Patents Issued in May 11, 2004
  • Patent number: 6732755
    Abstract: A battery watering system includes a filler unit mounted by means of an attachment mechanism to the flanged apertures of a three cell six volt lead acid battery. The filler unit is connected by a supply and drain line to a feed unit in the form of a reservoir tank and pumping assembly including a centrifugal pump, a DC pump motor connected to the pump by a pump coupling, and an auxiliary battery. The pump and the battery form part of a control circuit which includes a current sensing relay having a corresponding set of relay contacts. Water is pumped from the tank into a trough of the filler unit via the supply line. An array of three output ports each include a narrowed inlet, a downpipe extending inwardly into each cell of the battery, and a pair of breather tubes. On completion of the replenishment operation, excess water flows back through the supply and drain line into the tank. The invention extends to the attachment for coupling the filler unit to the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Johan Christiaan Fitter
  • Patent number: 6732756
    Abstract: An adapter for disposing between a replacement valve and a manifold to provide an improved valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
  • Patent number: 6732757
    Abstract: An improved water-treatment canister configuration of the chemical-dispensing bypass type, employing a screw-cap for periodic replenishment of an active chemical-feed ingredient; —featuring a special EZ-PURGE™ push-button bleed-valve device, enabling more convenient means by which to quickly and reliably release air otherwise remaining debilitatingly-captive within the canister upon replacement of the screw-cap during routine-maintance. An collar like security/cap-lock device employing a conventional padlock, serves as an antitamper-device, while an “Emergency Service”—label is also included, whereby an inexperienced person can simply deactivate the metering-system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Roger A. Benham
  • Patent number: 6732758
    Abstract: A fluid shock absorber assembly having a shut-off valve, a water hammer arrester device and a water inlet. The assembly is comprised of a low profile adaptor structure constructed and arranged to permit the assembly to be mounted in a housing enclosure for aligning and joining water lines to form washing machine and icemaker connection structures. The housing enclosure which mounts to a building structure is designed to further allow the fluid shock absorber assembly components to be installed, maintained and replaced therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Oatey Co.
    Inventor: Raun A. Kopp
  • Patent number: 6732759
    Abstract: This device is intended for a motor vehicle tank (2) having on the one hand a filler pipe (4) provided with a flap (12) mounted so as to pivot about a spindle (34), prestressed in the closed position and intended to be opened by the end of a filling nozzle (10), and on the other hand a pipe (16, 18) for venting the tank. A device (20) is provided for closing off the vent pipe (16, 18) of the tank whilst it is being filled, being controlled from the pivoting of the flap (12) about its spindle (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: I.T.W. de France
    Inventors: Christian Romanek, Sophie Magdeleine, Jean-Philippe Bar, Jean-François Blum
  • Patent number: 6732760
    Abstract: This device comprises a body (2) having outlets (8), and a bonnet (3) housing a rotor (6) being submitted to the action of the inflowing fluid and being connected to a reducing gear (15) activating the closing device. This device is characterized in that the opening of the outlets (8) is carried out with respective angularly sliding shutters (9) being turned by means successively shifting them in opposite directions to thus respectively obtain the opening and closing of the outlets (8). The means shifting the shutters (9) are made up by studs (12, 13 and 14) being provided on the lower surface of the rotary intermediary plate (4) being solid with the reducing gear (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Sacopa, S.A.U.
    Inventors: Rafael Ruiz Mellado, Emilio Serrano Sanchez
  • Patent number: 6732761
    Abstract: A control valve system including a housing having an inlet, a first output, and a second output. The control valve system further includes a slidable valve positionable in a first position, where fluid communication is established between the inlet and the first output; a second position, where fluid communication is established between the inlet and the second output; and a third position, where fluid communication is prevented between the inlet and the first or second output. A solenoid valve assembly is coupled in fluid communication with the inlet and is positionable in an actuated position, where fluid communication is established with the inlet to move the valve from the first position to the second position, and a deactuated position. A feedback passage extends between the first output and the valve so as to position the valve in the third position in response to fluid pressure within the first output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventor: Jose C. Bento
  • Patent number: 6732762
    Abstract: An improved plug device 10 for sealing an internal tubular passageway in a predetermined location against pressure and flow applied from one side. The plug 10 is selectively inserted and retrieved from the tubular passageway using an installation tool 200. The plug 10 has an elastomeric seal 72 and multiple latch dogs 40 that reciprocate in an axial direction to engage or not engage the tubular passageway. An elastomeric seal 72 of the plug 10 is manipulated to cause it to recess during the installation and retrieval of the plug device 10 to minimize scuffing the seal 72. Multiple latch dogs housed in the plug are radially moved outward to engage a prepared internal groove in the tubular passageway, then the elastomeric seal 72 is relaxed to bias against the interior of the bore of the tubular passageway. The plug is easily installed and removed by robots or remote manipulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Larry R. Russell
  • Patent number: 6732763
    Abstract: This invention provides stretch-resistant liners for lining pipes, pipes lined with stretch-resistant liners, and methods for lining pipes with stretch-resistant liners. The liners are made from a layer of stretch-resistant woven material, which may be a scrim, sandwiched between two layers of non-woven resin-impregnated material to form a laminate structure which is rolled into a tube to provide a liner having concentric sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Lantor, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Williamson, Jin Choi
  • Patent number: 6732764
    Abstract: A rotary holder for a corrugated tube is formed such that an inner rotary body containing a corrugated tube is received in an inner portion of an outer fixing body, and an outer peripheral sliding surface of the inner rotary body may rotate relative to the outer fixing body. The inner rotary body is formed by assembling two divided rotary members, each having a round arch surface on an outer periphery thereof. The outer peripheral sliding surface is formed by abutting a surface of each divided rotary member against each other. Further, a cut surface retracting inside from a rotation locus of the round arch surface in each divided rotary member is formed in each end portion of the round arch surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignees: Yazaki Corporation, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaji Miyamoto, Ryoichi Fukumoto
  • Patent number: 6732765
    Abstract: A pipeline for the transport of refrigerated media, including at least two metal pipes, positioned concentrically and at a distance to one another, an insulating layer made of layers of insulating material and reflecting material alternately positioned over one another being provided in the ring gap between the metal pipes and the ring gap being evacuated and a spacer in the form of a helix being wound onto the inner pipe. The spacer (3) is a metal wire (3a), onto which bodies (3b) made of a mechanically resistive insulating material, which are provided with a hole, are threaded at specific intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Nexans
    Inventors: Klaus Schippl, Stephan Lange
  • Patent number: 6732766
    Abstract: Pipe (1) for conveying a fluid. It comprises a metal tube (2). The inner wall of the metal tube is coated with a layer (3) of a porous material permeable to the fluid conveyed. The fluid circulates in layer (3) in order to limit the pressure drops generated by the flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventor: Yves Charron
  • Patent number: 6732767
    Abstract: In a connection of a shaft rod to a side strut of a heddle shaft there is at least one guide surface provided in or on the shaft rod. The guide surface extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft rod. The guide surface engages with a positive fit to a second guide surface extending along a projection of the side strut substantially parallel to the shaft rod or perpendicular to the side strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Grob Horgen AG
    Inventor: Hans Baumann
  • Patent number: 6732768
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a car wax spray, particularly to the one stored in the decomposed liquid state in a storage bottle that will turn into solid state after being sprayed out from the storage bottle. The present invention comprises the steps of filling 55% of the solid wax into the bottom of a storage bottle, and then 35% of the soluble gaseous propane to dissolve and decompose the solid wax into a concentrated liquid state, and then filling 10% of the volatile butane into the storage bottle to dilute the concentrated wax liquid by the movement of two steel beads into a diluted ready liquid, such that when the air pressure sprays out the wax, the butane is oxidized by the air and is vaporized instantly, and the even film remaining after the spray will resume its original solid state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Hung-Yang Liu
  • Patent number: 6732769
    Abstract: A modular compressed natural gas station, including a modular compact unit with a flat supporting surface, lateral walls and a detachable roof. At least two different areas are defined inside the modular compact unit: a first anti-explosive area where a set of gas storage vessels and a compressor unit are lodged and a second area where an engine for driving said compressor unit and a measuring bridge unit are arranged. The station is capable of being transported and includes connectors for receiving gas from the general gas pipeline and connector for gas dispenser units. The second area also includes a measuring bridge unit for controlling variables of the station and an electrical switching board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: GNC Galileo S.A.
    Inventor: Osvaldo Del Campo
  • Patent number: 6732770
    Abstract: A fueling crane comprises an extensible boom rotatably associated with a pedestal wherein the extensible boom has a first end rotatably affixed to a fuel inlet pipe mounted on the pedestal and a second end terminating in a fueling nozzle. The extensible boom has at least one elbow joint between the first end and the second end wherein the elbow joint permits the fueling crane to provide fuel to any vehicle spaced from the pedestal within a given radius. The extensible boom is generally disposed in an upright manner wherein the elbow joint is spaced horizontally from but substantially directly above the pedestal and the second end is substantially adjacent the first end when the extensible boom is in a storage position. The improved extensible boom has means for returning the fueling nozzle to the storage position with the fueling nozzle disposed directly over a fuel drip collector thus providing for an environmentally secure fueling station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph M. Nusbaumer, Ronald Woods
  • Patent number: 6732771
    Abstract: Edible frozen product extruding machine of the type using cartridges (3) which contain the frozen product (4) provided with an extrusion nozzle (5) and which rest on a platform (2), inside which cartridge acts a piston (6) which can move vertically by means of its stem (7) from the machine's driving devices, which centres its characteristics on incorporating to said stem (7) a side stop (8) which, in the downwards motion of piston (6) acts on a rod (9) which is parallel to stem (7) against the tension of a spring (11), which rod (9) is joined to a support (15) for cone (15) or vessel which receives the ice cream dose, so that with each operational cycle of the machine, initially cone (15) approaches nozzle (5) until the product is level with its opening, at which time stop (8) carries support (13) down, gradually distancing the cone from the nozzle as the classic overfilling of the cone is achieved, so that the frozen product considerably extends beyond its opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Good Humor - Breyers Ice Cream, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Gispert Casino, Jaume Hueso Malet, Juame Oliveras Pico
  • Patent number: 6732772
    Abstract: A container for use in a closed application system includes a valve mounted to a discharge opening of the container and rotatable with the container for controlling the discharge of material from the container. The valve includes an element for engaging corresponding structure in a receptacle for receiving the contents of the container. The element engages and locks the valve in the receptacle when the valve is opened and the contents are being discharged from the container into the receptacle. The valve element and the corresponding structure on the receptacle cooperate so that the container can only be received in and removed from the receptacle when the valve is closed. In this manner, the contents in the container can be discharged only when the container is received within the receptacle and the container is rotated in a direction to open the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Keith F. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 6732773
    Abstract: A cover assembly for use with a breast milk storage system is produced having a hollow double threaded main body and a removable sealing cap. The cover assembly cooperates with a fluid pump mechanism to enable the efficient and effective transfer of breast milk from a mother's breast to a fluid storage container. The cover assembly eliminates the need for additional cleanup and reduces the risk of spilling the breast milk, as well as the risk of contamination, during the process of storing breast milk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles John Renz
  • Patent number: 6732774
    Abstract: A multi-purpose farm apparatus capable of being easily transported and which can be used to perform a variety of tasks. The multi-purpose farm apparatus comprises a trailer, a combination baler and wood splitter and a hydraulic system mounted thereon. The combination baler and log splitter apparatus includes a baling portion having a baling chamber and a first gib assembly comprising a pressure platen and is mounted for reciprocal movement within said baling chamber. The combination baler and log splitter apparatus further includes a log splitting portion having a second gib assembly comprising a splitting wedge and is mounted to said trailer for reciprocal movement. The first gib assembly and the second gib assembly are mechanically coupled to the hydraulic system for effecting reciprocating movement of the first gib assembly and the second gib assembly. The hydraulic system further comprises a hydraulic motor for driving various farm machinery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Gary J. Seckel
  • Patent number: 6732775
    Abstract: An elastic wheel having a disk 1 equipped with a base rim 2 and a rim 3 for supporting a tire includes a pair of guides 4 fixed annularly on the inner peripheral surface of the rim 3 and a pair of wall portions 5 fixed annularly on the both side areas in the axial direction of the wheel on the outer peripheral surface of the base rim 2, where rubber elastic bodies 6 are fitted annularly between the side surfaces of the guides 4 and the side surfaces of the wall portions, respectively. The elastic bodies 6 being installed are able to absorb vibrations by their shearing deformations, so that especially the riding comfortableness performance, the vibrationproof performance, and the soundproof performance can be improved against the small input load. Regarding the soundproof performance, furthermore, it is extremely effective on a high frequency area of 100 Hz or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Hirohumi Kikuchi, Katsumi Tashiro, Masanori Murase, Keiichiro Mizuno
  • Patent number: 6732776
    Abstract: The invention improves tire flat spotting by providing a bead assembly that has bead filler elements disposed outside the body cords so that the turn up portion of the ply of body cords is disposed immediately back against the main portion of the ply of body cords above the bead core. This carcass structure increases the stiffness of the lower sidewall and decreases the flat spotting experience by the tire. In one embodiment of the invention, a reinforcing ply is wrapped around the bead filler elements to further increases the stiffness of the lower sidewall. In another embodiment, a bead filler element is disposed inside the body cords so that an air pocket is not formed in the carcass during the manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC
    Inventors: Neel K. Mani, John L. Turner, Thomas R. Branca, Hidetoshi Yokota, Brian E. Moore, Stanley J. Olesky
  • Patent number: 6732777
    Abstract: Systems and methods of dispensing adhesive in a bookbinding system are described. Sheets may be bound into bound text bodies having respective spines exposed for adhesive application and characterized by multiple length dimensions and multiple thickness dimensions. In one aspect, a sheet binding system comprises an adhesive dispenser that is configured to dispense across the thickness dimension of a text body spine solid sheet adhesive having one of multiple effective widths that is sized to correspond substantially to the length dimension of the text body spine. In accordance with this approach, books of different lengths (or heights) may be readily bound with solid sheet adhesive that may be contained within a single, replaceable cartridge housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: John P. Ertel, Akinobu Kuramoto, Robert L. Cobene
  • Patent number: 6732778
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an absorbent article comprising the steps of continuously feeding out a long, extensible, continuous member (5) from a predetermined position, cutting the continuous member (5) into lengths (P1) each equivalent to a length of one sheet of the absorbent article at a predetermined position, and fixedly arranging the cut continuous member at a predetermined position of the absorbent article, wherein a predetermined pattern is preliminarily printed on the continuous member (5) at a printing pitch shorter than the cutting length (P1) of the continuous member, and the speed for feeding out is controlled such that the predetermined pattern is located at a predetermined part of the cut continuous member, thereby obtaining the absorbent article in which the predetermined pattern is arranged at a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Machida, Makoto Kokubo
  • Patent number: 6732779
    Abstract: A building unit for constructing a multi-layered, finite length structure, and a method of building such a structure is disclosed. Rolls of stock material are stored in cartridge stations adjacent to a build table. Mounted on the build table and capable of traveling the length of the build table is a build shuttle. The stock material is moved onto the build shuttle and as the shuttle travels the length of the table, the material is dispensed and laid onto the table. The shear assembly on the build shuttle cuts the material to a specified length. In this manner, a plurality of layers are laid onto the table until a structure containing a desired number of layers is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Ronald Alan Wellman, Kent Alan Stubbendieck, Mario Antonio Rago
  • Patent number: 6732780
    Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a print media coating device that includes first and second web supplies, first and second web take-ups, and a fuser defining a print media path therethrough. The first web supply and the first web take-up are positioned on one side of the media path and the second web supply and the second web take-up are positioned on the other side of the media path opposite the first web supply and the first web take-up. A first coating material web runs from the first web supply, along the media path through the fuser, to the first web take-up and a second coating material web runs from the second web supply, along the media path through the fuser, to the second web take-up. A first peel bar is positioned immediately adjacent to the print media path, downstream from the fuser on the first side of the media path. A second peel bar is positioned immediately adjacent to the print media path downstream from the fuser and downstream from the first peel bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Maximo Gayoso
  • Patent number: 6732781
    Abstract: A hand-held device for transferring a film of, for example, an adhesive, a covering, or colored material, from a supply tape onto a substrate. The device has a base body, in which the supply and an application member are provided, and a cover for the application member. The cover is movable between a covering position, covering the application member, and a release position, exposing the application member. The cover is pivotably attached to the base body and to maintain the overall compactness of the device, the cover substantially follows the circular outline defined by the outer contour of the base body with minimal clearance gap between the cover and the base body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventor: Jeanne-Antide Bouveresse
  • Patent number: 6732782
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transferring a film of adhesive, covering, or colored material from a backing tape onto a substrate, having a housing in which a supply reel and a take-up reel for the backing tape are rotatably mounted, and comprising an application member arranged on the housing around which the backing tape loops. The application member is mounted so as to be moveable between a retracted non-use position and a pushed forward use position in which the application member is biased towards the non-use position by elastic pull-back force. The device has an actuation member which is disposed such that it is accessible from outside and, when moved with manual actuating force, enables the application member to move into its use position in which it is pressed against the substrate to transfer the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Societe Bic
    Inventor: Franck Rollion
  • Patent number: 6732783
    Abstract: A mass marketable decorative window treatment system employs adjustable-width and adjustable-length valance pieces that can be hung from a conventional curtain rod on which a rod sleeve has been mounted. Hook and loop fasteners are employed on both the valance pieces and on a curtain rod subassembly so that the decorative window treatment components need not be permanently secured to a board as required with similar custom window treatments. The width and length of individual valance pieces, such as swags and balloons, can be adjusted so that the standard size components can be used for different size windows. Individual window treatment components can be mounted side by side or in overlapping relationship. A protective flap is provided so that exposed hook fasteners will not damage the fabric during cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Susan Smith Bouldin
  • Patent number: 6732784
    Abstract: A cooling system support structure for removably supporting a cooling system module on a vehicle chassis is disclosed. The structure includes a frame having first and second sides and configured to support the cooling system module, first and second mounting points coaxially mounted along the first side and a third mounting point mounted along the second side. The mounting points are positioned to mate with corresponding chassis mounts on the vehicle chassis and a flexible coupling is provided for connecting each mounting point to the respective chassis mount such that the frame is movably supported by the vehicle chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Jacques Dion
  • Patent number: 6732785
    Abstract: A joint connecting consecutive sheets of etched regenerator foil for a spiral-wrapped regenerator of a regenerative gas cycle machine such as a Stirling cycle engine or Stirling, pulse tube, or Gifford-McMahon cryocooler. The joint comprises a multiplicity of tabs on the end of one sheet of regenerator foil interlocked with a multiplicity of tabs on the end of another piece of regenerator foil. The joint is no thicker than the original thickness of the sheets of etched regenerator foil that it connects together, and the tabs substantially fill the holes into which they are locked, minimizing undesirable leakage through the joint after it has been incorporated in a regenerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Matthew P. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6732786
    Abstract: A heat dissipation device is mounted to an edge of a circuit board for removing heat from an electronic device mounted on the circuit board. The heat dissipation device includes a contact pad made of thermally conductive material and positioned on the electronic device. A top-and-bottom fan structure includes a casing defining an air passage in fluid communication with a front opening to which a heat sink is mounted and top and bottom openings to which top and bottom fans are respectively mounted. Heat pipes extend between the contact pad and the heat sink. Air is sucked into the casing by the fans and flows through the air passage to the heat sink for carrying heat away from the heat sink. The casing is mounted to an edge of the circuit board with the top and bottom fans respectively located above and below the circuit board. Side openings are defined in the casing for discharging air into upper and lower sides of the circuit board for simultaneously cooling the upper and lower sides of the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Taiwan TriGem Information Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Shao Lee
  • Patent number: 6732787
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for upgrading in-service or legacy telecommunications cabinets that improves power, cooling, space and EMI capabilities, allowing the cabinet to house updated, telecommunications equipment. The upgrade modules include an extension collar that replaces legacy doors, allowing the attachment of replacement doors having integral heat exchanger units. The extension collar also has support for Electro-magnetic Interference (EMI) shielding gaskets so provide EMI shielding capable of meeting FCC mandated levels. Additional upgrade modules include a battery chamber attached beneath the base of legacy cabinet, cooled and vented by one or more of the heat exchanger doors, thereby providing longer battery life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Anil K. Trehan, Alfred Wayne King
  • Patent number: 6732788
    Abstract: A heat exchange tube includes a tubular conduit for flowing a working fluid therethrough and for conducting heat between the working fluid and a thermal field proximate the tube, and a wire extending axially through the tubular conduit and spaced from an inside surface of the tubular conduit. The invention also provides a method for increasing heat transfer about a tubular conduit by positioning a wire in the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: William L. Keith, Kimberly M. Cipolla
  • Patent number: 6732789
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for a CO2 refrigerant includes at least three rows of tube groups including a plurality of tubes having an independent refrigerant path, first and second header pipes including a header where a plurality of tube insertion holes into which the tubes are inserted are formed and a tank having partition walls formed along a direction of the flow of a refrigerant, wherein a plurality of return holes are formed in the partition walls, end caps sealing both end portions of the first and second header pipes, a coupling reinforcement portion installed at least one of the first and second header pipes and reinforcing a coupling force of the header and the tank, a refrigerant inlet pipe connected to the first or second header pipe through which the refrigerant enters, and a refrigerant outlet pipe connected to the first or second header pipe through which the refrigerant is exhausted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Halla Climate Control Corporation
    Inventor: Kil Sang Jang
  • Patent number: 6732790
    Abstract: A single heat exchanger includes a first core and a second core and a connecting mechanism interconnecting the first core and the second core. The first core and the second core are positioned at an angle relative to each other via the connecting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher C. Brochin, Jeffrey Avedesian, Jeff Southwood
  • Patent number: 6732791
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system, for e.g. a vehicle, includes a tank for holding fluid product, such as propane, a pump for pumping the fluid product from the tank, the pump being driven by hydraulic fluid, and a heat exchanger for using the fluid product to cool the hydraulic fluid. The heat exchanger also causes the fluid product to increase in temperature. The heated fluid product is returned to the tank, in the form of a vapor, for example. Embodiments of the invention provide a number of advantages, including increased pump flow rates, reduced cavitation, increased pump life, and elimination of a heat-exchanger fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: STAC, Inc.
    Inventors: John Buysse, Rick Story
  • Patent number: 6732792
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: CDX Gas, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph A. Zupanick
  • Patent number: 6732793
    Abstract: There is provided a jetting tool assembly for use in cleaning tubular components used in drilling for gaseous or liquid hydrocarbons in producing formations, said assembly being connectable to a hollow drillstring and having a first mode of operation which allows through-flow of fluid and lengthwise of the drillstring, and a second mode of operation which routes the fluid transversely outwardly of the drillstring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Drilling Systems International Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul Bernard Lee
  • Patent number: 6732794
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. The mixture produced from the formation may have a relatively high hydrogen partial pressure, and a large portion of the pressure within the formation may be attributable to hydrogen partial pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Scott Lee Wellington, Harold J. Vinegar, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Etuan Zhang, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Jr., Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
  • Patent number: 6732795
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat may be allowed to transfer from one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation such that superimposed heat from the one or more heat sources pyrolyzes a relatively large portion of hydrocarbon material within the selected section of the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Etuan Zhang, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Jr., Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
  • Patent number: 6732796
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. A portion of a formation may be heated from a plurality of heat sources to a temperature sufficient to allow generation of a first synthesis gas having a low H2 to CO ratio. A second portion of a formation may generate synthesis gas having a H2 to CO ratio greater than the first synthesis gas. A portion of the first synthesis gas may be blended with a portion of the second synthesis gas to produce a blend synthesis gas having a desired H2 to CO ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko, Robert Martijn Van Hardeveld
  • Patent number: 6732797
    Abstract: A method of forming a cementitious plug in a well is disclosed. According to the method, a well is selected for treatment which lacks sufficient formation pressure to cause well fluid to naturally flow to the surface of the well. In addition, a formation penetrated by the well has unobstructed access between it and the surface. Having thus selected a well for treatment, a liquid slurry comprising a cementitious material, whose density is greater than the density of the well fluid, is introduced into the well. The slurry is permitted to drive the well fluid into the formation. Sufficient slurry is added to the well to fill the well to the surface. The slurry is then permitted to set into a hardened mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventors: Larry T. Watters, Freddie L. Sabins
  • Patent number: 6732798
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a transient underbalance condition is provided. Transient underbalance can be enhanced by using a porous material, such as a porous solid, around the explosive device. The porous material contains a volume to receive wellbore fluids in response to activation of the explosive device. This causes a local drop in pressure, which enhances the transient underbalance effect. In another application, it is desired to reduce the transient underbalance effect. This is accomplished by reducing the pressure drop generated as a result of explosive detonation. In one arrangement, the shot density is reduced by using solid masses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ashley B. Johnson, Lawrence A. Behrmann, Wenbo Yang, Fokko Harm Cornelis Doornbosch
  • Patent number: 6732799
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for explosive and chemical rehabilitation of existing oil wells' perforations and formation, to stimulate oil production therefrom, comprising a combination of detonating cord with a plurality of hardened steel tubes, disposed at predetermined distances thereabout, effectuating a time sequencing of the detonating cord explosions and burn rate. A high-pressure detonator, surrounded by a protective shield, which absorbs the explosive power of the detonator while preserving its desired release of kinetic energy, is used to ignite the detonating cord. An external plastic tube, adjacent to the detonating cord, is filled with oil well production enhancing chemicals such as acid etchers or paraffin dispersants, wherein upon ignition of the detonating cord, the chemicals are explosively propelled through perforations into the formation thereabout, to stimulate and chemically react therewith. A Sample basket and weight are mounted to the bottom of the apparatus. A 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Brad J. Challacombe
  • Patent number: 6732800
    Abstract: Herein is described a method of completing an interval of a cased well drilled through incompetent formation. This method includes a combination of three successive operations: zero-degree phasing perforation of a relatively small portion of the interval to be completed, consolidation of the formation zone around the perforations and injection of a propped fracturing fluid above fracture pressure to create a gap between the cement and the borehole and pack this gap with a proppant held by a proppant flowback-retention agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Acock, Steve Hoover
  • Patent number: 6732801
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing a junction of plural wellbores includes providing a casing junction assembly having plural outlets for communicating with corresponding wellbores. A tool has plural extendable conduits for engaging in the outlets. The casing junction assembly has an integral diverter with guiding surfaces to guide the conduits into the outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Herve Ohmer, Dwayne D. Leismer
  • Patent number: 6732802
    Abstract: A method of completing a subterranean well utilizes an isolation bypass transition joint at a wellbore intersection. In a described embodiment, the isolation bypass transition joint has multiple plug devices in a sidewall thereof. The transition joint extends laterally from one wellbore into another. After a cementing operation, the plug devices are opened to permit flow through the transition joint sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Ray C. Smith
  • Patent number: 6732803
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use in completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore. One aspect of the invention comprises a housing member with a longitudinal bore and a valve member located within the housing member that is movable between open and closed positions. A sliding sleeve having a longitudinal bore is disposed within the housing member and can move between an upper position and a lower position. Attached to the sliding sleeve is a seating element where the valve member can seat. When the sliding sleeve is in the lower position, the valve member is held in the open position and communication is established between the longitudinal bore of the housing above and below the valve member. When the sliding sleeve is in the upper position, the valve member is held in the closed position and communication between the longitudinal bore of the housing above and below the valve member is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Christian D. Garcia, Stephane J. Virally, Steven L. Anyan, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Patent number: 6732804
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for a dynamic mudcap drilling and well control assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises of a tubular body disposable in a well casing forming an outer annulus there between and an inner annulus formable between the body and a drill string disposed therein. The apparatus further includes a sealing member to seal the inner annulus at a location above a lower end of the tubular body and a pressure control member disposable in the inner annulus at a location above the lower end of the tubular body. In another embodiment, the assembly uses two rotating control heads, one at the top of the wellhead assembly in a conventional manner and a specially designed downhole unit. Finally, the assembly provides a method for allowing the well to produce hydrocarbons while tripping the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: David Hosie, Ramkumar K Bansal, Robert L. Cuthbertson