Patents Issued in December 13, 2005
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Patent number: 6973944Abstract: A collapsible apparatus (10) recovers and dispenses packaging material. The collapsible apparatus (10) includes a receptacle (20) that is permeable to air. A disc (30) defines a lower end of the receptacle (20). A collection tube (36) is slideably received in a hole (34) of the disc (30) and has an inlet (38) outside the receptacle (20) and an outlet (40) inside the receptacle (20). A fan (60) is mounted to the disc (30) and communicated with the collection tube (36) to form a vacuum in the collection tube (36). The vacuum pulls the packaging material through the collection tube (36) and deposits the packaging material in the receptacle (20). A discharge valve (81) is a scissors valve that extends through the disc (30) for discharging packaging material from the receptacle (20).Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Industrial Components Technology, Inc.Inventors: Keith A. Anderson, David J. Schonberg
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Patent number: 6973945Abstract: The present invention is a container lid assembly that includes an integral vacuum pump so as to create at least a partial vacuum within the container. There are several features of the present invention that can be used in synergy, but are of value when implemented separately. These features include a pump configuration that activates the reciprocating linear motion of the piston by the rotational movement of a pump actuating element; a contents-dispensing mechanism for removing contents from the container while maintaining the at least a partial vacuum within the container; a selectively activated lid-removal mechanism (child proof mechanism); a vacuum indicator; and a filter configured to filter the gases entering the pump from the interior of the container.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Inventor: Shlomo Haimi
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Patent number: 6973946Abstract: A silage bag filling machine for compactly loading an elongate polymer silage storage bag includes a generally horizontal chamber through which a ram reciprocates in a generally horizontal direction, forcing silage from the chamber into a frame which carries the gathered sidewall of the silage storage bag. The frame has a curved upper surface and an open bottom. The bag filling machine is supported on wheels and is forced gradually forward as the bag fills, against the restraint of an adjustable brake. An loading elevator mounted to the side of the bag filling machine feeds silage into the horizontal chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Inventor: Michael J. Koelker
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Patent number: 6973947Abstract: A combination fuel tank and cab floor for a truck tractor utilizes a deck plate over a multi-reservoir base pan. The pan is configured both to divide the fuel storage area and to provide a frame for supporting seats and bunks to be installed on the floor.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: Joseph T. Penaloza, Rodney J. Klinger, James C. Bradley
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Patent number: 6973948Abstract: A system is described for offloading LNG (liquified natural gas) from a tanker for eventual delivery to an onshore gas distribution station. The system includes a floating structure that floats at the sea surface and that is connected to the tanker so they weathervane together. The floating structure carries a regas unit that heats the LNG to produce gas, and delivers the gas through a riser to an underground cavern that stores the gas. Gas from the cavern is delivered through a seafloor pipeline to an onshore gas distribution station. The regas unit includes water pumps and other equipment that is powered by electricity. The electricity can be obtained from an electric generator on the floating structure, with surplus electricity delivered through a sea floor electric power line that extends along the sea floor to an onshore electricity distribution facility.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: SBM-Imodco, Inc.Inventors: Jack Pollack, Hein Wille
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Patent number: 6973949Abstract: A method for bonding a material to a first substrate surface that includes providing a catalyst at the first substrate surface and then contacting that surface with a material that undergoes a metathesis reaction to bond the material to the first substrate surface. There are two embodiments of this method—a coating process and an adhesive process. In the coating embodiment, the metathesizable material is contacted with the catalyst on the substrate surface so that it undergoes metathesis polymerization to form the coating. The adhesive process includes (a) providing a catalyst at the first substrate surface, (b) providing a metathesizable material between the first substrate surface and the second substrate surface, and (c) contacting the catalyst on the first substrate surface with the metathesizable material so that the metathesizable material undergoes a metathesis reaction and bonds the first substrate surface to the second substrate surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Lord CorporationInventors: Edward F. Tokas, Ken C. Caster, Mark A. Weih
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Patent number: 6973950Abstract: A tire comprising at least one reinforcement structure of the carcass type anchored on either side of the tire in a bead, the base of which bead is intended to be mounted on a rim seat, the reinforcement structure extending circumferentially from the bead towards the sidewall, at least one arrangement of main cords along a substantially circumferential path being arranged substantially adjacent to the structure, the arrangement of the cords of the at least one arrangement being such that the number of main cords arranged on the axially inner side relative to the structure is greater than the number of main cords arranged on the axially outer side relative to the structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2002Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.Inventors: Pedro Costa Pereira, Bernard Guerinon
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Patent number: 6973951Abstract: An apparatus for seaming roofing membranes to one another, wherein one of the membranes is secured to an underlying support structure by at least one protruding fastener is provided. The apparatus includes a wheeled carriage having an upwardly extending push/pull bar. A power supply propels the wheeled carriage and energizes a heating assembly that generates a heated airflow sufficient to fuse the roofing membranes to one another. A nozzle is coupled to the heating assembly for directing the heated airflow between the two membranes. A variable pressure roller assembly is coupled to the carriage and has a single durometer material carried by an axle that may have different diameter sections. The roller passes over the at least one protruding fastener while still applying a uniform pressure so as to form a substantially continuous width seam except where interrupted by the protruding fastener.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLCInventor: Jeffrey W. Henegar
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Patent number: 6973952Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 18, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ming Nien
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Patent number: 6973953Abstract: A door having four lineal door frame components, each of the lineal components having a cross-section defining an interior space extending in a longitudinal direction of the linear components. Four symmetric, L-shaped members are provided that each have a corner portion and two posts that extend from the corner portion at a right angle to one another. The posts each have a length and a plurality of fins extending therefrom along at least portions of the length. A metal reinforcement member is arranged in the hollow portion of the lineal components so as to extend substantially along the entire length of the lineal components and leave an empty portion of the hollow section at each end of the lineal components, which empty portions have a length equal to at least the length of the posts of the L-shaped body. The posts of the L-shaped members are mounted in the free hollow portions of the lineal components so that at least some of the fins engage an interior surface of the lineal components.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Inventor: Kurt Winner
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Patent number: 6973954Abstract: A method of casting parts with gray iron includes the steps of providing molten gray iron metal with controlled carbon, silicon, phosphorous, sulfur, manganese and chromium content; alloying said molten gray iron metal, prior to pouring, with tin to a total tin content of about 0.05% to about 0.10%; inoculating said molten tin-alloyed gray iron metal, prior to pouring, with a gray iron inoculant to an additional silicon addition of from about 0.10% to about 0.12%; and casting the gray iron part from said molten, tin-alloyed inoculated gray iron metal as son as possible after said inoculation.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventor: Joseph R. Ward
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Patent number: 6973955Abstract: A trough is described for carrying molten metal, comprising an outer shell defined by a bottom wall and two side walls, an insulating layer filling the outer shell and a conductive U-shaped refractory trough body for carrying molten metal, the trough body being embedded in the insulating layer. At least one heating element is positioned in the insulating layer, adjacent to but spaced apart from the trough body, to provide an air gap between the heating element and the trough body.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Novelis Inc.Inventors: John S. Tingey, David A. Salee, Wade Lee Bowles
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Patent number: 6973956Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for producing a rolled metal strip from a molten metal by producing a cast metal strip in a strip casting device and then rolling the undivided metal strip in a roll stand to the final thickness of the strip. For controlling the course of the strip, strip guiding devices are provided upstream of the roll stand. In order to provide a stable insertion of the metal strip into the roll stand at the input side of the roll stand or at the site of rolling in accordance with the strip dimensions, the strip guidance interferes or is carried out at a distance of 1.0 to 10.0 times the strip width, preferably at a distance of 1.5 to 5.0 times the strip width, upstream of the roll stand.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau GmbH & Co.Inventors: Gerald Hohenbichler, Gerald Eckerstorfer
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Patent number: 6973957Abstract: A mold shorter side frame of a continuous casting mold is exchanged integrally as it is to enable on-line change of the thickness of the case piece. As the method, a concave portion for engaging a portion of the moving device and an attaching/detaching mechanism having a fixing jig for fixing the portion of the moving device are disposed at the back of the shorter side frame. Particularly, an attaching/detaching mechanism comprising a concave forming portion having a downwarded opening and a bolt screw passing from the back of the concave forming portion through at least a portion of said portion of the moving device is suitable.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: JFE Steel CorporationInventor: Makoto Naito
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Patent number: 6973958Abstract: A heat transfer apparatus includes one heat exchanging system having a compressor coupled between a condenser and a heat exchanger. A further heat exchanging system includes a water pump, an ion exchange filter coupled between the water pump and the heat exchanger, to filter negative ions, positive ions, mineral materials, and/or impurities from the water. A temperature detecting member may actuate a heater to maintain the water temperature. A water cycling system includes a water reservoir to maintain the water pressure in the further heat exchanging system. An air relief valve may relieve air bubbles to reduce shocks and vibrations in the heat exchanging system.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Inventor: Ching-Lung Chou
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Patent number: 6973959Abstract: A heat exchanger for cooling motor vehicle exhaust gases, which heat exchanger is to be fitted into an exhaust line of the vehicle and having at least three tubes in contact by way of their outer walls with cooling air, in which the exhaust gases are brought to circulate.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2000Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SAInventors: Patrick Claverie, Arnaud Vitel
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Patent number: 6973960Abstract: A flat plate heat exchanger and heat exchange plate members for use therein, the heat exchanger having a support structure which includes one or more elongate support members; the plate members each having a generally flat plate portion formed of a heat conductive material, a recess formed in an edge portion thereof for accommodating an elongate support member, and a flexible arm formed in association with the recess and arranged for flexing in a direction which is in the plane of the plate member for snap coupling and decoupling with the elongate support member, such that the plate member is supported thereby.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1998Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Inventor: Pessach Seidel
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Patent number: 6973961Abstract: The invention relates to a plate-type heat exchanger (20) comprising a stack (21) of heat exchanger plates which are permanently interconnected and between which separate flow passage spaces are defined for at least two heat exchange fluids. One part of the heat exchanger plates is designed as single-walled heat exchanger plates each, having one plate member, while another part of the heat exchanger plates is designed as double-walled heat exchanger plates each, having two plate members.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: WTT-Wilchwitzer Thermo-Technik GmbHInventors: Peter Rehberg, Ralf Lauer
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Patent number: 6973962Abstract: A radiator includes a heat transfer base (30), a heat dissipation member (20) secured to the heat transfer base and a fan (50) mounted to the heat dissipation member. The heat dissipation member comprises a plurality of fins (22) for dissipation heat. Air guide structures are formed between the fins for guiding air from the fan to a middle portion of the heat transfer base and a middle bottom portion of the heat dissipation member in order to enhance heat dissipating efficiency of the radiator.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ching-Bai Hwang, Yi-Chyng Fang, Yeu-Lih Lin
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Patent number: 6973963Abstract: This invention provides a compact heat exchanger that has an effective geometry for heat transfer operations regardless of the heat conductivity of the material chosen for the fin materials. It has further been found that the use of adsorbent coated anodized aluminum for fin materials provides for a very efficient heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Stephen R. Dunne, Steven A. Bradley
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Patent number: 6973964Abstract: An end surface structure of a heat pipe having a large gauge used to be contacted with a heat source for dissipation is provided. The heat pipe includes a pipe member, a lid, a base and a wick structure. The hollow tubular pipe member has two opposing open ends. The lid is closely covered on one open end. The base provides an interlocking member including a flange fitly embracing the pipe member to receive the other open end of the pipe member thereinside. The wick structure is attached on an inner wall of the pipe member and an inside surface of the base. Moreover, the thickness of the flange is not larger than the thickness of pipe member at the open end received in the interlocking member. When the base is fitted with the pipe member at the open end, a welding process is performed to permanently connect them together. In the welding process, the flange of the interlocking member is enforced to be liquefied first and is liquefied more than the pipe member at the open end.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Inventor: Hsu Hul-Chun
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Patent number: 6973965Abstract: A heat-exchanger assembly, which can be advantageously employed as an intercooler for an air-charging system for an internal combustion engines includes a plurality of generally wedge-shaped coolant tubes through which coolant is directed for effecting cooling of compressed air flowing about the tubes. In order to promote efficient operation, each of the wedge-shaped cooling tubes includes a plurality of coolant passages of substantially identical hydraulic diameter or cross-sectional area, thereby promoting uniform flow of coolant through each coolant tube. Each coolant tube includes outer walls which may be of a substantially uniform thickness, or which may increase in thickness across the width of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2002Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Modine Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Steven P. Meshenky
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Patent number: 6973966Abstract: The present invention relates generally to subterranean well construction, and more particularly, to improved darts and methods of using these darts in subterranean wells. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a dart for activating a plug located within a subterranean well bore, the dart comprising a mandrel, and a foam body attached to the mandrel. Optionally, an elastic tether can be included, inter alia, to absorb the deformation of the foam body.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: David D. Szarka
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Patent number: 6973967Abstract: A coal 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. Pressure within the formation may be controlled as a function of temperature or temperature within the formation may be controlled as a function of pressure to yield a desired mixture.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: George Leo Stegemeier, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko, Etuan Zhang, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
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Patent number: 6973968Abstract: A method and system for dissociating methane hydrate deposits in-situ is provided wherein an oxidizer fluid and a supply of fuel, both at a pressure higher than that of the methane hydrate deposit, are supplied and delivered to the methane hydrate deposit. The fuel is combusted downhole by reacting it with the oxidizer fluid to provide combustion products. The combustion products are placed in contact with a diluent fluid to produce a heated product fluid. The heated product fluid is injected into the methane hydrate deposit whereby methane is dissociated from the methane hydrate and made available for extraction. In addition, carbon dioxide may be made available to promote the formation of carbon dioxide hydrates from the liberated methane hydrate water.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Precision Combustion, Inc.Inventor: William C. Pfefferle
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Patent number: 6973969Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preventing or limiting the rotation of downhole tools, such as cementing plugs, in a casing string during drillout. The apparatus includes an outer case and a radially expandable sleeve disposed therein. The sleeves will engage cementing plugs received therein. The sleeves radially expand when cementing plugs are received therein to grippingly engage the outer case and prevent or limit rotation thereof during drillout.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Craig W. Roddy, Anthony M. Badalamenti
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Patent number: 6973970Abstract: A tool for making a cut inside a downhole tool, including a housing adapted to move in the downhole tool, a plurality of openings in a wall of the housing that provides a passage from inside the housing to an exterior of the housing, a plurality of cutters disposed in the housing that are adapted to protrude from the plurality of openings to the exterior of the housing, wherein the plurality of cutters provides 360 degree cutting regardless of the orientation of the tool, and an actuation mechanism adapted to force the plurality of cutters to protrude through the plurality of openings.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Russell A. Johnston, Michael A. Dowling
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Patent number: 6973971Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cleaning the open perforations in a well and for bailing a well. The apparatus has a tubular conduit with at least one seal attached to it that forms a seal between the well casing and the exterior of the conduit. The seal is held in place on the tubular conduit by two shoulders formed where the upper and lower sections of the conduit meet a middle section. The upper end of the conduit is adapted to releasably engage the lower end of a bailer. The upper end of the conduit releasably engages the middle section and can be removed to replace the seals when worn. The apparatus has a valve section designed to releasably engage the lower end of the tubular conduit or the lower end of a bailer.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Inventor: Morley Sebree
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Patent number: 6973972Abstract: Scaling may be reduced during oil and gas production using a device having a sound transducer. The device can be used downhole and functions independently of an external power supply. Use of the device allows for the reduction or elimination of anti-scaling chemical additives during the production phase of an oil and gas well.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Peter S. Aronstam
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Patent number: 6973973Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for improving production from a wellbore. In one aspect, a downhole pump for use in a wellbore is provided. The downhole pump includes two or more chambers for the accumulation of formation fluids and a valve assembly for filling and venting gas to and from the two or more chambers. The downhole pump further includes a fluid passageway for connecting the two or more chambers to a production tube. In another aspect, a downhole pump including a chamber for the accumulation of formation fluids is provided. In another aspect, a method for improving production in a wellbore is provided. In yet another aspect, a method for improving production in a steam assisted gravity drainage operation is provided. Additionally, a pump system for use in a wellbore is provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: William F. Howard, William C. Lane
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Patent number: 6973974Abstract: A valve assembly to control the intake of fluid. The valve assembly has a valve body and a valve choke disposed therein. The valve choke has a choke bore through the interior of the valve choke. The valve choke has a plurality of orifices to the choke bore spaced at intervals along the valve choke. A seal is disposed between the valve body and valve choke. The valve system is operable to position the valve choke so that the seal is positioned between the valve body and the valve choke at the intervals between the plurality of orifices.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Eugene P. McLoughlin, Scott A. Rubinstein, Ricardo Martinez, Alexandere G. E. Kosmala
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Patent number: 6973975Abstract: A compressed air/foam fire fighting system which is sufficiently compact to be carried on the bed of a pick-up truck includes a water tank, a pump for providing water at substantial pressure to a water conduit, an engine for driving the pump, a foam reservoir including a bladder tank connected to the pump, an air compressor, an engine for driving the air compressor, a differential pressure valve connected in the water conduit, a metering valve adjustable to supply a desired proportion of foam concentrate to water connected across the differential pressure valve, an air valve for controlling the amount of air from said compressor, and an air injection venturi for mixing air into a water/foam concentrate. A two-way valve connected between the tank and the pump is movable between a first position where water is pumped from the water tank and a second or suction position where water is drawn from an outside tank or other source.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Robwen Inc.Inventors: Keith Adamson, John R. Grindley, Robert M. Grindley
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Patent number: 6973976Abstract: A hitch assembly including a triangular flat portion mounted on the base plate of a guidable member for connecting an arm to the triangular flat portion and to a housing mounted above a plate on which is mounted a tube section having a reinforcing plate that is connected to a locking member which automatically closes on a locking pin being mounted to a coupler head by means of a tension spring that applies a pressure against a block being engaged on a threaded bolt with eye mounted inside the tube section, and which for disengaging the locking member from the locking pin one pulls backwards an attachment cord connected with the eye of the threaded bolt. A tube section mounted underneath the coupler head allows to receive each spring blade being held together by an attachment member. A spring blade includes a part member for enabling to apply a pressure against a squared plate portion mounted underneath each tow bar connected to the coupler head for raising the tow bars of the agricultural implement.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Inventor: Marc Turgeon
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Patent number: 6973977Abstract: A method for drilling a wellbore in a formation using a drilling fluid, wherein the drilling fluid has a first temperature, and wherein the wellbore has a first wellbore depth. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining at least one fracture gradient, wherein the fracture gradient is determined at about the first wellbore depth; increasing the temperature of the drilling fluid from the first temperature to a desired temperature at about the first wellbore depth; drilling into the formation at increasing wellbore depths below the first wellbore depth, wherein at least one equivalent circulating density of the drilling fluid is determined at about the first wellbore depth; and setting a casing string at a depth at which the equivalent circulating density is about equal to or within a desired range of the fracture gradient. In other embodiments, an automated system is used to maintain the temperature of the drilling fluid at about first wellbore depth.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Halliburton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventor: Carey J. Naquin
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Patent number: 6973978Abstract: A drilling tool having an expandable bladder and a method for using the same are provided. The drilling tool includes a tool body having an interior cavity, a plurality of extendable arms coupled with the tool body, and an expandable bladder at least partially disposed within the interior cavity of the tool body. The expandable is operable to deploy the extendable arms from a retracted position relative to the exterior surface of the tool body to an extended position relative to the exterior surface of the tool body.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Varel International, Ltd.Inventor: Philippe Louis Cravatte
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Patent number: 6973979Abstract: A drilling rig is provided which is adapted to selectively drill using coiled tubing and jointed-pipe. The rig includes a base, a mast, a top drive slidably mounted to said mast for performing jointed-pipe operations, and a tubing injector for performing coiled tubing operations, mounted on said mast for selective movement from a first position in which the injector is in line with the mast and a second position in which the injector is out of line with the mast to permit jointed-pipe operations by the top drive. The rig is uniquely suited to easily and quickly assemble bottom hole assemblies (BHA's), and to connect such BHA's to coiled tubing.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Savanna Energy Services Corp.Inventors: Gene Carriere, Don Goldade
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Patent number: 6973980Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for drilling for petroleum. The method and apparatus circulate drilling mud through a particle separation apparatus that rapidly removes clay and other chemical additives. The drilling method and apparatus of the invention drastically reduces the amount of water required to drill a petroleum well, processes drilling mud at the well site, and produces water that can be broadcast on ground adjacent the well site, that can be introduced into deep water injection wells, or that can be given to livestock.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Inventors: G. Scott Stepenoff, Gary F. Stepenoff
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Patent number: 6973981Abstract: A system is provided for the control of two transmissions in a multi-combination vehicle having at least two engines, each engine operatively coupled to one transmission. Each transmission has its own electrical power source and an electronic control unit. The system includes an electronic gear selector having a power input and a variable output representative of a desired operation of each of the transmissions. The system further includes a gear selector control module that is provided power from each of the electronic control units and selectively provides power to the power input of the electronic gear selector from a selected one of the electronic control units. The variable output of the electronic gear selector is in communication with at least the selected one of the electronic control units.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Inventor: Mark J. Stummer
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Patent number: 6973982Abstract: A motor structure of an electric vehicle which is driven by an electric motor. The motor structure comprises an electric motor unit including the electric motor and differential gears, and a radiator for cooling the electric vehicle. Accessories are mounted on the electric motor unit. The radiator is positioned at a front side of the electric vehicle and in front of the electric motor unit. In this motor structure, one of universal joints, each of which connects a drive shaft on the differential gears side and a drive shaft on a wheel side, is adjacent to a side of the electric motor, which is in the form of a cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2002Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mamoru Yoshikawa, Hiroyuki Sato, Kiyoshi Kimura, Seiichi Mogi
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Patent number: 6973984Abstract: The invention relates to a front structural part for a motor vehicle, the structural part being shaped in such a manner as to leave a location for a cooling assembly, said location (5) constituting a passage for the air that exchanges heat with the cooling assembly, said structural part being provided with a converging portion (7) having the function of reducing the air flow section around the cooling assembly. The converging portion is made integrally with the structural part. The invention also relates to a front end module.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2002Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Compagnie Plastic OmniumInventors: Hugues Cheron, Gerald Andre, Pascal Carrier
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Patent number: 6973985Abstract: A snow vehicle which is capable of increasing the cooling efficiency of an intercooler thereof by reducing the influence of intense heat from a supercharger thereof, while suppressing the overall height of an engine thereof. An engine hood covers a front part of the body frame from above, and an engine room is formed under the engine hood. A supercharger is disposed in the engine room at a location forward of the engine, and an intercooler is disposed rightwardly of the engine. High-temperature air from the supercharger is cooled by the intercooler and supplied to the engine. An air inlet port is formed through a front left half of the engine hood, for taking in air for cooling the supercharger etc., and another air inlet port is formed through a front right half of the engine hood separately from the air inlet port, for taking in air for cooling mainly the intercooler and a battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventors: Yasuaki Yatagai, Takashi Nishihara
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Patent number: 6973986Abstract: A battery-powered vehicle has a pair of side frames, a cross plate, a pair of dams, a cover plate and a battery. The cross plate interconnects the side frames. The dam is provided on each of the side frames. The cover plate is arranged to overpass the dams. The battery is installed on the cover plate or above the cover plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2002Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventor: Takashi Murase
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Patent number: 6973987Abstract: Battery retainer assemblies and children's ride-on vehicles including the same. The retainer assembly includes a retaining member coupled to the vehicle's battery compartment. The retaining member is selectively moved between an open position, in which the retaining member permits the battery assembly to be inserted into or removed from the compartment, and a closed position, in which the retaining member obstructs removal of the battery assembly. In some embodiments, the retaining member is adapted to displace the battery assembly as the retaining member is moved to the open position. In some embodiments, the retaining member is adapted to automatically move to the closed position upon insertion of the battery assembly into the compartment and/or engagement with the retaining member. In some embodiments, the retaining member is retained in the open position until selectively released therefrom by a user. Upon release, the retaining member may automatically move to the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Daniel J. Damon
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Patent number: 6973988Abstract: A novel mountain snowmobile comprises a frame, an engine disposed on the frame, at least one ski disposed on the frame, a seat disposed on the frame, a steering device disposed on the frame forward of the seat that is operatively connected to the at least one ski for steering the snowmobile, and a novel long length drive track disposed below the frame and connected operatively to the engine for propulsion of the snowmobile. The novel drive track comprises an endless body having a ground-engaging outer surface with a central portion flanked by first and second lateral portions, a plurality of longitudinally spaced reinforcing rods disposed in the body along a transverse direction of the body. The rods define a plurality of pitches, and a plurality of profiles project from the outer surface of the body along the plurality of pitches. A plurality of non-profile regions is defined along the plurality of pitches, and the profiles and profile-free regions define a pattern for each pitch.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Denis Morin, Chris Ruske, Mark B. Thompson
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Patent number: 6973989Abstract: A steering apparatus (10) for a vehicle having steerable road-engaging wheels comprises a rotatable steering wheel (11) and a sensor (12) which senses the rotational position of the steering wheel and generates a first signal corresponding to the sensed rotational position of the steering wheel (11). A first electric motor (14), when energized, resists rotation of the steering wheel (11). A second electric motor (20) is controlled by the signal generated by the sensor for sensing the rotational position of the steering wheel (11). A steering gear (130) is actuated by the second electric motor (20) to turn the steerable wheels of the vehicle. An electrical circuit (19) includes the first and second motors (14 and 20) in series.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: Daniel E. Williams
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Patent number: 6973990Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus (11) includes a reduction mechanism (G) for transmitting the rotation of a rotating shaft (28a) of a motor (28) to a ball screw nut (20) while reducing the speed of the rotation. The reduction mechanism includes a drive gear (29), which is coaxially connected to the rotating shaft of the motor, and a driven gear (16a), which is arranged on the outer surface of the ball screw nut. Due to the reduction mechanism, the motor may be inclined relative to a rack shaft (18).Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2002Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Susumu Honaga, Yoshiharu Inaguma, Tsune Kobayashi, Nobuyuki Kawabata, Fumio Ukai
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Patent number: 6973991Abstract: A driving control unit (21b) of a controller (21) determines which of an input shaft (32) and an output shaft (33) in a steering shaft (3) is dynamically superior and when the output shaft (33) is dynamically superior to the input shaft (32), a motor (6) is driven so that torque resulting in a time integral value smaller than a time integral value of relative torque between the input shaft (32) and the output shaft (33) is generated in a backward assist direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshitomo Tokumoto, Mahito Shiba, Kenichi Kotaka, Naoki Maeda
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Patent number: 6973992Abstract: An elect power steering apparatus includes a motor drive circuit for PWM-driving an electric motor to generate a steering assist torque corresponding to a steering torque. The motor drive circuit includes a bridge circuit formed by a plurality of FETs, and a predrive circuit for driving FETs at a positive potential. Series connected first and second voltage step-up circuits for stepping up a line voltage at two stages are provided in front of the predrive circuit so that the FETs are driven by the predrive circuit with an output voltage from the second voltage step-up circuit supplied to the predrive circuit.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Atsuhiko Yoneda, Yasuo Shimizu
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Patent number: 6973993Abstract: Methods and apparatus for attenuating waves in a bore hole, and seismic surveying systems incorporating the same. In one embodiment, an attenuating device includes a soft compliant bladder coupled to a pressurized gas source. A pressure regulating system reduces the pressure of the gas from the gas source prior to entering the bladder and operates in conjunction with the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid in a bore hole to maintain the pressure of the bladder at a specified pressure relative to the surrounding bore hole pressure. Once the hydrostatic pressure of the bore hole fluid exceeds that of the gas source, bore hole fluid may be admitted into a vessel of the gas source to further compress and displace the gas contained therein. In another embodiment, a water-reactive material may be used to provide gas to the bladder wherein the amount of gas generated by the water-reactive material may depend on the hydrostatic pressure of the bore hole fluid.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Phillip B. West, Daryl Haefner
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Patent number: 6973994Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the quality of sound from an acoustic source comprises in one embodiment a hollow enclosure, an acoustic source, an acoustic guide, a pair of acoustic inlet openings, a pair of acoustic exit openings, and pair of acoustic paths, wherein the acoustic inlet openings separate acoustic waves from the acoustic source and direct the acoustic waves the length of the acoustic paths to the acoustic exit openings in such a manner as to increase the quality of sound, and especially bass sound, from the acoustic source.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2002Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Inventors: Ian J. Mackin, William L. Weir