Patents Issued in January 6, 2005
  • Publication number: 20050000651
    Abstract: A high pressure chamber comprises a chamber housing, a platen, and a mechanical drive mechanism. The chamber housing comprises a first sealing surface. The platen comprises a region for holding the semiconductor substrate and a second sealing surface. The mechanical drive mechanism couples the platen to the chamber housing. In operation, the mechanical drive mechanism separates the platen from the chamber housing for loading of the semiconductor substrate. In further operation, the mechanical drive mechanism causes the second sealing surface of the platen and the first sealing surface of the chamber housing to form a high pressure processing chamber around the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Maximilian Biberger, Frederick Layman, Thomas Sutton
  • Publication number: 20050000652
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating an edge of a semiconductor substrate includes an etchant supply nozzle for supplying a first etchant to the edge of the semiconductor substrate. The apparatus further includes a shielding cover for preventing an etchant from flowing to a shielding surface of the semiconductor substrate. The shielding cover is movable in an upward and downward direction. The apparatus also includes a device for cleaning the edge of the semiconductor substrate. According to the apparatus, after a wafer edge is etched, foreign substances remaining at the wafer edge is efficiently removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Chaqng-Hyeon Nam, Seung-Kim Lee, Man-Young Lee, Yoon-Kyung Kim, Han-Yong Chae, Duk-Min Ahn
  • Publication number: 20050000653
    Abstract: A system for processing a wafer is provided. The system includes a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) tool. The CMP tool includes a wafer carrier defined within a housing. A carrier film is affixed to the bottom surface and supports a wafer. A sensor embedded in the wafer carrier. The sensor is configured to induce an eddy current in the wafer to determine a proximity and a thickness of the wafer. A sensor array external to the CMP tool is included. The sensor array is in communication with the sensor embedded in the wafer carrier and substantially eliminates a distance sensitivity. The sensor array provides an initial thickness of the wafer to allow for a calibration to be performed on the sensor embedded in the wafer carrier. The calibration offsets variables causing inaccuracies in the determination of the thickness of the wafer during CMP operation. A method and an apparatus are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Yehiel Gotkis, Rodney Kistler, Aleksander Owczarz, David Hemker, Nicolas Bright
  • Publication number: 20050000654
    Abstract: At the time of plasma igniting or during plasma processing, only optimizing the distance between electrodes in each case caused a limitation to the prevention of charging damage. To resolve this, a novel plasma processing method employs a plasma processing apparatus which includes an upper electrode to which first high-frequency power is applied, a lower electrode to which second high-frequency power is applied, and a lift mechanism for controlling the spacing between the upper and lower electrodes. The first high-frequency power is applied to the upper electrode to cause plasma igniting. The method is adapted to make the spacing between the upper and lower electrodes larger at least at the time of plasma extinction than during plasma processing of a wafer on the lower electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Tamotsu Morimoto, Takahiro Murakami
  • Publication number: 20050000655
    Abstract: An inductive plasma chamber of the present invention comprises a plurality of discharge tube bridges connected between a discharge tube head and a process chamber. The discharge tube head is disc shaped and a cylindrical gas inlet which a gas is injected is disposed in its center. A susceptor on which a workpiece is placed is disposed inside a process chamber and a flange of upper certain area has an inclined surface which is upward centrally inclined. The discharge tube bridge is provided with at least one ferrite core, and the ferrite core has a winding connected to a power supply source. When a process gas is injected via the gas inlet and a RF power from the power supply source is supplied with a winding, the electromotive force is transmitted inside the discharge tube head, the discharge bridge and the process chamber so that the plasma discharge is occurred in the plasma chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventor: Soon-Im Wi
  • Publication number: 20050000656
    Abstract: Reactive atom plasma processing can be used to shape, polish, planarize and clean the surfaces of difficult materials with minimal subsurface damage. The apparatus and methods use a plasma torch, such as a conventional ICP torch. The workpiece and plasma torch are moved with respect to each other, whether by translating and/or rotating the workpiece, the plasma, or both. The plasma discharge from the torch can be used to shape, planarize, polish, and/or clean the surface of the workpiece, as well as to thin the workpiece. The processing may cause minimal or no damage to the workpiece underneath the surface, and may involve removing material from the surface of the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Applicant: RAPT Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Carr
  • Publication number: 20050000657
    Abstract: A medium includes an energy sensitive layer that changes appearance when energized to create a media label. The medium also includes pre-recorded data containing embedded information about the medium that includes printing characteristics of the energy sensitive layer used to control creating the media label.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventor: Barry Bronson
  • Publication number: 20050000658
    Abstract: An adhesive tape attaching jig (50) that allows adhesive tape, which widens along its length, to be continuously attached to an adherend in a stable and reliable manner. The attaching jig (50) has a construction comprising the combination of a tape holder (11, 12) which receives and holds adhesive tape in the attaching jig, a tape attacher (9) which contact bonds the adhesive tape that has been guided from the tape holder (11, 12) onto the tape attachment surface of an adherend, and a jig guide member (6, 7) which continuously guides the attaching jig (50) along the adherend, wherein the tape holder (11, 12), the tape attacher (9) and the jig guide member (6, 7) each also comprise movable mechanisms (26, 31, 32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventor: Daisuke Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20050000659
    Abstract: The invention is in the field of devices enabling the sticking of splicing tapes to the ends of strips put into rolls, to prevent their later unwinding. The present invention relates to a device (1) for applying splicing tapes (22) on a strip (30) made of flexible material. The device (1) is equipped with a passive device (50) enabling the elimination of the electrostatic forces that disturb the operation of the device. The device (1) according to the invention is mainly used on photographic film or paper slitters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2002
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Michel Sacksteder, Philippe Martin
  • Publication number: 20050000660
    Abstract: An hand application tool for laying a sealant spacer strip along a glass sheet for forming insulating glass units having a handle with first and second ends; a base having freely rotatable rollers connected to the first end of the handle; and a housing connected to the first end of said handle and to the base the housing having a positioning roller, at least one guide pin and a housing roller wherein the at least one guide pin and the housing roller form a guideway for deploying the adhesive strip and the housing roller provides pressure for applying the sealant spacer strip onto the glass sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Applicant: AFG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Pelcarsky, Wayne Pelcarsky, Jason Ackerman
  • Publication number: 20050000661
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wood-gluing system enabling the continuous production of glued pieces of lumber for panels and the like. The system includes a deck, a horizontal displacement system for advancing lumber across the deck, a braking system, a one-way clamping system and an upstream pressure system. The system may be used in conjunction with finger-jointing processes or with single pieces of lumber and may be used for the production of both furniture grade and construction grade wood products to NLGA and NGRC standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventor: Eric Cable
  • Publication number: 20050000662
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for optimizing bead seating (1). According to the invention, a displaceable contact wheel is used to create a tread contact surface (26) between a motor vehicle wheel to be optimized (16) and said contact wheel (2). The contact wheel (2) is pivoted by means of a pivoting receiving element (9), enabling the bead seating to be optimized. In order to ensure a predefinedly high number of vehicle wheels (16) to be optimized, the inventive device for optimizing bead seating (1) is embodied in such a way that the optimization process can be carried out in a fully automated manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2002
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Heinz-Werner Schmatz, Karl Seyberth
  • Publication number: 20050000663
    Abstract: An anti-reverse transmission for use in a window blind includes a fixed axle, a rotatable input shaft, an output shaft sleeved onto the fixed axle, a transmission shaft sleeved onto the output shaft and coupled to a linking rod of a window blind, the transmission shaft having a protrusion inserted into an opening in the output shaft, and a spiral spring fitted on the fixed axle within the output shaft. The spiral spring has two end tips suspended in the opening such that the spiral spring is radially expanded to disengage the output shaft from the fixed axle for rotation with the transmission shaft and the input shaft upon rotation of the input shaft, and the spiral spring is radially compressed to stop the output shaft from rotation when the transmission shaft receives a biasing force from the gravity weight of a blind body of the window blind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Applicant: NIEN MADE INTERPRISE CO., LTD
    Inventor: Ming Nien
  • Publication number: 20050000664
    Abstract: A sunshade or sunscreen for an automobile includes fold lines. The sunshade is made from front and back layers and an intermediate layer. The front and back layers each have a reflective outer surface and an insulating inner surface. The intermediate layer is made from an insulating material, such as a form. To allow for folding of the sunshade, the shade is provided with fold lines which extend between opposed edges of the sunshade. The fold lines are formed by sonic (or ultrasonic) welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventor: Sunny Huang
  • Publication number: 20050000665
    Abstract: A method for one of preparing fibers contained in a pulp suspension and preparing coating color for coated papers including the steps of providing fibers in a suspension form having a predefined solids concentration; loading the fibers with a precipitation product; grinding the fibers with the precipitation product to thereby produce precipitation product particles having a dimension. The dimension being from approximately 0.05 ?m to 5 ?m. With an additional step of producing crystalline precipitation product particles using the precipitation product particles in an online process directly in a stock preparation line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventor: Klaus Doelle
  • Publication number: 20050000666
    Abstract: Methods for reducing energy required for a pulp refining processes by treating a mechanical pulp with a hemicellulase composition are presented. The enzymatic treatment can be carried out at a temperature of from about 10° C. to about 90° C., and/or at a pH of from about 2 to about 10. Paper made from the treated pulp has improved strength over paper made from untreated pulp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Applicants: Novozymes A/S, Buckman Laboratories International, Inc., Novozymes North America, Inc.
    Inventors: James Taylor, Percy Jaquess, Henrik Lund, Hanne Pedersen, Hui Xu, Julie Clemmons
  • Publication number: 20050000667
    Abstract: Disclosed is a printing paper comprising a back surface thereof applied with a repositionable adhesive, adhered to a coated surface of a PET sheet paper, which can be freely repositioned and printed at high resolution up to 2800 dpi even by ink-jet printers as well as laser printers. Thus, the printing paper is variously utilized for reports, color-printed paper and public information paper. In particular, the printing paper for use in public information paper. In particular, the printing paper for use in public information paper or guide paper can be attached to any surface in a typical office, and separated therefrom, and again attached to other surfaces. A method of manufacturing be printing paper is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventor: Sung-Ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20050000668
    Abstract: Use for the oleo-repellent paper sizing of carboxylic perfluoropolyethers of formula T-O—Rf-T tm (I) wherein T=-CF2—COOH or —CF2CF2—COOH and Rf is a (per)fluoropolyoxyalkylene chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Paolo Iengo, Piero Gavezotti
  • Publication number: 20050000669
    Abstract: Cellulose pulp sheets treated with a saccharide yield less than 20 wt. % knots when fiberized under standard Kamas conditions. The fiberized sheets when airlaid produce fiber webs that exhibit desirable densification properties and softness properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventor: Hugh West
  • Publication number: 20050000670
    Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed for controlling the web in a press section of a paper of board machine wherein the press section includes a press nip and two fabrics arranged to travel through it. In addition, the press section includes a suction roll with a suction apparatus fitted after the press nip. The suction apparatus includes at least one suction case, which is arranged in a closing throat and/or an opening throat formed by one of the fabrics and the suction roll. The suction case is also arranged before and/or after the suction roll in the edge of the fabric in order to create a suction effect in a narrow edge area of the web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Petteri Halme, Tatu Halonen, Jorma Laapotti, Riku Pihko
  • Publication number: 20050000671
    Abstract: A fine metal particle producing mechanism has a metal holder for housing a body of magnesium, a tube for supplying an argon gas to the body of magnesium, an argon gas flow rate controller for controlling a rate at which the argon gas is supplied to the tube, and an argon gas heating controller for heating the argon gas supplied to the tube to a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishii, Toshihide Sunada, Yukihiro Mukaida, Tomonori Sakai, Yasushi Iseda
  • Publication number: 20050000672
    Abstract: The method of casting of the present invention is capable of making volume of a feeder head can be small and making cooling rate of the feeder head can be easily made lower than that of a cavity. The method is executed in a casting machine, which includes a casting die, in which the feeder head is provided between a metal inlet and the cavity and in which heat insulating of the feeder head is greater than that of the cavity so as to make cooling rate of the feeder head lower than that of the cavity. The method comprises the steps of: pouring a molten metal into the cavity; reacting the molten metal on a deoxidizing compound in the cavity so as to deoxidize an oxide film formed on a surface of the molten metal; and supplementing the molten metal in the feeder head to the cavity when the molten metal in the cavity is solidified and shrinked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Keisuke Ban, Akira Sunohara, Yasuhiro Sasaki, Koichi Ogiwara, Sakuzo Nakatani
  • Publication number: 20050000673
    Abstract: A method is provided for forming a metallic overlay having enhanced toughness. The metallic overlay may be a weld, a metallic coating, or similar application. The method includes applying a glass forming metallic alloy to a substrate while the alloy is in a molten or semi-molten state. At the interface of the metallic alloy overlay and the substrate the substrate metal becomes at least partially molten and combines with the alloy to form metallurgical bonds. When the metallic alloy cools it experiences a high relative degree of thermal contraction. The metallurgical bonds between the substrate and the alloy constrain the contraction of the alloy at the interface with the substrate. This results in the inducement of compressive stresses in the metallic alloy overlay. The induced compressive stresses inhibit the formation of cracks in the overlay and/or mitigation of the effects of any cracks in the overlay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventor: Daniel Branagan
  • Publication number: 20050000674
    Abstract: A core for use in casting a gas turbine bucket, the core comprising a solid upper body portion and a pair of legs extending downwardly from the solid upper body portion, the pair of legs separated by an elongated slot, and a pair of pegs projecting axially from opposite sides of the upper body portion, above the elongated slot but spaced from an upper edge of the upper body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas Beddard, Kenneth Parks
  • Publication number: 20050000675
    Abstract: A mold particularly for road vehicle wheels, of the type comprising a lower mold part, an upper mold part and perimetric mold parts that form an impression to be filled with molten material, and comprising a distribution unit that is arranged below the lower mold part and is designed to be connected to at least one riser tube, which is shaped so as to form one or more slots shaped like a circular arc for injecting the molten material into the impression, the slots being arranged, when the mold is closed, at the outer front edge of the impression. The one or more slots are distributed circumferentially so as to allow a balanced injection with respect to the center of the impression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventor: Heinrich Baumgartner
  • Publication number: 20050000676
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming metal castings, particularly with hydraulic connection between the holding furnace and the mold and a method performed by the apparatus, the hydraulic connection comprising: at least one duct (36) for connecting the holding furnace (11), which contains the molten metal ready for molding, to one or more inlets (12) for introducing metal into the cavity (13) of a corresponding mold (14); and a piston pump (15), interposed between portions (20, 21) of the duct (36), for pumping a controlled quantity of metal through the one or more inlets into the cavity, the piston pump being connected to an electronic control unit (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventor: Heinrich Baumgartner
  • Publication number: 20050000677
    Abstract: A method of producing aluminum castings which includes the steps of casting a molten alloy, contacting the surface of the molten alloy with a humidified atmosphere and solidifying the alloy. The method is particularly suited for aluminum-magnesium alloys such as AA 5XXX and 7XXX series alloys. In addition to reducing the thickness of the surface oxide layer formed during casting, the method also provides improved surface quality of cast products and reduces subsequent remedial re-work or scalping. An improved aluminum-magnesium cast alloy product is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Paula Kolek, David DeYoung, David Roha, Particia Stewart, Michael Easley, Jorge Ramos Cruz, Larry Wieserman
  • Publication number: 20050000678
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing a continuously cast metal slab or strip, in which the slab or strip is passed between a set of rotating rolls of a rolling mill stand in order to roll the slab or strip. According to the invention, the rolls of the rolling mill stand have different peripheral velocities, and the difference in peripheral velocity is at least 5% and at most 100%, and the thickness of the slab or strip is reduced by at most 15% for each pass. The invention also relates to metal plate or strip produced using this method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventor: Menno Van Der Winden
  • Publication number: 20050000679
    Abstract: A casting apparatus (10) for direct chill casting metal includes a tundish (12) containing a supply of molten metal, a casting mold (14), and a starter block (44) associated with the casting mold (14). The casting mold (14) is in fluid communication with the tundish (12) through a passage (22) defined in the tundish wall. The casting mold (14) includes a header plate (24), a casting ring (26), and a feed ring (28). The header plate (24) defines an arcuate shaped opening (36) connected to the passage (22). The header plate (24) has an upstream side (38) and a downstream side (40). The casting ring (26) is connected to the downstream side (40) of the header plate (24) and defines a groove (52) proximate to the sidewall (48) of the header plate (24). The feed ring (28) is disposed in the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: James Brock, Sara Yost, Dmitri Sheets, Jeffery Almand, Michael Scherbak, Heather Drieling, Rodney Dyson, George Critton
  • Publication number: 20050000680
    Abstract: There is provided an air conditioner for a vehicle, including an air intake provided on a vehicle compartment inner side of a quarter inner panel and on the side of the quarter inner panel, a fan provided on the side of the air intake port and performs forced ventilation, and a cover provided in front of the air intake port and causes operation noise of the fan emitted from the air intake port to interfere with each other so that the noise can be reduced. With this arrangement, operating noise of the fan emitted from the air intake can be reflected in a direction away from a passenger seated on a seat in a vehicle compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Kenichi Hiraishi, Shinichi Yamamuro, Naoya Satake
  • Publication number: 20050000681
    Abstract: Various systems and apparati as well as devices and structures are provided which may be used or incorporated into air handling systems (e.g. (air) ventilation systems and apparati) for the manipulation or control of air in a enclosure such as a building, a room of a structure such as a residence, and the like. Such air handling systems (e.g. ventilation apparati or systems) may for example include an element for the transfer of heat from warm exhaust air (taken from inside an enclosure e.g. a building) to cooler exterior fresh air (drawn into the enclosure e.g. building). The present invention further relates to air handling systems (e.g. ventilation systems and apparati) which may not only exhaust stale interior air to the outside of an enclosure but as desired or necessary also intermingle a portion of such stale air with fresh air for delivery of the intermingled air back into the enclosure (during cold or warm weather). The present invention in particular relates to air handling systems (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Martin Gagnon, Eric Charlebois, Michel Julien, Daniel Marcoux, Jean-Bernard Piaud
  • Publication number: 20050000682
    Abstract: A heat-dissipating fin of a heat sink for improving thermal conduction is disclosed. The heat sink has a base plate and a plurality of heat-dissipating fins. The base plate includes a first surface contacting with a heat source, and a second surface having a plurality of grooves orderly formed on the second surface. The heat dissipating fin of the heat sink has the feature that the thickness of the heat-dissipating fin is not uniform, and the thickness of a bottom surface of the heat-dissipating fin facing the groove is greater than the other portions of the heat-dissipating fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Chao-Nan Chien, Yu-Hung Huang, Chin-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20050000683
    Abstract: The invention provides a cooling fluid heat exchange unit including: a primary heat exchange unit including a closed circuit for circulation primary circuit fluid; and a secondary heat unit adapted to provide cooled air in communication with the primary heat exchange unit. The closed circuit for the cooling fluid as it passes through the primary heat exchange unit ensures that the cooling fluid is prevented from exposure to the atmosphere, and in particular, to the air forced through the heat exchange unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Grant Hall, Tomek Wadowski, Robert Leamon
  • Publication number: 20050000684
    Abstract: An apparatus for handling tubular goods which includes an elongate tubular body having a peripheral sidewall and opposed ends. The peripheral sidewall has a plurality of axial slots arranged circumferentially around the tubular body parallel to an axis of the tubular body. An articulating coupling protrudes from at least one of the opposed ends. The articulated coupling includes an insert positioned within the tubular body with radial pins that engage the slots, the pins being axially movable along the slots. A gripping assembly is provided at one of the opposed ends for engaging a tubular good.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Maurice Slack, Trent Kaiser, Daniel Shute
  • Publication number: 20050000685
    Abstract: A support system for supporting a frac blender or other heavy load on a transport vehicle includes a support frame having vertically extending slides for a lift platform whereby the load may be moved between a stowed position and an operating position along a vertical, linear path within the limits of the support frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Hau Pham, Guillermo Guerrero, Edward Leugemors, Jean-Louis Pessin
  • Publication number: 20050000686
    Abstract: A tubular system arranged in a wellbore, having an outer tube extending into the wellbore and having a wall with at least one section of reduced bending stiffiess, each section of reduced bending stiffness defining a hinge allowing the outer tube to move between a collapsed mode in which the outer tube has a relatively small cross-sectional size and an expanded mode in which the outer tube has a relatively large cross-sectional size. An inner tube extends into the outer tube and has a wall with at least one section of reduced bending stiffness, each section of reduced bending stiffness defining a hinge allowing the inner tube to move between a collapsed mode in which the inner tube has a relatively small cross-sectional size and an expanded mode in which the inner tube has a relatively large cross-sectional size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Christianus Maria Lohbeck
  • Publication number: 20050000687
    Abstract: A device for performing a downhole operation in a wellbore formed into an earth formation, the device having an actuator movable from a first configuration to a second configuration by the action of a selected increase of fluid pressure acting on the exterior of the actuator, and a tool arranged to be moved by the actuator so as to perform the downhole operation upon movement of the actuator from the first configuration to the second configuration thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Lohbeck
  • Publication number: 20050000688
    Abstract: A tool generates signals indicative a shear wave slowness of the formation surrounding a borehole. The tool comprises a collar portion adapted for mounting in a drill string, a quadrupole sonic transmitter mounted to the collar portion, and a quadrupole sonic receiver array mounted to the collar spaced apart from the transmitter. A method determines shear wave slowness of the formation. The method includes propagating quadrupole wave energy into the formation and detecting quadrupole dispersive waveform received at a second location. Formation shear wave slowness is calculated using dispersive slowness time coherence processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Chaur-Jian Hsu, Jahir Pabon, Bikash Sinha, Sergey Asvadurov
  • Publication number: 20050000689
    Abstract: Invention refers to a method for conditioning wellbore fluids and to a sucker rod to accomplish the method used in the field of petroleum production. The method the invention refers to involves fact that the injection of the conditioning fluids is done directly through the sucker rods, from the surface, concomitantly pumping (producing) the well, being possible that the conditioning fluid be distributed either in the producing tubing or in the wellbore, or even in the reservoir rock around the wellbore, concomitantly pumping the well. The sucker rod designed for the application of the method is made of steel and it has two sucker rod heads (1) which are tubular, welded to the ends of a tube (2) made of steel, thus forming a continuous tube through which a fluid can flow or an electric or optical cable can be pulled through, or set inside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Ion Peleanu, Bruno Kachele
  • Publication number: 20050000690
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are given for plugging of natural or artificially-created fractures in subterranean formations to reduce the flow of fluids. The compositions are mixtures of primarily inert particles of different sizes that leave a minimal flow path for fluids when the particles are packed in the fracture. If the fracture can close on the particles, the particles need not fill the width of the fracture before closure to cause plugging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Curtis Boney
  • Publication number: 20050000691
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for handling tubulars and drilling with tubulars such as casing into a formation. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a circulating head and a cementing head operatively connectible to a gripping member. The circulating head is used to circulate drilling fluid while drilling with casing, and the cementing head is used to cement the casing string within the formation at a desired depth. The present invention also relates to methods and apparatus for isolating a tensile load from a drilling apparatus rotated by a top drive. In one aspect, the present invention provides a load isolator apparatus having an isolator body operatively connected to the top drive and a torque body at least partially disposed in the isolator body. In operation, the bearing assembly transfers the tensile load from the torque body to the isolator body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Richard Giroux, David Shahin, Adrian Vuyk, Gary Thompson, Kevin Gray, John Allen, Randy Snider
  • Publication number: 20050000692
    Abstract: An expandable device for use in tubulars. The device comprises an outer tubular having a series of slots therein, with the slots being arranged about the exterior of the outer tubular. The device further includes an inner tubular disposed within the outer tubular, and a setting tool for moving the outer tubular in a first direction in order to expand the outer tubular along the slots. In one preferred embodiment, the slots are arranged about the outer tubular in a spiral pattern. In yet another preferred embodiment, the slots are arranged about the outer tubular in a first spiral pattern and wherein the first spiral pattern extends to a second spiral pattern. The setting tool, in one embodiment, comprises an outer setting sleeve connected to the outer tubular and a mandrel being connected to the inner member, and wherein the outer setting sleeve causes a downward force against the outer tubular so that the outer tubular expands. A method of expanding a device within a tubular is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Robert Cook, Glenn Walls
  • Publication number: 20050000693
    Abstract: A bottom hole assembly for use with fracturing or fracing a wellbore using coiled tubing is described having a first packing element and a second packing element on a mandrel. The bottom hole assembly may be run into the wellbore such that the packing elements straddle the zone to be fraced. Also described is a timing mechanism to prevent the closing of dump ports before the bottom hole assembly may be flushed of the sand. A release tool is described that allows an operator to apply combination of force for a given amount of time to the coiled tubing to dislodge a bottom hole assembly without completely releasing the bottom hole assembly. Also disclosed is a collar locator capable of being utilized in a fracing process. Methods of using the above-described components are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Applicant: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: John Ravensbergen, Andre Naumann, Lubos Vacik, Mitch Lambert, Graham Wilde
  • Publication number: 20050000694
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of stimulating a subterranean formation penetrated by a well. The formation has a water-bearing section and a hydrocarbon-bearing section. The method includes the steps of: (a) introducing into the formation an aqueous treatment fluid containing a hydrophobically-modified relative permeability modifier, and (b) introducing an acidizing treatment fluid into the formation. The hydrophobically-modified RPM can be formed and introduced into the formation in several ways. For example, the hydrophobically-modified RPM can be the reaction product of a hydrophilic polymer and a hydrophobic compound that are capable of reacting with each other. The hydrophilic polymer is a polymer containing reactive amino groups in the polymer backbone or as pendant groups, which are capable of reacting with a hydrophobic alkyl halide compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Eldon Dalrymple, Larry Eoff, B. Reddy, Jim Venditto
  • Publication number: 20050000695
    Abstract: A disclosure is provided describing a filling and circulating tool and method of use. The filling and circulating tool comprises a tubular housing having a first fluid passage and a longitudinal axis, a movable seal coupled to an exterior of the housing, the seal adapted to substantially block a flow of fluid through the first fluid passage when the seal is in a closed position and to allow the flow of fluid when the seal is in an open position, and an actuating device coupled to the movable seal such that in response to insertion into the casing, the actuating device causes the movable seal to move from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Applicant: LaFleur Petroleum Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl LaFleur
  • Publication number: 20050000696
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a tubular handling system for handling wellbore tubulars. In one aspect, the present invention provides a tubular handling system adapted to retain a tubular without damaging the outer surface of the tubular. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of connecting tubulars by remotely controlling the connection process, including joint compensation, alignment, make up, and interlock. In one embodiment, the tubular handling system comprises an elevator adapted to support a tubular utilizing a first portion of an upset of the tubular and a spider adapted to support the tubular utilizing a second portion of the upset. In another embodiment, at least one of the elevator and the spider is remotely controllable. In yet another embodiment, the tubular handling system comprising a joint compensator system adapted to provide fluid communication to the elevator during rotation of the tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Gary McDaniel, Allen Thomas, Patrick Cummins, Troy Hill, Tracy Cummins, Doyle Boutwell, Michael Hayes
  • Publication number: 20050000697
    Abstract: A method of lining a drilled bore comprises running a tubular into a drilled bore and then corrugating the tubular in the bore. The tubular may also be expanded in the bore. In other aspects of the invention the tubular is corrugated prior to running into the bore and may be rotated as it is run into the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Neil Abercrombie Simpson, Simon Harrall
  • Publication number: 20050000698
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides a reduced downtime maintenance apparatus and method for replacing and/or repairing a subassembly in sealing equipment for oil field use. The invention allows the removal of rotating portions of a rotary drilling head without having to remove non-rotating portions. The reduction in weight and size allows a more efficient repair and/or replacement of a principal wear component such as a packer. Specifically, the packer in a rotary drilling head can be removed independent of bearings and other portions of the rotary drilling head. Furthermore, because of the relatively small size and light weight, the packer can be removed typically without having to use a crane to lift a rotary BOP and without disassembling portions of the drilling platform. In some embodiments, the packer can be removed with the drill pipe without additional equipment. Furthermore, the packer can be removed remotely without necessitating manual disengagement typically needed below the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas Bailey, Mike Luke
  • Publication number: 20050000699
    Abstract: The invention concerns a horseshoe-like hoof pad of plastic material provided with a lower the underground contacting surface having profile elements. Both legs of the hoof pad can be connected for extending the distance of the legs to the size of the hoof by at least one separate snug fit piece-like connecting bar of plastic material. This connecting bar is engageable with the legs within the area of their ends in order to extend or contract them. The connecting bar which is also named bridge is one layered configured (single bridge) or multiple layered configured (double bridge) and fits with its lateral bar ends in recesses within the legs having the form of flat bows in order to join the ends of the legs essentially in configurational aspect and with respect to the transmission of forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventor: Karl Rafeld
  • Publication number: 20050000700
    Abstract: A fire extinguishing method, especially for relatively high spaces (1), such as the engine rooms of ships, in which method a mist of extinguishing medium and a gas are suplied into the space. The mist of extinguishing medium is supplied into the space (1) via at least one first nozzle (2) provided in its upper part, in an unevenly distributed manner so that a circulating motion of the mist of extinguishing medium is created in the space. The invention also relates to a fire extinguishing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventor: Goran Sundholm