Patents Issued in June 8, 2004
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Patent number: 6745833Abstract: This invention relates to flowable devices and methods of utilizing such flowable devices in wellbores to provide communicate between surface and downhole instruments, among downhole devices, establish a communication network in the wellbore, act as sensors, and act as power transfer devices. The flowable devices are adapted to move with a fluid flowing in the wellbore. The flowable device may be memory device or a device that can provide a measure of a parameter of interest or act as a power transfer device. The flowable devices are introduced into the flow of a fluid flowing in the wellbore. The fluid moves the device in the wellbore. If the device is a data exchange device, it may be channeled in a manner that enables a device in the wellbore to interact with the memory device, which may include retrieving information from the flowable device and/or recording information on the flowable device. The sensor in a flowable device can take a variety of measurement(s) in the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Peter Aronstam, Per-Erik Berger
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Patent number: 6745834Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatus and methods for perforating, completing, testing, and abandoning a wellbore in a single trip. One embodiment of the invention is a method that comprises perforating an interval within the wellbore, positioning a sand screen assembly adjacent the perforated interval, gravel packing the perforated interval, performing testing on the perforated interval, and then abandoning the well, all in a single trip in the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Jabus T. Davis, Douglas W. Jordan, William F. Siersdorfer
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Patent number: 6745835Abstract: A method for sampling a subsurface formation includes positioning a formation testing tool in a borehole having borehole fluid with a pressure less than formation pressure such that a pressure differential exists between the borehole and the formation. The method also includes establishing fluid communication between the tool and the formation, and inducing flow from the formation into the tool by exposing the tool to the pressure differential. The method further includes capturing a formation fluid sample in a sample tank by directing formation fluid to the sample tank and exposing the sample tank to the pressure differential. A system for sampling a subsurface formation includes a formation testing tool having a probe assembly, a sample tank, and a conduit system. The system also includes wellhead for controlling borehole pressure. The wellhead includes a sealing apparatus, a pressure increasing device, and a flow adjustment device.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Troy Fields
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Patent number: 6745836Abstract: The down hole motor is a self-contained radial drive unit that is driven by a linear input, which can be supplied from various sources. As linear motion is applied to the input of the tool, drive pins on a drive shaft follow a helical path, converting the linear motion into radial motion at the attached mandrel end. This may then be utilized in various activities such as drilling, boring and obstruction removal. This tool may also be used in conjunction with jarring mechanisms in order to create an impact drilling device, or a percussion motor.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Inventors: Jeff L. Taylor, Mark A. Taylor
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Patent number: 6745837Abstract: 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 heating rate to a selected volume of the formation may be controlled by altering an amount of heating energy per day that is provided to the selected volume.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: 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
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Patent number: 6745838Abstract: The chemical injection system (10) is provided for controlling the distribution of chemical fluid from a supply conduit (12) into an individual petroleum well at an adjustable rate. The system includes a remotely operated two position control valve (14) connected to the supply conduit, and cylinder (30) having a cylinder bore (31) with first input-output port (34), and a second input-output port (36). The fluid barrier (50, 150, 250, 251) is provided within the cylinder bore, such that chemical fluid flows from the supply conduit through the control valve to one end of the cylinder bore and forces the barrier to displace a fixed volume of fluid. Each operation of the directional control valve reverses travel direction of the barrier within the cylinder bore and injects another fixed quantity of fluid into the well.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Inventor: Richard R. Watson
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Patent number: 6745839Abstract: Oilfield cleaning apparatus is provided for cleaning the inner wall of an oilfield tubular. The apparatus comprises a body to be introduced into the tubular, the body being provided with annular cleaning elements. Furthermore a rotary drive acts to oscillate the cleaning elements in contact with the inner wall of the tubular to scrape debris from the inner wall with the cleaning element. Each cleaning element is mounted on a rotary bearing member which is inclined relative to its axis of rotation so as to cause the cleaning element to be oscillated axially in contact with the inner wall as the bearing member is rotated, Also a catcher tube is provided to catch the heavier debris which is not washed away by the flow of fluid up the borehole. Such apparatus provides an active cleaning action which is particularly effective in removing deposits from the inner wall of the tubular.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Neil Andrew Abercrombie Simpson
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Patent number: 6745840Abstract: 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: June 8, 2004Inventor: Colin Stuart Headworth
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Patent number: 6745841Abstract: A method of forming expandable downhole tubing (10) comprises the steps of: providing a tubing section (12) of a first diameter; forming apertures in the tubing section (12); and then reducing the diameter of the apertured tubing section.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Neil Andrew Abercrombie Simpson
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Patent number: 6745842Abstract: A concentric casing jack is disclosed having a casing supporter and actuator that uses hydraulic fluid to vertically raise and lower an inner concentric string of casing in a well. This casing jack is connected to a string of casing and can operate down-hole tools attached to the lower end of the casing by actuating the casing. The casing jack is supported at the surface by the wellhead and can be incorporated into a series of drilling spools and blowout preventer valves that are commonly utilized during drilling operations. The casing jack consists of a housing and a hollow piston whose internal diameter is similar in size to the concentric casing. The similar sizing allows drill bits and bottom hole assemblies to pass through the hollow center of the casing jack and the attached string of casing. The piston is equipped with external seals to hold hydraulic pressure between the hollow piston and the body of the jack.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Sunstone CorporatioinInventors: William James Hughes, Mark Edward Dunbar
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Patent number: 6745843Abstract: A completion assembly for use in a lateral well bore has a base pipe with a plurality of holes through the sidewall of the base pipe. Flow through the holes is regulated to produce an influx difference between the ends of the base pipe. Flow can be regulated by variably spacing or sizing the holes. Flow can also be regulated by selectively inserting a rod between adjacent splines located on the base pipe to cover and block the flow through certain holes in the base pipe. Flow can also be regulated using a rotatable sleeve adjacent to the base pipe such that rotation of the sleeve brings the holes and openings in the pipe and sleeve, respectively, into and out of alignment. A filter can be used to filter sand and other particulates. An erosion inhibitor can be used to extend the useful life of the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Craig D. Johnson, Matthew R. Hackworth, David W. Wang
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Patent number: 6745844Abstract: Disclosed is a system for using pressure differential between completion fluid in an oil well and produced fluids to power downhole devices, including instruments and actuators. A conduit is provided bypassing a packer which seals a production string to a well casing. A control system, including a flow valve, allows fluid to flow to an electrical generator as needed to charge an electrical storage device. Downhole electrically operated devices, e.g. a temperature sensor and signal transmitter, draw power from the storage device. Alternatively, fluid may also be directed to hydraulically driven actuators to, for example, operate a production fluid control valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: William David Henderson
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Patent number: 6745845Abstract: One or more subterranean zones are isolated from one or more other subterranean zones using a combination of solid tubulars and perforated tubulars.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Robert Lance Cook, Lev Ring, Kevin Waddell, David Paul Brisco
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Patent number: 6745846Abstract: The present invention relates to portions of casing that are inserted into a wellbore. The casing portions are provided with a protected portion in which a friction and/or sealing material can be located. In certain embodiments, the protected portion is provided by first and second annular shoulders that are spaced-apart axially along the length of the casing. The friction and/or sealing material is typically located on an outer surface of the casing between the annular shoulders. There is also provided a casing portion that has annular shoulders provided at either end of the casing portion, with means to connect successive casing portions located on these shoulders. The casing portion in this embodiment is provided with a friction and/or sealing material in a recessed portion of the casing portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: E2 Tech LimitedInventors: Gareth Innes, Peter Oosterling
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Patent number: 6745847Abstract: A fire extinguishing spray nozzle connected to a vertical pipeline includes a nozzle body with a plurality of micro apertures formed on a lower inner circumference thereof, and a nozzle cap connected to the nozzle body and having a guide line and orifices. The orifices of the nozzle cap communicate with a chamber formed between the nozzle body and nozzle cap, so that water supplied from the vertical pipeline flows to the orifices through a guide line. The nozzle body has a female threaded portion on an inner circumference of a connecting line, and the nozzle cap has a male threaded portion on a protruded portion thereof, so that the nozzle cap is threadedly engaged to the nozzle body.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: WIN Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jong Jin Kim
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Patent number: 6745848Abstract: A tower and wheel arm assembly for an implement frame includes a pair of identical single piece pivot castings which are selectively connectible at different locations along the frame and provide both wheel arm pivoting and a cylinder anchor tower pivoting. The wheel arm axle extends between the castings pivots within cylindrical cavities located in the castings. External cylindrical surfaces concentric with the cavities rotatably support a pair of tower plates which include circular openings received over the external cylindrical surfaces. Casting symmetry allows the same part to be used interchangeably for either the right-hand or left-hand support.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2003Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Brian Thomas Mosdal, James Thomas Noonan, David Lee Steinlage, Garrett Lee Goins, Anthony Scott Royer, David Alan Payne
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Patent number: 6745849Abstract: A towed, agricultural implement includes an undercarriage supported on ground wheels that are attached to the undercarriage by trailing support arms. An adjusting motor is coupled between the undercarriage and a transverse torsion rod having its opposite ends coupled to the wheel support arms by braces. The adjusting motor is selectively operable for raising and lowering the ground wheels relative to the undercarriage, with the torsion rod acting to absorb shocks between the undercarriage and the wheel support arms.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Lionel Guiet
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Patent number: 6745850Abstract: A tool holder for a hammer comprises a tool holder body having a forward end for non-rotatably receiving a shank of a tool. The tool holder body defines an axially extending slot. A locking body extends through the slot for releasably engaging an axially extending closed groove formed in the tool shank. A locking ring surrounds the tool holder body and in a locked position holds the locking body in a radially inward position in which the locking body engages the groove in the tool and in a release position allows the locking body to move into a radially outward position so that a tool can be inserted into or removed from the tool holder body. The locking ring is shiftable in a direction transverse to the fore-aft axis of the tool holder body to allow the locking body to move into a radially outward position.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventor: Norbert Hahn
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Patent number: 6745851Abstract: A method and a system are described for processing of drilling fluid from a drilling hole (10) in an underwater well to a floating drilling rig or drilling vessel, comprising a sealing device (12) connected to a well head, a pump module (14) to transport drilling fluid, a treatment plant for treatment of drilling fluid, or a storage installation. Before a blow-out valve is connected to the well head and before a riser is connected between the drilling hole and the floating drilling rig or drilling vessel, the pump module (14) placed on the ocean bed transports drilling fluid from the drilling hold (10) on the ocean bed to the floating drilling rig or drilling vessel.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: AGR Services ASInventor: Per Espen Edvardsen
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Patent number: 6745852Abstract: A system for drilling wells includes a plurality of platform modules, which are interconnected to one another on site to form a unitary platform structure. The interconnected platform modules are elevated above a surface on plurality of legs coupled to at least some of the platform modules. The elevated interconnected platform modules support drilling and auxiliary equipment. The system is well adapted for use in arctic, inaccessible, shallow water or environmentally sensitive locations.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Anadarko Petroleum CorporationInventors: Ali G Kadaster, Keith K. Millheim
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Patent number: 6745853Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for the open hole drilling of a borehole from an offshore platform and through a cased borehole at the seafloor. The drilling assembly includes a guide assembly extending from the platform to the seafloor and having a lower end extending into the cased borehole; and a bottomhole assembly disposed on a lightweight drill string extending through the guide assembly for drilling the borehole. The guide assembly is a pipe string and preferably includes a casing and a riser attached to the casing. The lightweight drill string may be a jointed pipe, a metal coiled tubing, or preferably a composite coiled tubing. The bottomhole assembly includes a formation displacement member adapted to drill a borehole having a diameter greater than the diameter of the guide assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Katherine M. Turner, Carey John Naquin
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Patent number: 6745854Abstract: A downhole drilling tractor for moving within a borehole comprises a tractor body, two packerfeet, two aft propulsion cylinders, and two forward propulsion cylinders. The body comprises aft and forward shafts and a central control assembly. The packerfeet and propulsion cylinders are slidably engaged with the tractor body. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the packerfeet to cause the packerfeet to grip onto the borehole wall. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the propulsion cylinders to selectively provide downhole or uphole hydraulic thrust to the tractor body. The tractor receives drilling fluid from a drill string extending to the surface. A system of spool valves in the control assembly controls the distribution of drilling fluid to the packerfeet and cylinders. The valve positions are controlled by motors. A programmable electronic logic component on the tractor receives control signals from the surface and feedback signals from various sensors on the tool.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Western Well Tool, Inc.Inventors: Duane Bloom, Norman Bruce Moore, Ronald E. Beaufort
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Patent number: 6745855Abstract: A method and system of drilling straight directional and multilateral wells utilizing hydraulic frictional controlled drilling, by providing concentric casing strings to define a plurality of annuli therebetween; injecting fluid down some of the annuli; returning the fluid up at least one annulus so that the return flow creates adequate hydraulic friction within the return annulus to control the return flow within the well. The hydraulic friction should be minimized on the injection side to require less hydraulic horsepower and be maximized on the return side to create the desired subsurface friction to control the well.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Innovative Drilling Technologies, LLCInventor: Robert Gardes
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Patent number: 6745856Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for processing deleterious material on a floating vessel during transportation from a well to a disposal site. The vessel contains equipment for the slurrification and agitation of the deleterious material. Such equipment includes storage tanks, slurrification units, and agitation units, as well as transfer equipment such as flow lines and vacuum or pump means. The deleterious material is transferred from the drill site to the storage tanks on the vessel. The vessel then transports the material to a disposal site, such as an injection well. During transportation, the deleterious material is processed. Such processing can include slurrification and/or agitation of the deleterious material to maintain the slurry, adding fluid if necessary. Once at the disposal site, the deleterious material slurry is then transferred from the vessel to the disposal site.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: M-I, L.L.C.Inventors: Barry Simpson, Fabio Manotas, Tim Barr
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Patent number: 6745857Abstract: A method of drilling sub-sea oil and gas production wells in which a liquid hydrocarbon substance, such as a natural gas liquid, is injected into the drilling mud supplied to the well in order to reduce the mud density. The method of the present invention enables reduction and control of the hydraulic pressure of the drilling mud while drilling production wells in deep water, thereby to require fewer casing runs which eventually yields better oil productivity.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: National Oilwell Norway ASInventor: Jon G. Gjedebo
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Patent number: 6745858Abstract: An adjustable earth boring device for provides a strong, easy to use, adjustable mount for cutters on earth boring devices. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a grooved, wedge-shaped pocket and matching cutter segment with means to secure the cutter segment in the pocket. The wedge shaped pocket in the boring head is axially aligned with the boring device. Each side of the pocket has deep grooves somewhat resembling bolt threads. A slot in the rear of the pocket receives a bolt to secure the segment tightly in place. Threaded holes in the bottom of the pocket receive bolts through the cutter segment for a back up securing means. The cutter segment has a rolling cone cutter or series of blades or picks for cutting earth formations on the head end and a wedge shaped mounting body supporting it. The grooves are constructed such that the segments can be mounted at differing heights from the centerline of the boring head, thus determining the diameter which the boring device will cut.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Rock Bit InternationalInventor: Roy D. Estes
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Patent number: 6745859Abstract: A powered wheel assembly for use in connection with a wheelbarrow includes in one embodiment a frame that includes support members, a wheel assembly that includes a wheel, an axle, and axle housing, and a pin for connecting the axle and axle housing, and a drive assembly that includes a primary gear drive and a final chain drive. Upon retrofit to an existing wheelbarrow, the powered wheel assembly permits an operator to selectively operate the wheelbarrow in a powered and non-powered mode of transport.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Inventors: Beverly Ann Simons, Roger Larry Simons
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Patent number: 6745860Abstract: An engine cooling air passage for construction equipment, which is capable of reducing noise released from a cooling air exhaust port with back pressure of cooling air remaining low and making an engine room compact, is provided. To this end, in the engine cooling passage, a fan air diversion passage (53) of a predetermined length, which has a fan air diversion opening (53a) located near an outer periphery portion of a cooling fan (16) and taking in a cooling air blown by the cooling fan (16), at one end side, and an opening (53b) located near a lateral end portion of a counterweight (61) and discharging the cooling air taken in to an outside, at the other end side, is formed either in a front portion of or in front of the counterweight (61).Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventor: Mitsuo Yabe
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Patent number: 6745861Abstract: A rescue system protects against air bags as deformed vehicle parts are deflected to free trapped occupants at a crash site. A large rectangular net internally conformed over structural parts of the wreck assumes multiple configurations. When internally deployed within the wreck, it completely covers structural parts to be bent, and constrains air bags to prevent contact with trapped occupants. A smaller net blocks the steering column air bag. A plurality of outwardly extending draw straps with terminal buckles can be externally coupled together, or coupled to conventional power rescue devices. Multiple draw hook assemblies extend between the net, and exposed structures of the wreck to be grasped. The draw hook assembly comprises a rigid clasp with an internal channel for non-destructive attachment to the net. An elongated draw hook extending from the clasp terminates in a cradle supporting auxiliary hooks.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Inventor: Tommie D. Hare
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Patent number: 6745862Abstract: In a snowmobile, a four-cycle engine is mounted in such a manner that its crankshaft is arranged along the body width direction and the central axis of a cylinder(s) is tilted rearward by angle &agr; with respect to the vertical direction of the body, forming a rear tilted engine. At least part of the engine intake system including an air cleaner box and throttle body, connected to the intake port(s) of the engine is accommodated in the space inside the topmost projected portion of the engine hood. Exhaust is led out to the muffler located in front of the cylinder(s) by the exhaust system connected to the exhaust port(s) at the front of the cylinder head. Further, the intake passage is arranged between the engine body and the steering post.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventors: Hideshi Morii, Yasuaki Yatagai, Yutaka Sasaki, Ken Shibano, Hitoshi Matsumura
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Patent number: 6745863Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in an exhaust system structure for a motorcycle. A motorcycle has an engine disposed between front and rear wheels, an exhaust pipe extending from the engine, and a silencer connected to the exhaust pipe for discharging exhaust gases. The silencer, which is a heavy object, is of the type having a gas outlet disposed near a gas inlet. The silencer is disposed below the engine with the gas inlet facing toward the rear wheel, and the exhaust pipe extends to a position near the rear wheel and is connected to the gas inlet of the silencer. By elongating the length of the exhaust pipe and placing the silencer under the engine, the exhaust system performs sufficiently with high output engines, while at the same time lowers the center of gravity of a motorcycle body and balances the weight of the motorcycle body in its longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroaki Tsukui, Takao Mikami, Eiichi Kanda, Shin Watanabe, Shin Sato
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Patent number: 6745864Abstract: An axle driving unit having a housing (21, 22) for supporting a first axle (17) for mounting thereon a first driving wheel (3L), and a longer second axle (18) for mounting thereon a second driving wheel (3R). The axle driving unit is eccentrically mounted on a body frame (1) in proximity to the first driving wheel (3L). A speed change transmission (T) is disposed in an enlarged region of the housing that extends substantially perpendicularly with respect to the axles (17, 18). The axle driving unit can thus be easily disposed to the side of a chute (6) of a rear-discharge type lawn tractor.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignees: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd., Tuff Torq CorporationInventors: Robert Abend, Norihiro Ishii, Ryota Ohashi
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Patent number: 6745865Abstract: In an electric motor, a brush holder is provided with a flange protruding to an outer side in a diametrical direction from an inner diameter position of a yoke, and at least a part of an electric conductor is buried in the flange.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2003Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Showa CorporationInventors: Yohei Hama, Akira Fujisaki
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Patent number: 6745866Abstract: An electric power steering system includes a motor and a soft-disable controller in signal communication with the motor for reducing the abruptly increased reaction torque felt by a driver when an assist torque is abruptly disabled.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2003Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Norman, Julie A. Kleinau
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Patent number: 6745867Abstract: A mid-frequency loudspeaker drive unit includes a substantially conical diaphragm having a forward periphery and a surround connected to and extending from the forward periphery of the diaphragm to form a substantially smooth transition from the diaphragm to the surround, the diaphragm and the surround presenting a substantially smoothly continuous outwardly facing surface. The drive unit can be part of a compound loudspeaker drive unit including a high-frequency drive unit coaxially disposed within the diaphragm and a chassis encompassing the mid-frequency drive unit with the surround being secured to the chassis to form the smooth transition from the diaphragm to the surround.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: KH Technology CorporationInventors: Philip Jeffrey Anthony, Stephen Halsall
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Patent number: 6745868Abstract: A safety device comprises vacuum anchors for attachment to a surface. The anchors are interconnected by a rigid track along which a carriage runs. The carriage includes means for connection to a safety line and harness. Such an arrangement provides enhanced freedom of movement and increased resistance against shearing forces when arresting a fall.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2003Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Rollgliss AGInventor: Alain Cheval
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Patent number: 6745869Abstract: A number of roofing accessories, including a lightweight adjustable ladder and scaffold support are disclosed. The scaffold support is provided with a pair of rails spaced the standard spacing of most roof joists. Connected to the rails through suitable holes and slots, are rods supporting an adjustable platform. One of the rods may be placed through a corresponding slot to achieve a suitable angle of adjustment corresponding to roof incline. An apparatus is also provided for supporting loads of materials or supplies on an inclined roof, using components and parts in common with the scaffold support, or components and parts similar thereto. A tool tray is provided which may be backed with a layer of foam to prevent the tray from slipping off the roof, while allowing the tray to be freely moved along and up and down the roof, as work progresses.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Roofmates, IncorporatedInventor: Robert Garrett
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Patent number: 6745870Abstract: A channel with sliding clamp and rod arrangement for leveling a ladder comprising a base unit of a hollow rectangular shape adapted to fit over the leg of the ladder. The base unit has interior walls spaced apart sufficiently to accommodate the ladder leg. Each of the walls has formed thereon a plurality of spaced splices that slop outwardly and downwardly away from the ladder leg. A clamp member comprises a generally rectangular block that has formed thereon sloping splices that fit into the grooves or spaces between the splices of the base unit. Clamp member has a bore that adjustably and securely retains a support rod, which has a swivel foot at one end. The end of the clamp member that is to be placed adjacent the ladder leg and the opposing interior surface of the base unit have a substantially V-shaped configuration to insure slip free purchase against the ladder leg.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Inventor: William T. Smith
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Patent number: 6745871Abstract: A composite scaffold plank for resting on two spaced, substantially parallel horizontal scaffold support members. The plank has an elongated planar panel with elongated reinforcing ribs mounted at a lateral edge substantially perpendicularly to the second major surface of the planar panel. The reinforcing ribs are substantially parallel and equally spaced from one another. There are notches defining tabs at each end of the planar panel that form a finger joint with another similar plank abutting the plank's end. Transverse channels formed in the ribs fit over the frame's horizontal support members.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Inventor: Chad D. Armstrong
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Patent number: 6745872Abstract: A modified hole is simply fitted and retained to a rotary shaft so that a pulley may be coupled so as to be rotated together with the rotary shaft, in particular, pulley forming plates are coupled in a rotation preventing manner but slidably to the rotary shaft, an interval of a pulley groove may be formed to be variable with ease, even if the rope is loosened in an initial stage upon descending and so on and a rope has the minimum winding diameter at once due to the change in the pulley groove interval so that the rope is brought into pressing contact with the rotary shaft outer circumferential surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sato SeisakushoInventor: Toshiaki Sato
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Patent number: 6745873Abstract: A braking device for an exercising cycle includes a main body, a mounting member, and a plurality of braking mechanisms. Each of the braking mechanisms includes a braking member, a threaded block, and an elastic member. Thus, the braking device can achieve the braking effect without having to provide the brake pad, thereby saving consumption of material. In addition, the braking effect is provided by the multiple braking rods, so that the applied force can be evenly distributed, thereby increasing the lifetime of the braking device. Further, the threaded block can be rotated to adjust the magnitude of the braking force, thereby achieving the exercising effect efficiently.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2003Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Inventor: Hsi-Yuan Shawn Chen
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Patent number: 6745874Abstract: A brake system includes two springs which are connected to a frame and when the initial force applied to the brake system when braking is larger than the force of the spring, the frame is shifted so as to reduce the initial force to the rider and the disk can be released for very short period of time. After the initial force is reduced, the spring force moves the frame back and the disk is clamped again.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2003Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Inventor: Tan-Cheng Huang
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Patent number: 6745875Abstract: For releaseable fastening of an annular brake disc on the periphery of a rotatable brake disc carrier, the internal periphery of the brake disc has radially inwardly projecting protrusions and the external periphery of the carrier has grooves receiving the protrusions, wherein the protrusions and grooves are dimensioned circumferentially to provide a spacing gap between each protrusion and a ridge defining its groove. A spacing stem removeably disposed in one of the spacing gaps to fix the disc to the carrier. Axially opposite ends of the stem have shoulders which prevent mutual axial movement between the brake disc and the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Scania CV AB (publ)Inventor: Anders Wirtanen
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Patent number: 6745876Abstract: A piston-cylinder assembly includes a cylinder, in which a piston rod with a piston is guided axially by a piston rod guide. A distance detection system is used to determine the position of the piston in the cylinder. The distance detection system includes a sensor and a transmitter. The sensor is mounted on the piston or on the bottom of the cylinder. Upon axial displacement of the piston, the transmitter travels a distance different from that traveled by the piston, the difference between the two distances being used to determine the position of the piston.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: ZF Sachs AGInventor: Hubert Beck
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Patent number: 6745877Abstract: A luggage having a hidden type pull handle includes a main body, a telescopic pull handle, and two roller sets. Each of the two roller sets includes a wheel seat, a roller, and a reinforcement member. The pull handle is retained on the middle partition of the main body. Thus, when the pull handle is pulled in an oblique manner, the pull handle directly forces the main space of the main body to lean, so that the shell around the periphery of the secondary space of the main body is not pulled by the pull handle, thereby preventing the main body from being torn out, so as to increase the lifetime of the main body.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2003Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Inventor: Yen-Lung Tsai
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Patent number: 6745878Abstract: An interlock mechanism is provided for a transmission system having a gear unit with a plurality of selectable gear ratios. A manually operated clutch control pedal is manually movable from a clutch engaged position to a clutch disengaged position. The transmission has a pair of shift rails movable to select gear ratios. The shift rails have detent grooves which interact with a pair of detent balls. An interlock member is normally in a lock position wherein the interlock member engages both detent balls and holds them in the detent grooves to prevent movement of either or both shift rails. The interlock member is movable to a release position wherein the interlock member is disengaged from the both detent balls whereby the detent balls will allow one of the shift rails to be moved. An interlock spring is biased to urge the interlock member to the lock position.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2003Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Michael Ray Jensen
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Patent number: 6745879Abstract: A transfer mechanism is provided for controlling a magnitude of clutch engagement force exerted on a multi-plate clutch assembly operably disposed between input and output members. The transfer clutch includes an actuator fixed for rotation with the input member, a piston slidably disposed within a piston chamber of the actuator and selectively engaging the multi-plate clutch assembly, a pump in fluid communication with the piston chamber, and operably engaged with the input member and the output member. A rotational speed differential between the input member and the output member induces pumping action for pumping a magnetorheological fluid through the piston chamber. An electromagnetic coil is operably disposed between the piston chamber and the pump. The electromagnetic coil is selectively energized for manipulating a viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid to induce a back pressure within the piston chamber, thereby inducing axial movement of the piston for engaging the clutch pack.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2003Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.Inventor: James P. Dolan
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Patent number: 6745880Abstract: A two-way clutch assembly (10) having an inner race (14), an outer race (20), and an engagement mechanism (22) disposed therebetween and operable to shift between a first position providing torque translation between the inner and outer races (14, 20) in one rotational direction while allowing relative freewheeling rotation between the inner and outer races (14, 20) in an opposite rotational direction. Furthermore, the engagement mechanism (22) is operable to shift to a second position that provides torque translation and relative freewheeling rotation between the inner and outer races (14, 20) in rotational directions opposite to that provided by the engagement mechanism when disposed in the first position. An actuator assembly (24) is operatively connected to the engagement mechanism (22) and acts to simultaneously move in an axial direction and rotate about the axis of rotation (A) in an indexing manner to shift the engagement mechanism (22) between the first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2003Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth C. Yuergens
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Patent number: 6745881Abstract: A clutch assembly (10) having an inner race (12), an outer race (14), and an engagement mechanism (16) disposed between the inner and outer races. The engagement mechanism (16) is operable to move between a disengaged position wherein the inner and outer races may freely rotate in one direction relative to one another and an engaged position wherein in the inner and outer races are locked so as to translate torque therebetween in the opposite rotational direction. The inner race (12) and outer race (14) may be defined by a plurality of plates (18, 12) and layers of elastomer (20, 24) that are disposed between adjacent plates in laminated fashion. The inner race and/or outer race may further include at least one bearing surface through which a force may be translated. The bearing surface is defined by a plurality of plates (70, 76) that are offset relative to an adjacent plate by a predetermined distance.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.Inventor: John M. Kremer
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Patent number: 6745882Abstract: A locking clutch comprises a toothed member and a slide assembly which are connectable to drive and driven parts. The two members are movable between an engaged position in which the clutch transfers power and/or torque to the driven part and a disengaged position in which power and/or torque is not transferred. The toothed member comprises a cylindrical surface and a plurality of teeth spaced about and extending from the cylindrical surface. The slide assembly comprises a body having a circumferential surface with a plurality of channels formed in said surface. Slide members are received in the channels to be movable between an extended position in which they can engage the teeth of the toothed member and a retracted position in which they do not engage the teeth of the toothed member. A resilient member biases the slide members to their extended positions. The slide assembly can be formed so that the slide members move either axially or radially relative to the slide assembly body.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: The Timken CompanyInventor: Xiaolan Ai