooling element is inclined at a first predetermined acute angle to the longitudinal axes of the ducts. The cooling element is provided with louvers that are inclined at a second predetermined acute angle to the general plane of the cooling element. The first and second predetermined acute angles are substantially equal in magnitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Per Sandberg
  • Publication number: 20040031598
    Abstract: In a heat exchanger comprising a hollow header (2) and a plurality of heat exchanging tubes (1) which are in fluid communication with the header (1), the cross-sectional shape of the header (2) is formed into an angular cross-sectional shape including a rectangular cross-sectional shape and a square cross-sectional shape. Furthermore, the inner space of the header (2) is divided into a plurality of collecting chambers (13) by header-partitioning walls (12) provided in the header (2), and that the inner surface (14) of the tube-non-connecting-side wall in the collecting chamber (13) is formed into a curved surface. As a result, the inner volume of the header (2) can be reduced greatly as compared with that of the conventional header while securing sufficient pressure resistance and lightweight. Furthermore, the heat exchanger can be further miniaturized and the amount of the refrigerant to be used can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Shimanuki, Ryoichi Hoshino, Noboru Ogasawara, Takashi Tamura, Takashi Terada, Futoshi Watanabe, Hirofumi Horiuchi
  • Publication number: 20040031599
    Abstract: A multi-plate dual flow path heat exchanger includes a plurality of stacked plates 70 each having a central section 71 provided with a number of longitudinal channels 72 separated by upstanding zig-zag walls 75, the channels 72 being provided on their floors 72A with ridges 74, the floors and the ridges being of undulating form along the flow paths. Shallow ribs 75 extend laterally across the flow paths and in combination with the undulations assist in disruption of boundary layer flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: SMITHS GROUP PLC
    Inventor: George Wilson
  • Publication number: 20040031600
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger (1) with plate structure, comprising a stack (6) of plates composed of circular heat transfer plates (10) by welding and fitted inside a housing unit (2) used as a pressure vessel, whose periphery is provided with flow guides (21, 22), by means of which the second heat transfer medium is guided to desired ducts in the stack (6) of plates. By means of spacing plates (32) fixed inside the flow guides (21, 22), it is possible to arranged several draughts for the stream of the heat transfer medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Mauri Kontu
  • Publication number: 20040031601
    Abstract: A multiple zone electronic control system and method are provided to control a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for a vehicle. The control system includes a plurality of sensors to provide inputs relating to multiple zones of an occupant compartment of the vehicle and a plurality of buttons to provide manual inputs relating to the multiple zones. The control system also includes a plurality of mechanisms to control temperature and flow of air from the HVAC system into the multiple zones. The control system further includes a controller electrically connected to the sensors and the buttons to receive the inputs therefrom and electrically connected to the mechanisms to control the temperature and flow of air into each of the multiple zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Gerhard Allen Dage, Hilton W. Girard
  • Publication number: 20040031602
    Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner including a front automatic air-conditioning unit and a rear manual air-conditioning unit, an air-conditioning control unit changes a correction value of a target air temperature to be blown into a front seat area of a passenger compartment based on an outside air temperature detected by an outside temperature sensor when the rear manual air-conditioning unit operates. Specifically, in a low outside air temperature, the target air temperature for the front seat area is decreased by changing the correction value at a minus side. Accordingly, even a rear heater of the rear manual air-conditioning unit is operated during operation of the front air-conditioning unit, an air temperature blown toward the front seat area in the passenger compartment can be controlled to a set temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Katsumi Sugiura
  • Publication number: 20040031603
    Abstract: A groundwater pumping apparatus, which has the capability of effectively performing a groundwater collecting/pumping operation with a relatively simple configuration, and making the effective use of an existing deep-well apparatus, is provided. This apparatus has an outer tube buried in ground, and an inner tube having substantially a same length as the outer tube and placed in the outer tube so as to be spaced from the outer tube. The outer tube has a water-passing portion at its lower part, and the inner tube has a groundwater inlet at its bottom end. The groundwater inlet is placed at a position lower than a top end of the water-passing portion. The apparatus also comprises a shield member for shielding top ends of the outer tube and the inner tube, a vacuum unit for reducing a pressure in the inner tube, and a pump for pumping groundwater that comes in the inner tube through the groundwater inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Minamijima, Shigeyoshi Takahashi, Shuichi Matsumura, Toru Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20040031604
    Abstract: An expandable wirefinder (60) for locating a wire downhole comprises a sleeve (62) and a dual collet assembly (72). The dual collet assembly (72) has first and second collet members (78, 82) each having plurality of collet fingers (80, 84). The dual collet assembly (72) is slidable relative to the sleeve (62) to operate between running and finding positions. In the running position, the first collet member (78) is partially disposed within the sleeve (62) with its collet fingers (80) inwardly radially biased by the sleeve (62) and the second collet member (82) is disposed within the first collet member (78) with its collet fingers inwardly (84) radially biased by the sleeve (62). In the finding position, the collet fingers (80) of the first collet member (78) radially expand to form gaps therebetween and the collet fingers (84) of the second collet member (82) radially expand into the gaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffry W. Huggins, Robert L. Thurman
  • Publication number: 20040031605
    Abstract: A high expansion packer or bridge plug is described. It features an external portion of a soft material that flows into spiral exterior leak paths formed when the sealing element is subjected to longitudinal compression. Preferably, the sealing element is an elastomer such as cured rubber, while the outer material is a soft uncured or somewhat cured rubber. The outer covering may itself be covered for protection when running in with such protective covering breaking or otherwise getting out of the way during the element compression process. As a result of compression, the soft material occupies the exterior helical or other leak paths for a sufficient length along the sealing element to withstand high differential pressures, without leakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Clint E. Mickey
  • Publication number: 20040031606
    Abstract: An anchor system for high expansion applications is described. It features a gripping member that holds together a pair of links. The movement of the links is regulated to assure the gripping member moves into proper contact with the casing. Meshing gears or a pin and slot can do this, for example. The gripping member is shaped such that it can still transmit load through the links even if the pin connections fail. The gripping member is preferably contoured to the shape of the casing inner wall to enhance grip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Yang Xu
  • Publication number: 20040031607
    Abstract: The drain element for collecting hydrocarbons comprises a screen (TM) surrounding a suction cylinder (CA) extending in a longitudinal direction (AL). The screen is made up of rods (TT, TC) which extend along said longitudinal direction (AL) and which are regularly spaced apart around the suction cylinder. At least one of said rods is hollow in order to form a collector rod (TC), said collector rod (TC) having a lateral orifice and communicating with the inside of the suction cylinder via one of its ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Rapha?euml;l Reig, David Bruxelle, Philippe Lavernhe
  • Publication number: 20040031608
    Abstract: A gas-liquid separator positionable down hole in a well bore includes an external tube having an external tube interior and an internal tube having an internal tube interior. The internal tube is positioned in the external tube interior to form an internal annulus defining a gas flowpath and the internal tube interior defines a reduced-gas fluid flowpath. A plate at least partially encircles the external tube to form a curved flow channel, which defines a produced fluid mixture flowpath. A first internal annulus opening is provided in the external tube, which defines a gas inlet port. An internal tube interior opening is provided in the internal tube, which defines a reduced-gas fluid inlet port. A produced fluid mixture is conveyed through the flow channel, which spins the produced fluid mixture about the external tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Jared C. Hall, James A. Tomlinson, David E. Ellwood
  • Publication number: 20040031609
    Abstract: Improved method and system for accessing subterranean deposits from the surface that substantially eliminates or reduces the disadvantages and problems associated with previous systems and methods. In particular, the present invention provides an articulated well with a drainage pattern that intersects a horizontal cavity well. The drainage patterns provide access to a large subterranean area from the surface while the vertical cavity well allows entrained water, hydrocarbons, and other deposits to be efficiently removed and/or produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: CDX Gas, LLC, a Texas Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph A. Zupanick
  • Publication number: 20040031610
    Abstract: Methods of expanding well tools, which permit operation of the well tools after expansion, are provided. In a described example, a cementing tool includes a valve and a packer. After the cementing tool is expanded, the valve is selectively opened and closed, and the packer is sealingly engaged in a wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Syed Hamid, Harold Kent Beck
  • Publication number: 20040031611
    Abstract: A fluid system and method to control downhole water problems in oilfield applications are provided. The system includes a sodium silicate solution and a hardener that is added just prior to pumping downhole in a single stage treatment. The hardener may be one or more esters such as dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate, and/or dimethyl adipate. Permanent lost circulation control may be provided by the consequent silica gel formed. Once the treatment is placed, a specified amount of time can be adjusted to meet the needs of the well parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Tianping Huang, Paul M. McElfresh
  • Publication number: 20040031612
    Abstract: The present invention provides seawater-based cross-linked fracturing fluids and methods of preparing and using the fluids in fracturing subterranean formations penetrated by well bores and having temperatures above about 200° F. The improved cross-linked fracturing fluids are basically comprised of a gelling agent, seawater present in an amount sufficient to hydrate the gelling agent and to form a gelled aqueous fluid, and a delayed cross-linking agent, capable of causing delayed cross-linking of the gelling agent in the gelled aqueous fluid at a pH below the threshold for precipitate formation in seawater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Paul D. Lord, John Terracina, Billy Slabaugh
  • Publication number: 20040031613
    Abstract: A method for cleaning and/or altering an inside surface and shape of a tubular in a wellbore. The method includes placing a surface finishing tool in the tubular, energizing the surface finishing tool, and causing extendable assemblies therein to extend radially to contact an inside diameter of the tubular. Moving the surface finishing tool axially and/or rotationally while the extended members are in contact with the inside diameter of the tubular cleans debris from the inside surface of the tubular. In another aspect of the invention, the tool burnishes the inside diameter of the tubular, thereby altering the surface characteristics and rounding the tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Burt Martin
  • Publication number: 20040031614
    Abstract: A new marine oil production riser system for use in deepwater applications is disclosed. An efficient means for accommodating movements of the host facility, while maintaining riser top tension within the limits for long-term riser performance. Long riser stroke lengths can be accommodated without requiring complex interfacing with the topsides. The riser assembly comprises: a generally extendable substantially non-vertical section having an upper end adapted to be in flow communication with a generally vertical marine riser carried by a facility floating on the surface of a body of water, and having a lower end adapted to be in flow communication with a fluid source on the seafloor; and tensioning means, mechanically connecting the upper end of the marine riser with the lower end of the marine riser, for biasing said ends towards each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: John W. Kleinhans
  • Publication number: 20040031615
    Abstract: In one variation, a tool is disclosed that can run cladding into casing where the cladding interior is closed off by opposed cup seals and access to the volume between the cup seals exists through the tool body. “Cladding” comprises sleeves, scrolls, casing, tubing and liner strings. Pressure is applied to the interior of the cladding to expand it into gripping and sealed contact with the casing. An exterior gripping surface can be provided on the cladding to enhance grip upon expansion. The tool can be repositioned to expand lengths of cladding including tubing or casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Michael E. McMahan, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Publication number: 20040031616
    Abstract: In a horseshoe (1) having a resilient intermediate layer (4) positioned to fill out the interspace between a rigid upper and lower parts (2, 3), which are mechanically connected at the front edge of the horseshoe (1), the upper and lower parts (2,3) are, in addition, interconnected by interlocking means (A: A1; A2) near at least one of the rear edges of the branches of the lower part (3) to prevent separation of the upper and lower parts, while allowing elastic deformation of the resilient intermediate layer (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: TRIPLE INTERNATIONAL ApS
    Inventors: Helge Moller, Anders Moesgaard
  • Publication number: 20040031617
    Abstract: A slim, trim and lightweight, yet strong, auger/vehicle interface jig designed for securing an earth or ice type auger to any vehicle, including All Terrain Vehicles (ATV's) and snowmobiles, for the purpose of transporting, stabilizing and operating the auger while attached to the vehicle. The auger/vehicle interface jig includes a carriage guide assembly designed specifically to mate with a standard after-market square tubular style vehicle hitch of the said vehicle, requiring no additional customized securing and stabilizing bracketry. The auger/vehicle interface jig also includes a sliding carriage assembly, an assisted means for moving the sliding carriage assembly vertically up and down during the hole drilling process and a sliding carriage assembly locking means for securing the sliding carriage assembly to the carriage guide assembly during long distance transportation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph Henry Skarlupka, Kara Jean Skarlupka
  • Publication number: 20040031618
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method for making two sided Multi-Chip Modules (MCMs) that will allow most commercially available integrated circuits to meet the thermal and radiation hazards of the spacecraft environment using integrated package shielding technology. The invention describes the technology and methodology to manufacture MCMs that are radiation-hardened, structurally and thermally stable using 3-dimensional techniques allowing for high density integrated circuit packaging in a radiation hardened package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicants: Maxwell Electronic Components Group, Inc., Space Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Czjakowski, Neil Eggleston, Janet S. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20040031619
    Abstract: A flexible ribbon cable includes two opposed cover sheet insulators. Each cover sheet insulator has inner and outer surfaces. Electrical conductors are arranged in parallel to one other between the inner surfaces of the cover sheet insulators. The cover sheet insulators and the electrical conductors insulated therein form a flexible ribbon cable segment. A reinforcing sheet is arranged on the outer surface of at least one of the cover sheets of at least one section of the flexible ribbon cable segment such that the at least one section of the flexible ribbon cable segment having the reinforcing sheet is relatively more protected and perhaps relatively more stiffened than remaining sections of the flexible ribbon cable segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Holger Lettmann, Dean Kaminski
  • Publication number: 20040031620
    Abstract: A corona-resistant wire for electric windings in particular, the wire having enamel as the primary insulation and having a diameter of 20 &mgr;m to 80 &mgr;m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Klaus Lerchenmueller, Wolfgang Endres, Cornelius Gaida
  • Publication number: 20040031621
    Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention provide microelectronic component assemblies and methods for packaging such assemblies. In one example, a microelectronic component assembly includes a substrate and a microelectronic component. This substrate has a recess in its back face and a communication opening extending through a base of the recess. This microelectronic component has an active face positioned within the substrate recess, a back face positioned outside the substrate recess, and a plurality of component contacts carried by the component active face and electrically coupled to the substrate contacts through the communication opening. This exemplary microelectronic component assembly may also include a mold compound which encapsulates the microelectronic component and a portion of the substrate active face. The mold compound may also substantially fill a gap between the periphery of the microelectronic component and a sidewall of the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Puah Kia Heng
  • Publication number: 20040031622
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for removing hydrocarbons and other material from a wellbore. In one aspect, a method of drilling a sub-sea wellbore is provided. The method includes circulating a drilling fluid through a drill string from a surface of the sea to a drill bit in the wellbore. The method further includes pumping the fluid and drill cuttings from the sea floor to the surface with a multiphase pump having at least two plungers operating in a predetermined phase relationship. In another aspect, a fluid separator system having a first and a second plunger assembly is provided. The fluid separator system includes at least one fluid line for removing a fluid portion from the at least one plunger assembly and at least one gas line for removing gas from the first and a second plunger assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Bryan V. Butler, Gregory H. Chitty, Darcy Nott, Jeffrey C. Saponja, Peter B. Moyes
  • Publication number: 20040031623
    Abstract: A subsea return fluid recovery system for recovering drilling fluid and cuttings (“return fluid”) from a subsea wellbore in one embodiment includes a hub at the opening of the subsea wellbore that directs fluid into a transport device. In one embodiment, the hub includes a stand pipe that forms a return fluid column, the hydrostatic pressure of which causes return fluid to flow into the transport device rather than up the stand pipe. One or more buoyant members attached to the transport device convey the transport device toward the surface. A preferred recovery method includes collecting return fluid at the seabed, passively transporting the collected fluid to the surface, and processing the collected fluid at a local (offshore) or land based treatment facility. The retrieval and processing of the return fluid is done outside the critical path of the drilling activities at an offshore platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Peter Fontana
  • Publication number: 20040031624
    Abstract: An earth-boring bit has a seal assembly with a seal face having a DLC coating. The seal assembly locates between a bearing pin and a cone of the bit. The seal assembly has at least one rigid ring that rotates against a mating surface. The DLC coating is diamond-like carbon that may be coated by different processes onto either the ring, the mating surface, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Danny E. Scott, Chih C. Lin, Aaron J. Dick
  • Publication number: 20040031625
    Abstract: An earth-boring bit has a bearing member having a DLC coating. The bearing member locates between a bearing pin and a cone of the bit. The bearing member may be a thrust washer or a bearing sleeve. The DLC coating is diamond-like carbon that may be coated by different processes onto bearing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Chih C. Lin, Aaron J. Dick
  • Publication number: 20040031626
    Abstract: A surgical sponge detection system includes a plurality of surgical sponges (2) having radio frequency identification tags (1) securely attached thereto and a non-optical hand-held reader (40) for detecting the sponges by detecting the tags (1). Also disclosed is a device (30) for automatically counting, weighing, and calculating blood loss contained within, soiled surgical sponges (2) which includes a cabinet with an opening (3) at the top through which sponges (2) are deposited, a reader (6) which scans each sponge (2) entered and determines sponge type from a tag (1) affixed to each sponge (2), and a disposable bag (8) into which the sponges (2) are deposited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Sharon L. Morris, Dean E. Morris
  • Publication number: 20040031627
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising an electronic sensor (6) designed to deliver a compression signal and a shearing signal, and a comparator for comparing the shearing signal to a threshold value, so as to validate, or invalidate, the compression signal. The invention is useful for weighing aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Gerard Falcou, Thierry Goder, Francois Boyer
  • Publication number: 20040031628
    Abstract: A method is provided to control at least one movement of an industrial truck. The method includes determining the lifting height of load holding means (5), determining the weight of a lifted load, calculatiing of the position of the overall center of gravity (S) of the industrial truck, calculating a variable which is a function of the stability of the industrial truck in at least one direction, and determining the allowable scope of the movement of the industrial truck. The overall center of gravity (S) and/or the stability of the industrial truck can be calculated taking into consideration a potential elastic deformation of a lifting platform (6) of the industrial truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Hans-Jorg Schiebel, Michael Meinhardt, Ralf Mebert