Patents Issued in February 14, 2006
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Patent number: 6997215Abstract: The method for weaving low flaw cloths (4) comprises an elimination of weft thread sections which have irregularities (22, 22?). The method is carried out by means of a weaving machine (1) which in the presence of an irregularity on a weft thread (2) to be woven can be controlled in such a manner that at least one weft thread section which comprises the irregularity can be removed from the cloth being formed after an insertion operation. The irregularity is in each case detected by a sensor (23a, 23b, 23c) prior to the feeding in of the weft thread into a thread store (21). After the detection of the irregularity an incorporation of the weft thread into the cloth is prevented in that a shed forming apparatus (100), for example a dobby for the moving of heald frames (10), is controlled in such a manner that that all warp threads (3) of the cloth to be formed are deflected either downwardly or upwardly into positions to the side of a weft thread insertion line (2?).Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Sultex AGInventor: Andrea Bühlmann
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Patent number: 6997216Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing system includes a container for containing liquid crystal; a liquid crystal measuring sensor proximate the container; a discharge pump for pumping liquid crystal from the container, and a nozzle for dispensing liquid crystal discharged from the discharge pump onto a substrate. In an exemplary embodiment, the crystal dispensing system includes a control unit for controlling a discharge amount of liquid crystal discharged from the discharge pump and calculating and compensating a dispensing amount of liquid crystal based on an amount of measured liquid crystal in the container.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignees: LG. Philips LCD Co., Ltd., Top Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Joung-Ho Ryu, Soo-Min Kwak, Hae-Joon Son, Man-Ho An, Joon-Young Kim
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Patent number: 6997217Abstract: A gas conduit for a load lock chamber. The gas conduit connects to a gas source to introduce gas from the gas source into the load lock chamber of semiconductor equipment. The structure includes a filter mounted on the top surface of the load lock chamber, a pressure limitative device to maintain a preset pressure of gas source, and a gas inlet device including an inlet end connected to the pressure limitative device and an outlet end connected to the filter, wherein the gas inlet device introduces gas from the gas source into the load lock chamber with its maximum flow rate when breaching the vacuum therein.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2002Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shih-Hao Shih, Wei-Chen Chen, Chi-Chen Luo, Hsin-Cheng Liu, Andy Lin
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Patent number: 6997218Abstract: An inflatable body armor system has one or more body armor sections adapted to be worn by a user. Each body armor section includes (i) a inflatable flexible/sealable plenum, (ii) a ballistic armor fabric encasing the plenum, and (iii) a variety of lines, shaped objects and/or fabric sheets dispersed in the plenum to alter the trajectory of a projectile entering the plenum.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Felipe Garcia, Robert Woodall, Christopher Doyle, Greg Reitmeyer
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Patent number: 6997219Abstract: A dispenser for holding multiple doses of fluids or other substances, and for dispensing the substances, has a vial, a flexible bladder received within the vial, and a variable volume storage chamber formed between the bladder and vial. A filling valve is coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber and defines (1) a normally closed, fluid-tight position hermetically sealing the storage chamber from the ambient atmosphere, and (2) an open position allowing the passage of fluid through the valve both to evacuate the storage chamber and to introduce fluid through the valve to fill the storage chamber. A pump is coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber for pumping fluids out of the storage chamber. A dispensing valve is coupled in fluid communication with the pump and defines (1) a normally closed, fluid-tight position preventing the passage of fluid out of the dispenser, and (2) an open position for dispensing pumped fluid therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Py, Julian V. Chan
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Patent number: 6997220Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle having a valve for controlling the flow of fuel to a spout attached to the nozzle. The nozzle spout includes three or more spaced apart protrusions that extend from an outer surface of the spout. If the outer spout surface is made from a non-electrically conductive material, the plurality of protrusions may be made from a electrically conductive material, and thus, provide electrical grounding to the nozzle. If the outer spout surface is made from a material having less than ideal wear properties, the plurality of protrusions may be used to provide wear protection to the outer surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: KnuBox TechnologiesInventors: Paul A. Knight, Walt D. Takisaki
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Patent number: 6997221Abstract: The knuckle boom includes a hoist boom having a proximal end pivoted to a machine base, and a stick boom having a proximal end pivoted to a distal end of the hoist boom. At least one hydraulic hoist cylinder is mounted between the machine base and the hoist boom, and at least one hydraulic stick cylinder is mounted between the hoist boom and the stick boom. A hydraulic circuit supplies hydraulic oil to the cylinders, and provides an oil flow path between working ends of the cylinders so as to transfer a slug of pressurized hydraulic oil between the working ends. In one embodiment, reaching movement is controlled by a pump connected to control transferring of the slug between the hoist and stick cylinders. The pump determines which cylinder receives which portion of the slug of oil, and thereby controls the angle between the booms, thereby producing reach.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Tigercat Industries Inc.Inventors: John Kurelek, Grant J. Somerville
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Patent number: 6997222Abstract: A system of machining a workpiece with a router bit includes a plate insert for a router table having a work surface over which the workpiece is to be moved. The router is mounted underneath the plate with the bit driven about a bit axis which is at right angles to the table surface and projecting through a bit opening. At least one and preferably two suction openings through the table from the work surface to an opposed side of the table are connected to a common suction duct with the suction opening or openings being at a location spaced from the bit opening and preferably spaced at right angles from the bit axis. The workpiece is moved or arranged on the table surface so as to define a passage for the waste material from the bit to the suction opening. In one embodiment, the openings are arranged inside the area of the end plate of the router and connected to a duct formed in the end plate.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Inventor: Dean Robert Rosendahl
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Patent number: 6997223Abstract: Disclosed is a mounting structure of a tire monitoring device, in which communication failures due to a conductive support core member can be prevented. The tire monitoring device which transmits information of the inside of a tire by using radio waves is mounted on a conductive support core member which is placed within the cavity of a pneumatic tire and is formed in a hollow structure over a peripheral portion of a rim. At this time, the tire monitoring device is disposed on a sidewall of the support core member or in a channel on a load support surface of the support core member, and a transmission antenna of the tire monitoring device is disposed outside of the support core member.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mitsuru Naito
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Patent number: 6997224Abstract: A tire comprising a crown, two sidewalls and two beads, a carcass reinforcement anchored in each of the beads and a crown reinforcement. The carcass reinforcement comprises at least two circumferential alignments of first reinforcing threads of high elasticity modulus, each circumferential alignment of the first reinforcing threads being, within each bead, bordered axially by second reinforcing threads oriented substantially circumferentially. The first reinforcing threads and the second reinforcing threads are separated by a layer of mix of very high elasticity modulus. The second reinforcements are arranged in a spiral and formed of monofilaments or unit threads of steel.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2002Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.Inventors: Yves Herbelleau, Bernard Guerinon, Pierre Roux
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Patent number: 6997225Abstract: A central positioning device for a labeling machine of heat shrinkable film includes an upper section and a lower section connected to each other with a fastener; a positioning member provided at an upper end of the lower section; the upper section revolving to adjust for an angle and secured by the positioning member; the film passing through the upper section being pushed downward to change its orientation; a logo on the film falling on a square bottle exactly as required; and folding marks of the film merely falling on the corners of the bottle without displacement to ensure the precise location of the subsequent film to wrap around the bottle.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Inventor: Chin-Tan Hong
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Patent number: 6997226Abstract: Consistent with an embodiment of the present invention, there is a device for transferring a substantially disc-shaped workpiece from a workpiece carier. The workpiece is fastened along a first one of its main surfaces with a double-sided adhesive foil onto a carrier foil. The workpiece is fastened onto the carrier foil along a first one of its main surfaces with of a double-sided adhesive foil onto a carrier foil on whose surface the workpiece is to be provided and fastened along the first main surface in an at least substantially planar manner. The first double-sided adhesive foil is adhesively connected by a first adhesive layer provided on its first surface to a first surface of the workpiece carrier and by a second adhesive layer provided on its second surface to the workpiece along the first main surface thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Joachim Anker
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Patent number: 6997227Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method and apparatus for seaming together abutting side-by-side layers of planar material with adhesive and a backing tape to form a finished seam extending along the line of abutment. The method consists of laying a backing tape underneath the line of abutment between adjacent layers of planar material, such as floorcovering, followed by dispensing an adhesive along the edges of the abutting layers while simultaneously centering the backing tape with the line of abutment and dispensing adhesive on top of the backing tape. The edges of the abutting layers are then pressed together and against the backing tape until the adhesive has at least partially set thereby forming a finished seam.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Inventors: Maurice Despins, David Despins
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Patent number: 6997228Abstract: A lamination apparatus for an automated manufacturing system of a secondary lithium battery is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2002Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: EagelPicher Kokam Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ji-Jun Hong
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Patent number: 6997229Abstract: A correction tape dispenser includes a housing with a pair of receiving holes. A carrier ribbon has a first end wound about a supply spool and a second end wound about a take-up spool. An applicator tip is at least partially disposed within the housing and includes a platform with a front edge, a rear edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, a top surface and a bottom surface. The carrier ribbon is disposed on the top surface, around the front edge, and on the bottom surface. The platform includes a slot that defines first and second legs. A first post extends laterally out from the first side edge, and a second post extends laterally out from the second side edge, the first post and the second post being rotatably disposed within the receiving holes of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Sanford, L.P.Inventors: Bret R. Marschand, Andrew Bielecki
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Patent number: 6997230Abstract: A folding device as a room divider or room closure has at least one wing chain of interconnected wings that upon opening of the folding device are folded against one another. One wing side has guide elements providing pivot axes received in guide rails such that the wings are slidably guided. One wing is an opening wing connected only to a single neighboring wing and has a free wing edge guided in the guide rails. At least one guide rail has a stop across which the wings cannot move. The free wing edge has a profiled strip at a side facing the stop. The profiled strip projects past the pivot axis of the guide element provided at the free wing edge and has a slanted portion facing the stop and slanted in a direction toward the free wing edge. The slanted portion extends at least across the stop height.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Solarlux Aluminium Systeme GmbHInventor: Uwe Niehausmeier
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Patent number: 6997231Abstract: The invention relates to a method for vacuum diecasting and a diecasting mould (1), especially for diecasting components made of metal or the alloys thereof. The aim of the invention is to provide a better casting quality while simplifying the procedure of the method. To this end, the evacuation of the die cavity (5) and the filling with molten bath are carried out independently from one another.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2000Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Buhler Druckguss AGInventors: Paul Jung, Werner Brugger, Benno Niedermann
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Patent number: 6997232Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a three-dimensional object includes the steps of forming a mixture that contains a binder and a least one of aluminum or a first aluminum-base alloy into a green composite, removing the binder from said green composite, forming a porous preform structure, reacting the aluminum or first aluminum base alloy with nitrogen to form a rigid skeleton and infiltrating the porous structure with molten aluminum or second aluminum base alloy to form the three-dimensional object with near theoretical density. The green composite may be formed by an additive process such as computer aided rapid prototyping, for example selective laser sintering. The method facilitates the rapid manufacture of aluminum components by an inexpensive technique that provides high dimensional stability and high density.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: University of QueenslandInventors: Timothy Barry Sercombe, Kris Alan Schmidt, Graham Barry Shaffer, Kenneth J. Newell
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Patent number: 6997233Abstract: To provide a mold capable of manufacturing a metal-ceramic composite member in which a predetermined number of ceramic members are joined onto a large joining metal, the large joining metal being free from swell and shrinkage cavity on the surface thereof and high in dimensional precision. A metal-ceramic composite member 3 according to this embodiment is manufactured in such a manner that a predetermined number of metal-ceramic bonded substrates 30 are placed in a mold main body 11 constituting a mold 1, with a ceramic substrate 31 side thereof facing upward, an atmosphere inside and outside the mold 1 is replaced with an inert gas such as a nitrogen gas from the atmosphere, a molten metal 42 is poured and filled in a first joining portion 14 that is formed by the molten metal main body 11 and an upper container 13 and that has a shrinkage cavity inducing portion 16 on a metal material holding portion side and a shrinkage cavity inducing portion 18 on an air vent side, and the molten metal 42 is cooled.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Dowa Mining Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideyo Osanai, Susumu Ibaragi, Makoto Namioka
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Patent number: 6997234Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhanced gravity casting wherein a portion of the mold is maintained in pressure contact with molten metal as it solidifies to allow the mold surface to follow the contraction of the solidifying metal. A further feature of the invention is the use of an air clearance between mold parts that is sufficient to allow air to escape but insufficient to allow molten metal to flow therepast.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Water Gremlin CompanyInventor: Norman E. Peterson
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Patent number: 6997235Abstract: A plasticizing barrel for a plastics processing machine includes a body having a hollow cylindrical configuration and defining an axis; and a coating formed on an inner wall surface of the body and including at least one groove extending in axial direction of the body. The coating, e.g., a wear-resisting protective layer, may be produced through centrifugal casting, whereby the grooves are formed by projections of a negative mold inserted in the hollow-cylindrical body.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Krauss-Maffei Kunststofftechnik GmbHInventors: Michael Zelleröhr, Martin Würtele
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Patent number: 6997236Abstract: A bearing arrangement for a centrifugation injection mold, comprising an upper mold portion (10) and a lower mold portion (20), which are respectively and rotatively mounted to an upper bearing (30) and to a lower bearing (40), the latter comprising: a first flat ring (41) affixed to a machine structure (E) and presenting a radial gap that is internal in relation to the lower mold portion (20); an annular cage (42) bearing spheres (44) seated on the first flat ring (41), said annular cage (42) presenting radial gaps that are external and internal in relation to the machine structure (E) and to the lower mold portion (20), respectively; and a second flat ring (45) inferiorly seated on the spheres (44) of the annular cage (42) and maintaining radial gaps that are external and internal in relation to the machine structure (E) and to the lower mold portion (20), respectively, axially bearing the latter.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2002Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Empresa Brasileira de Compressores S.A.Inventors: Rivio Arturo Ramirez, Antonio Sardo
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Patent number: 6997237Abstract: A die casting machine or an injection molding machine comprises a pressure member, such as a casting piston in a shot sleeve or extruder screw in an extruder barrel. A control unit is associated to this pressure member and/or to a filling system for filling the shot sleeve or the barrel. Moreover, an evacuation device is provided which includes a vacuum valve that communicates with the cavity of the die or mold, on the one hand, and a vacuum conduit on the other hand. This vacuum valve may be moved from an open position interconnecting the cavity and the vacuum source, and a closed position. There is a control connection between the control unit and the valve. The positions of the valve can be controlled by a material sensor located in its region and associated to it, the sensor supplying a closure signal to the valve through an output line. This output line, however, is also coupled to the control unit for influencing and controlling at least one of its controlled parts, i.e.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Fondarex SAInventor: Dominik Baumgartner
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Patent number: 6997238Abstract: A gearbox assembly comprising a casing defining a cavity for housing gears of an engine-driven apparatus, the casing having at least one substantially flat exterior surface for receiving a cooler plate, and a cooler plate mounted to the casing at the substantially flat exterior surface, the cooler plate isolated from the cavity by the flat exterior surface, the cooler plate having a channel for receiving a liquid for cooling the casing and at least one port in communication with the channel. At least one further embodiment includes a gearbox assembly where the channel is aligned with the exterior surface for supplying liquid in contact with the surface. The invention also includes a cooler plate for attachment at a closed exterior surface of a gearbox in order to supply cooling liquid in contact with the gearbox surface to cool the gearbox.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2001Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: W.S. Darley & Co.Inventors: Michael C. Ruthy, Douglas W. Seitz
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Patent number: 6997239Abstract: A motor-fan shroud is formed at its lower portion with a supporting portion having a hole and at its upper portion with a first and second clip portions arranged apart from each other in a width direction. A reservoir tank is formed at its lower portion with a projection extending downward and insertable into the hole of the supporting portion and at its upper portion with a first and second ear portions insertable from above into the first and second clip portions, respectively. A first clipping surface of the first clip portion has a substantial half-ball shaped projection to be fitted in a hole of the first ear portion, while the second ear portion has a claw to be latched by the second clip portion so that unlatch, in an upward direction, of them can be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2005Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Calsonic Kansei CorporationInventor: Masahiro Kato
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Patent number: 6997240Abstract: A flap provided with an integral motor-containing drive element provided with an integral motor-containing drive element for controlling the air flow through an air-guide duct in, for example, a motor vehicle air condition system which includes a housing defining an air flow duct, an evaporator located in the housing, a heater located in the housing. The flap is adapted to be pivoted about and axis and is supported at each of its axial ends. One end is provided with a cut-out or recess which extends inwardly from one end along the axis of rotation. This cut-out or recess has opposed edges which engage in slots formed in holding means or housing that encloses the drive element, and which permit the ready insertion of the drive unit into an operative position.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2001Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: BEHR GmbH & Co.Inventors: Walter Denk, Karl Lochmahr, Eric Reinisch, Klaus Waibel
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Patent number: 6997241Abstract: A heat transfer system is presented for managing thermal transients, thus providing engineers greater flexibility in designing thermal solutions for applications subject to transient heat-generation. A heat reservoir device for managing a heat input subject to transient conditions includes a heat transfer subsystem having a first end and a second end, where the first end is thermally coupled to the heat input; a heat storage subsystem coupled to the second end of the heat transfer subsystem, where the heat storage subsystem comprises a phase change material responsive to the transient conditions. The excess heat load during transient operation is temporarily absorbed by the latent heat of fusion when the phase change material changes its phase from solid to liquid. Subsequently, the absorbed heat can be released back to the ambient via a heat rejection subsystem. This allows engineers to design smaller heat sinks capable of accommodating given transient conditions.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2002Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Enertron, Inc.Inventors: Der Jeou Chou, Daniel Todd Nelson
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Patent number: 6997242Abstract: An HM reservoir for storing hydrogen includes a housing and a plurality of storage units. The storage units are stacked in the interior of the housing. Each storage unit includes a pair of plate-like molded bodies and a flat heat exchanger. The plate-like molded bodies are formed by compressing powder of hydrogen storage material. The heat exchanger is provided between the molded bodies. Each molded body includes a first side and a second side, which is opposite to the first side. The first side contacts the heat exchanger. A plurality of flat hydrogen passages are formed in the interior of the housing to face the second sides of the associated molded bodies. The structure of the HM reservoir is thus simple. Further, the molded bodies of the HM reservoir smoothly absorb hydrogen and smoothly release the same.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2001Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Katsuyoshi Fujita, Hidehito Kubo, Keiji Toh, Hiroyuki Mitsui, Sinichi Towata, Kazuhiko Itoh
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Patent number: 6997243Abstract: A composite wick structure of a heat pipe includes wick structure fabricated from a woven mesh and sintered powder. The woven mesh is attached to an internal sidewall of a tubular member, while the sintered powder is coated on at least one side of the internal sidewall. By the better capillary force provided by the sintered powder, the liquid-phase working fluid can reflow to the bottom of the heat pipe quickly to enhance the heat transmission efficiency. Further, the problems of poor capillary effect of the woven mesh and the problems caused by usage of an axial rod during the process of applying sintered powder can be resolved.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Inventor: Hul-Chun Hsu
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Patent number: 6997244Abstract: A composite wick structure of a heat pipe which is applied with a tube circumferential surface contacted to a heat source includes a plurality of grooves and a sintered-powder layer. The grooves are longitudinally formed on the internal sidewall of the tubular member. The sintered-powder layer filled in the grooves is attached to at least a portion of the internal sidewall of the tubular member. By the better capillary force provided by the sintered powder, the liquid-phase working fluid can reflow to the bottom side of the heat pipe quickly to enhance the heat transmission efficiency. Further, the problem caused by usage of an axial rod during the process of applying sintered powder can be resolved.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Inventor: Hsu Hul-Chun
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Patent number: 6997245Abstract: A heat pipe heat spreader is provided having a substantially L-shaped enclosure with an internal surface and a plurality of post projecting from the surface. A working fluid is disposed within the enclosure, and a grooved wick is formed on at least a portion of the internal surface. The grooved wick includes a plurality of individual particles having an average diameter, and including at least two lands that are in fluid communication with one another through a particle layer disposed between the at least two lands that comprises less than about six average particle diameters. A method for making a grooved heat pipe wick on an inside surface of a heat pipe container a layer of sintered powder between adjacent grooves that comprises no more than about six average particle diameters.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Thermal Corp.Inventors: James E. Lindemuth, John H. Rosenfeld
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Patent number: 6997246Abstract: A method and an apparatus for increasing the convective heat transfer capabilities of a liquid cooler coupled to various system and vehicle components. The apparatus includes a structure placed within a hollow tubing of the liquid cooler to distort the laminar flow of fluid within a center portion of the hollow tubing, which decreases the temperature rise of the fluid along an outer wall of the hollow tubing associated with laminar flow. In preferred embodiments, the structure has an elongated baffle wire or an extruded elongated ridge member. The structure allows the outer surface of the tubing to have increased cooling at a particular liquid flow rate. As a result, there is an increase in heat transfer capability to a coupled system or vehicle component.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2001Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Roy Alan Visser
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Patent number: 6997247Abstract: In a liquid loop cooling device, a heat exchanger includes a tube arranged in a multiple-pass configuration including a plurality of substantially parallel tube segments. The heat exchanger further includes a plurality of fins coupled to the tube segments. The fins for adjacent tube segments are separated by a gap.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Christopher G. Malone, Glenn C. Simon
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Patent number: 6997248Abstract: A charge air cooler formed of copper or a copper alloy for withstanding high temperatures and high pressures is described. The charge air cooler is made to withstand temperatures over about 300° C. and pressures greater than about 40 bars in one embodiment, and temperatures over about 600° C. and pressures greater than 40 bars in additional embodiments. The heat transfer tubes are connected to manifolds at either end. The manifolds are preferably formed of copper or copper alloy with the tubes mechanically joined thereto. In one embodiment, the tubes are arranged in alternating angles with respect to each other. In a preferred embodiment, the tubes are arranged in offset alternating angles with respect to each other.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Outokumpu OyjInventors: Yoram Leon Shabtay, John C. Hipchen
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Patent number: 6997249Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid line member for a modular fluid line system for passing therethrough a crystallizing, heat-sensitive working fluid, such as a synthetic polymer, a cellulose derivative or a solution consisting of cellulose, water and amine oxide. Such working fluids have a temperature-dependent viscosity and are subject to spontaneous decomposition phenomena under strong exothermic reaction. A temperature control of the working fluid is to be made possible by the fluid line member. This is achieved in that the fluid line member has a circular cross-section with a temperature control device instead of the core flow. According to the invention the temperature of the working fluid can thereby be controlled from the inside.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2001Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Zimmer A.G.Inventors: Stefan Zikeli, Friedrich Ecker
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Patent number: 6997250Abstract: Heat exchangers, constructed in accordance with principles of this invention, comprise a plurality of first passages, for transporting a first fluid or gas therethrough, and one or more second passages for transporting a second fluid or gas therethrough. The second passages are positioned adjacent to the first passages to permit a desired transfer of thermal energy from the first passages to the second passages. At least one manifold is placed in communication with one of the first or second passages. The manifold includes an opening disposed therethrough for receiving or dispensing the first or second fluid or gas to or from the first or second passages. The heat exchanger includes a flow director disposed therein for diverting or distributing the flow of first or second fluid or gas in a manner different from a natural fluid or gas flow within the heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventors: Roland Dilley, Richard Paul Beldam, Keith Agee
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Patent number: 6997251Abstract: A method for controlling the ascent and descent of a tubular member passing through a pipe or casing slip into a well bore. A float control member is affixed beneath the top surface of the pipe or casing slip. The control member is activated to control the raising or lowering of the tubular member. A piston within a cylinder housing is positioned below the top surface of the slip. As the tubular member is lowered, but before there is significant weight on the supporting structure, the piston is moved to its maximum height extension. Once the slips are set and the weight of the tubular member is applied to the slips, the piston begins to descend in the cylinder housing floating the final descent of the string. The string may be raised by activating a pump to force fluid within the housing chamber, raising the piston and thereby raising or lifting the string.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Inventor: Jeffery D. Baird
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Patent number: 6997252Abstract: A hydraulic setting tool for packers capable of mechanically setting the packer and opening a valve in the packer in one trip. The tool comprises an outer sleeve and an inner mandrel coaxially disposed within the outer sleeve and adapted to move axially relative to the outer sleeve. The tool further comprises three locking mechnisms that unlock under different fluid pressure loads. Two of the locking mechanisms lock the inner mandrel to the outer sleeve in a run-in position. Once a sufficient fluid pressure has been reached to unlock both of these locking mechanisms, the inner mandrel moves upward relative to the outer sleeve to set the packer. A spring forces the inner mandrel into a third position relative to the outer sleeve, which is maintained by the third locking mechanism. This third position is used to open the packer valve.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Jesse C. Porter, Brian K. Wilkinson, Donald R. Smith, Donald F. Hushbeck
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Patent number: 6997253Abstract: An apparatus for preventing or limiting the rotation of cementing plugs in a casing string during drillout. The apparatus includes an outer housing with a sleeve disposed therein. The sleeve has an inner surface configured to engage cementing plugs received therein to cause an interference fit. The sleeve will hold the cementing plugs when rotational forces, such as drilling forces, are applied so that during drillout, rotation of the cementing plug is prevented or is at least limited.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Earl D. Webb, Michael D. Stevens, John C. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 6997254Abstract: A spring centralizer device for supporting a tubular member spaced from the wall of a bore is made from a single piece of boron steel material. The spring centralizer device has first and second collars spaced apart along a longitudinal axis. Spring bow portions extend between the collars. As the device is made from a single piece of material, the material extends seamlessly from each collar portion through the bow portions so that there are no joins or points of weakness. Use of boron steel means that the device can be made by cold forming.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Domain Licences LimitedInventor: Andrew Jenner
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Patent number: 6997255Abstract: 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 reducing environment may be maintained within a portion of the formation.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Scott Lee Wellington, Harold J. Vinegar, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, IIya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Etuan Zhang, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Jr., Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
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Patent number: 6997256Abstract: A system to determine the mixture of fluids in the deviated section of a wellbore comprising at least one distributed temperature sensor adapted to measure the temperature profile along at least two levels of a vertical axis of the deviated section. Each distributed temperature sensor can be a fiber optic line functionally connected to a light source that may utilize optical time domain reflectometry to measure the temperature profile along the length of the fiber line. The temperature profiles at different positions along the vertical axis of the deviated wellbore enables the determination of the cross-sectional distribution of fluids flowing along the deviated section. Together with the fluid velocity of each of the fluids flowing along the deviated section, the cross-sectional fluid distribution enables the calculation of the flow rates of each of the fluids. The system may also be used in conjunction with a pipeline, such as a subsea pipeline, to determine the flow rates of fluids flowing therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2002Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Sensor Highway LimitedInventors: Glynn R Williams, Kevin J Forbes, Arthur H Hartog, Christian Koeniger, George A Brown
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Patent number: 6997257Abstract: A well logging system that has, as its goal, the collection of information normally acquired by a dip log tool based on conductivity or resistivity measurements, but with the advantages of radiation based well logging systems. Unlike conductivity based dip log systems, the radiation-based system can be implemented in cased or uncased boreholes. The combination system incorporates a number of radially arrayed devices that, though structurally distinct, function much like the arms associated with conductivity dip log devices. The system incorporates radiation detectors positioned in a radial array rather than electrodes. The combination system measures radiation in each of the multiple radial orientations and responds to generated radiation in the respective directions. The sensitivity of the radiation measuring devices is set so as to localize the region of the borehole being measured.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Inventor: Ivan Snoga
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Patent number: 6997258Abstract: A well logging tool includes a housing; at least one piston moveably disposed on the housing; at least one sensor disposed on the at least one piston; a pressure compensation system coupled to the at least one piston such that a pressure at a back side of the at least one piston is substantially identical to a pressure outside the well logging tool; and a piston deployment mechanism for deploying the at least one piston. A method for well logging using a logging tool having at least one piston and a pressure compensating system, wherein the at least one piston includes at least one sensor, the method includes disposing the well logging tool in a borehole; deploying the at least one piston to establish a contact between the at least one piston and a wall of the borehole; and measuring a formation property using the at least one sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Dean M. Homan, Kuo-Chiang Chen
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Patent number: 6997259Abstract: The present invention relates to increasing the permeability of a subterranean formation by forming a resinous mass having conductive channels through which fluids can be produced in the formation. Some embodiments of the present invention provide methods of creating a permeable resinous mass comprising the steps of selecting an interval along a well bore; providing a resin slurry comprising an acid curable resin, filler, and degradable material; placing the resin slurry into the selected interval; and, activating the acid curable resin using an activator wherein the activation causes the acid curable resin to substantially cure, the degradable material to substantially degrade, and forms the permeable resinous mass.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Philip D. Nguyen
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Patent number: 6997260Abstract: The disclosure concerns a method and apparatus for repairing or structurally reinforcing an oil and gas well tubular member, or an assembly of tubular members. The assembly to be repaired can include a smaller diameter inner flow conveying conduit (or production tubing) and a larger diameter concentrically placed surface casing, providing an annulus in between the production tubing and the surface casing. A third casing pipe of largest diameter, the drive pipe is placed around the surface casing string. Other “conductor” casing pipes can be positioned around the surface casing inside the drive pipe. Part of the surface casing string (or other conductor pipe) can suffer damage due to corrosion. A sleeve or repair member is placed around the casing string or other tubular member at a damaged portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Inventors: Bruce Trader, George Hofmeister
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Patent number: 6997261Abstract: For conformance treatment to plug an opening in subterranean hydrocarbon bearing formation, a conformance additive including water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, a filter aid that is preferably diatomaceous earth, and optionally a reinforcing material. The method of forming a conformance fluid includes contacting the additive with water or an aqueous solution, with a method of conforming the formation further including the step of injecting the fluid into the formation to plug the opening.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Inventor: Boyce Donald Burts, III
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Patent number: 6997262Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting one or more longitudinal members, external to a downhole tubular conduit, by pulling upward on a cutter body attached to the tubular conduit, where the longitudinal members are run between cutter knives within the cutter body. The cutter knives are attached to one external longitudinal member. After the main tubular conduit is cut below the cutter body, the tubular conduit is pulled, lifting the cutter body, thereby engaging the cutter knives with sloping surfaces on the cutter body to force the knives together, severing the external longitudinal members.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Larry T. Palmer, James S. Trahan
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Patent number: 6997263Abstract: A multi zone isolation tool (50) for use in a subterranean wellbore includes a first tubular and a second tubular disposed within the first tubular forming an annular flow path (110a, 110b) therebetween and a central flow path (70a, 80a, 80b) through the second tubular. An annular valving assembly (90, 80) is positioned in the annular flow path (110a, 110b) and a central valving assembly (148, 186) is positioned in the central flow path (70a, 80a, 80b). The central valving assembly (186) is operably coupled to the annular valving assembly (90) such that when the central valving assembly (148, 186) is in a closed position, a pressure variation in the central flow path (70a, 80a, 80b) will operate the annular valving assembly (90, 80) from a closed position to an open position.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Patrick F. Campbell, William David Henderson, Jay B. Shivers, Mark E. P. Dawson
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Patent number: 6997264Abstract: A connector arrangement used for connecting a first tubular to a second tubular. The first tubular member has at least one circumferential ring profile, and the second tubular member has a corresponding number of matching circumferential ring profiles. When the ring profiles of the two tubulars are mated and interlocked, they form separate and independent fluid seals as well as a mechanical lock able to hold the tubulars together during future expansion of the entire tubular and joint. Further, selecting properties of the tubulars such as yield strength and modulus of elasticity or constraining a diameter of one of the tubulars during expansion or compression forms a tight connection due to elastic recovery of the tubulars.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2002Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Neil A. A. Simpson, Clayton Plucheck, Robert J. Coon