Patents Issued in March 14, 2006
  • Patent number: 7011129
    Abstract: In order to achieve, in a device for welding of a foil tube comprising two welding jaws, which can be moved against one another and clamp the foil tube between one another, a relatively low building height of the device and a high welding force, it is suggested that a gearing has four rods, of which two inner rods are pivotally fastened through a stationary joint, and two outer rods are each connected through one joint to an inner rod and a further joint to a jaw carrier, and that a movable part of a linear drive is connected to the inner rods through a connecting member in order to pivot the inner rods and thus the jaw carriers away from one another or toward one another during a movement of the movable part along its active line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Rovema Verpackungsmaschienen GmbH
    Inventors: Roman Kammler, Walter Baur
  • Patent number: 7011130
    Abstract: The laminator for laminating protective, appearance changing film layer onto surfaces of CD's, DVD's, and other discs has a heated laminating roller that will press a web carrying the film onto the disc in regions on which pressure can be applied. In order to maintain the roller at a uniform surface temperature, the roller is continuously rotated whenever the roll heater is energized and the roll temperature is above a selected level so that the roller will maintain uniform temperature between laminating operations. The laminator has a supply roll for the web carrying the film, and a circuit board carrying a memory device is mounted on the interior of a hollow core of the supply roll in a manner that permits making contact with stationary members on the laminator to read information for enabling operating. A hub ring on the laminator is movable to a position to be spaced from a disc so no lamination takes place above the hub ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Primera Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd A. Britz
  • Patent number: 7011131
    Abstract: A mobile bead breaker (100) may be provided comprising a pair of conjoined housings (102, 104). In a first of such housings (104) may be the control and drive mechanisms of the present invention including a pump, hydraulic ram (118), a vertical guide plate (114) and the apparatus' controls. In the second of such housings (102) may be located a supporting wall (122) and for smaller tires a positioning rod (126) for locating and then maintaining the tire/rim assembly in a stationary vertical position for engagement by the bead breaker mechanism. The bead breaker mechanism, additionally located within the second housing (102), may be a spider assembly (200) comprising a plurality of legs (202) equally spaced about a central hub (206). The central hub (206) of such spider assembly (200) may be mounted to the hydraulic ram (118). When the ram (118) is activated, the spider assembly (200) moves toward and engages the tire/rim assembly about the bead of the tire to break the rim/bead seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: SUMMA Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Chappell, Charles Cross, Stephen Downs
  • Patent number: 7011132
    Abstract: An environmental strip curtain holding apparatus for suspending a plurality of flexible transparent strips forming a curtain includes a bar suitable for mounting to fixed structure adjacent to a location requiring the presence of a strip curtain. A plurality of pegs are coupled to the bar, each peg including a stalk extending outwardly from the bar. A cap is fixed to a distal end of the stalk spaced by a pre-selected distance from the bar. Each cap is generally symmetric with respect to the stalk to which the cap is fixed and has an outermost edge that is ovate to circular. The outermost edge of the cap is sized greater than the stalk to which the cap is fixed and greater than supporting holes in the strips forming the strip curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III
  • Patent number: 7011133
    Abstract: A filter material for molten aluminum, the material subsequently dissolvable in molten aluminum to recover aluminum captured therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: C. Edward Eckert
  • Patent number: 7011134
    Abstract: A method for forming diamond tools using CVD techniques. In one aspect, a mold is provided which has an interface surface configured to inversely match a configuration intended for the working surface of a diamond layer in a tool. An adynamic diamond mass or layer is then deposited upon the diamond interface surface of the mold, and a support layer is joined to the growth surface of the adynamic diamond layer. At least a portion of the mold is then removed to expose the working surface of the diamond which has received a shape which inversely corresponds to the configuration of the mold's diamond interface surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Chien-Min Sung
  • Patent number: 7011135
    Abstract: An apparatus 1 for producing a composite material including ceramic hollow particles and one of aluminum and aluminum alloy pressurizes a gas feeding member 20, a molten stock vessel 30, a packing 50, a forming mold 60 and an air-removal ceramic filter 80 by means of an upper pressure die 11 and a lower pressure die 12 and introduces an Ar gas thereby allowing molten aluminum 40 or molten aluminum alloy 40 to infiltrate in gaps between the plural ceramic hollow particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Kato, Hiroshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7011136
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for melting metals uses microwave energy as the primary source of heat. The metal or mixture of metals are placed in a ceramic crucible which couples, at least partially, with the microwaves to be used. The crucible is encased in a ceramic casket for insulation and placed within a microwave chamber. The chamber may be evacuated and refilled to exclude oxygen. After melting, the crucible may be removed for pouring or poured within the chamber by dripping or running into a heated mold within the chamber. Apparent coupling of the microwaves with softened or molten metal produces high temperatures with great energy savings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: BWXT Y-12, LLC
    Inventors: Alan F. Moore, Donald E. Schechter, Marvin Stanley Morrow
  • Patent number: 7011137
    Abstract: The molding device comprises a lower mold unit and an upper mold unit. When the upper mold unit approaches the lower mold unit, a molding cavity is defined between the lower and upper mold units. The lower mold unit has a storing chamber that is communicated with the molding cavity. The lower mold unit comprises a pressure-decreasing mechanism and a pushing mechanism. A molten material is stored in the storing chamber. When the molding cavity is formed between the lower mold unit and the upper mold unit, the pressure-decreasing mechanism decreases pressure in the molding cavity. Afterwards, in sync with the operation that the upper mold unit pushing down a lower mold-holding member of the lower mold unit, an injection rod of the pushing mechanism pushes out the molten material in the storing chamber to the molding cavity. As a result, the efficiency of the molding operation is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Toshihara Kanagata Kogyo Co., LTD
    Inventor: Akira Itoh
  • Patent number: 7011138
    Abstract: This invention relates to a mold rollover apparatus including a wheel member defining an axis and selectively rotatable about the axis and at least one carrier member carried by the wheel member and adapted to carry at least one mold member having a cast part disposed therein. The at least one carrier member is selectively rotatable at least from a first position, wherein the cast part is generally retained in the at least one mold member, to a second position, wherein the cast part is generally free to fall or drop from the at least one mold member. According to the present invention, the at least one carrier member is selectively rotatable about the axis at least from the first position to the second position independent of the rotation of the wheel member about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth D. McKibben, Daniel D. Minor, Mark T. Salgat, Aleksandar A. Filipov, Brooks Lucas, Michael Thompson
  • Patent number: 7011139
    Abstract: Non-oriented electrical steels are widely used as the magnetic core material in a variety of electrical machinery and devices, particularly in motors where low core loss and high magnetic permeability in all directions of the strip are desired. A method for producing a non-oriented electrical steel with low core loss and high magnetic permeability provides a steel that is produced from a steel melt which is cast as a thin strip or sheet, cooled, hot rolled and/or cold rolled into a finished strip. The finished strip is further subjected to at least one annealing treatment wherein the magnetic properties are developed, making the steel strip suitable for use in electrical machinery such as motors or transformers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventors: Jerry W. Schoen, Robert J. Comstock, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7011140
    Abstract: A cooling mechanism for a casting apparatus having a mold that includes sides, a bottom, and a top defining a cavity. The cooling mechanism allows for simultaneous injection of liquid and gas onto a cast ingot therefore providing a lower minimum operation liquid flow rate, while maintaining a fairly constant coolant impingement location on the ingot surface. As a result, heat is extracted from the metal ingot at a much lower rate allowing the ingot to experience superior startup butt curl control, which substantially reduces the number of localized stresses that can lead to cracking of the ingot. Reducing the number of cracks in the ingot substantially reduces the number of wasted ingots, therefore improving efficiency and reducing costs. A method of casting is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Ho Yu, David D. Leon, Allen M. Hummel
  • Patent number: 7011141
    Abstract: A mold is provided for enabling casting of single crystal metallic articles including a part-defining cavity, a sorter passage positioned vertically beneath and in fluid communication with the part-defining cavity, and a seed cavity positioned vertically beneath and in fluid communication with the sorter passage. The sorter passage includes a shape suitable for encouraging a single crystal structure in solidifying molten metal. Additionally, a portion of the mold between the sorter passage and the part-defining cavity includes a notch for facilitating breakage of a cast article proximate the notch during thermal stress build-up, so as to prevent mold breakage or the inclusion of part defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Shyh-Chin Huang, Michael Francis X. Gigliotti, Jr., Stephen Francis Rutkowski, Roger John Petterson, Paul Steven Svec
  • Patent number: 7011142
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes an extruded base member having a planar central portion and spaced-apart cooling fins extending from one side of the planar central portion. A cross-over member is located on the other side of the planar central portion and include flow passage that communicate with inlet and outlet manifolds formed in the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Dana Canada Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Davies, Kenneth M. A. Abels, Johny G. Burgers, Sebastien R. Gauguier
  • Patent number: 7011143
    Abstract: A modular fluid unit for cooling heat sources located on a rack, the modular fluid unit comprising: a heat exchanger in fluid communication a pump; and wherein the modular fluid unit is mountable within the rack and is configurable to be in fluid communication with a cold plate return manifold, a cold plate supply manifold, and an end-user fluid supply. A method for cooling electronic components in a rack, the method comprising: circulating a first liquid from a cold plate to one of a plurality of heat exchangers mounted within the rack; circulating a second liquid from a second liquid supply to the one of a plurality of heat exchangers; and transferring heat from the first liquid to the second liquid at the one of a plurality of heat exchangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph P. Corrado, John F. Eberth, Steven J. Mazzuca, Roger R. Schmidt, Takeshi Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 7011144
    Abstract: A cooling assembly is disclosed comprising one or more heat pipes heat pipes connected to a base member, a plurality of thermal plates connected to the one or more heat pipes at predefined intervals, wherein the one or more heat pipes intersects the plurality of thermal plates, and an opening fashioned in each one of the plurality of thermal plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Roy M. Zeighami, Christian L. Belady, Glen Edwards
  • Patent number: 7011145
    Abstract: A method for enhancing the mobility of a working fluid in a liquid/gas phase heat dissipating device improves the mobility of the working fluid therein, and further enhancing the heat dissipation capability of the heat dissipating device. The present invention coats a layer on the surface of a capillary structure inside the heat dissipating device to increase the material property on the surface and the coupling force between the working fluid and the capillary structure and decrease the contact angle between the working fluid and the capillary structure, and thus the working fluid has a higher mobility to solve the problem of the high heat flux density of the liquid/gas heat dissipating device and improve the heat dissipation effect. The present invention not only applies to the heat generating electronic components within a limited space, but also applies to other electronic components that require a constant temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Lan-Kai Yeh, Che-Wei Lin, Shao-Wen Chen, Jin-Cherng Shyu, Ming-Jye Tsai
  • Patent number: 7011146
    Abstract: Heat from a heat generating device such as CPU is dissipated by a heat sink device containing a recycled two-phase vaporizable coolant. The coolant recycles inside a closed metal chamber, which has an upper section and a lower section connected by a conveying conduit, and a wick evaporator placed in connection with the lower section. The liquid coolant in the evaporator is vaporized by the heat from the heat generating device. The coolant vapor enters the upper section and condenses therein, with the liberated latent heat dissipated out through the inner top chamber wall. The condensed coolant is then collected and flows into the lower section, and further flows back to the wick evaporator by capillary action of the evaporator, thereby recycling the coolant. Space or a piece of element with parallel grooves is used to at least one of the sections to reduce friction in the liquid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: NationalTsing Hua University
    Inventor: Shwin-Chung Wong
  • Patent number: 7011147
    Abstract: A heat pipe type circular radiator includes a plurality of sector cooling fins and a heat pipe. Each of the sector cooling fins has a main fin member with a through hole and has a big sector folded side and a small sector folded side at two lateral sides of the main fin member, respectively. The heat pipe passes through the sector cooling fins via the through hole respectively. Because the folded sides are designed has a shape of sector, the heat pipe with the cooling fins can be bent circularly and attached with a cooling base to form the circular radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Chung-Tsai Hung
  • Patent number: 7011148
    Abstract: The efficiency of a heat exchanger is significantly improved by connecting walls to an air flow structure, which has first grooves formed in the top surface of the structure and second grooves formed in the bottom surface of the structure, that block off alternating ends of the first and second grooves such that a first air source can only flow through the first grooves and a second air source can only flow through the second grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Tellabs Petaluma, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Calanni, Lawrence M. Giacoma
  • Patent number: 7011149
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a header pipe, an inlet manifold, an outlet manifold, and coupling members. The header pipe includes a fluid circulation hole inside. The inlet manifold supplies a fluid to the fluid circulation hole of the header pipe. The outlet manifold discharges the fluid from the fluid circulation hole of the header pipe. The header pipe is connected to the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold though the coupling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Fujita, Yoshihiro Sasaki, Torahide Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7011150
    Abstract: A plurality of beads protruding from an inner face of the tube are provided in such a manner that the beads are arranged at a predetermined pitch in an axial direction of the tube; and a circumference of the tube is divided at least into thirds, and the beads are aligned in a circumferential direction of the tube; and the beads aligned in the circumferential direction of the tube are provided at plural rows at the predetermined pitch in the axial direction of the tube, and the beads adjoining in the axial direction are shifted by substantially a half of a circumferential length of the bead to one another. Alternatively, the circumference of the tube is divided into parts of an even number of four or more, and the beads are aligned in the circumferential direction so as to be alternately formed in the parts of the circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Tokyo Radiator Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tamio Komatsubara, Hirokazu Yokoyama, Noboru Shirako
  • Patent number: 7011151
    Abstract: The present invention relates to downhole drilling operations, and more particularly, to the completion of lateral boreholes. Apparatus (100) is provided comprising a tubular liner portion (108) for lining a portion of a lateral borehole adjacent an opening of a borehole into the lateral borehole. An end portion of said tubular liner portion (108) is provided with a flange element (102) having a curved surface for locating in abutment with an area of main borehole surrounding said opening. A method of using said apparatus (100) is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce McGarian, Robert I. Chadwick, Gary A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7011152
    Abstract: A power supply assembly, which is placed subsea and is connected to an umbilical from a platform, supplies electrical power to subsea equipment. The power supply assembly supplies power during drilling operations to a pump for pumping drilling fluid from the sea floor to the sea surface. During production operations, the power supply assembly provides power to a booster pump to pump the well fluid away from the subsea well for collection. The subsea power supply assembly optionally also provides power to electrically charged portions of subsea separators that remove water from the oil in the well fluid. The booster pump the pumps the oil from the separator away from the subsea wellhead for collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Vetco Aibel AS
    Inventor: Nils-Arne Soelvik
  • Patent number: 7011153
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an improved downhole disconnect tool are provided, some of which may include a first housing releasably connected to a second housing, a first piston releasably connected to the first housing, and a second piston releasably connected to the second housing. Various fluid communication ports and ball seats may be provided in various combinations in the first and second pistons and in the second housing to enable remote control of the tool by circulating one or more balls into engagement with one or more of the ball seats to disconnect the first housing from the second housing, and thereby disconnect any structures connected to the first and second housings, respectively. Other features and aspects of the invention are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Zafer Erkol
  • Patent number: 7011154
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of treating a kerogen and liquid hydrocarbon containing formation in situ may include providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation. Heat may be allowed to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a part of the formation. In some embodiments, at least a portion of liquid hydrocarbons in the part may be mobilized. At least a portion of kerogen in the part may be pyrolyzed. In certain embodiments, a pressure within at least a part of the formation may be controlled. The pressure may be controlled to be at least about 2.0 bars absolute. A mixture may be produced from the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Kevin Albert Maher, Ilya Emil Berchenko, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, John Michael Karanikas, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Etuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 7011155
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for of determining a formation parameter of interest. The method includes placing a tool into communication with the formation to test the formation, determining a first formation characteristic during a first test portion, initiating a second test portion, the second test portion having test parameters determined at least in part by the determinations made during the first test portion, determining a second formation characteristic during the second test portion, and determining the formation parameter from one of the first formation characteristic and the second formation characteristic. The apparatus includes a draw down unit and a control system for closed loop control of the draw down unit. A microprocessor in the control system processes signals from a sensor in the draw down unit to determine formation characteristics and to determine test parameters for subsequent test portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Matthias Meister, Jaedong Lee, Sven Krueger, Eick Niemeyer
  • Patent number: 7011156
    Abstract: A percussion apparatus and method of using the percussion apparatus. The apparatus may be used for delivering an impact to a tubular string. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical member having an internal bore containing an anvil and a first guide profile. The apparatus further includes a rotor disposed within the internal bore, and wherein the rotor member comprises a body having an outer circumference with a second guide profile thereon, and wherein the rotor contains a radial hammer face. In a first position, the second external guide profile of the rotor will engage with the first guide profile of the cylindrical member so that the radial hammer face can contact the anvil. In a second position, the second guide profile of the rotor will engage with the first guide profile of the cylindrical member so that the radial hammer face is separated from the anvil shoulder. Multiple rotors and multiple stators may be employed. The rotor may be operatively associated with a stator that directs flow into the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Ashmin, LC
    Inventor: Gunther H H von Gynz-Rekowski
  • Patent number: 7011157
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluid treatment of a selected interval of a well and then cleaning the selected interval and the apparatus of treatment residue. An straddle tool is run into the well to treatment depth on fluid supplying tubing and has upper and lower packers that establish sealing with the casing and define an annular interval between the packers and between the tool and casing. Fluid, such as fracturing fluid, is pumped through the tubing to the tool and is diverted through an outlet port of the tool into an upper portion of the annular interval. Fluid then flows from a lower portion of the annular interval through an inlet port below the outlet port and at low flow rate is dumped into the casing through a pressure responsive dump valve. The outlet port and inlet port are located to accomplish cleaning of residue from the packers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Costley, David M. Eslinger, Randolph J. Sheffield, L. Michael McKee
  • Patent number: 7011158
    Abstract: Apparatus connected to the downhole end of a tubing string for cleaning and flushing wells has a threaded connection to the string and at least one primary jet to direct circulating gases toward the downhole end of the well, together with a plurality of secondary jets which are arranged around the exterior of the tubular member and directed upwardly at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member and skewed radially at an acute angle with respect to the surface of the tubular member the skew angle being opposed to the thread angle so as to tend to tighten the threaded connection and the upwardly directed gas volume being approximately one and one-half to four times that which is directed toward the downhole end of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventors: Jerry Lynn Davis, Jerry Wayne Noles, Jr., legal representative, Jerry W. Knoles, Sr., deceased
  • Patent number: 7011159
    Abstract: A fastener for coupling blowout preventers in a stack including an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end, and a head disposed proximate the first end of the elongated shaft and adapted to be retained in a recess in a first blowout preventer. The second end of the elongated shaft is adapted to be coupled to a second blowout preventer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Hydril Company, L.P.
    Inventor: William R. Holland
  • Patent number: 7011160
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a drill string is disclosed. The apparatus includes an inner core assembly having a first and second transverse bore, and wherein the inner core assembly has a first end and a second end. The apparatus further includes a first and second piston, disposed within the first and said second transverse bore, for closing an internal longitudinal bore of the inner core assembly, and wherein the first end of the inner core assembly is connected to the drill string and the second end is operatively connected to a swivel or top drive. The pistons are movable into the internal longitudinal bore of the inner core assembly in order to close the internal longitudinal bore. The apparatus may further comprise a third and fourth transverse bore positioned within the inner core assembly and third and fourth pistons, disposed within the third and fourth transverse bores of the inner core assembly, for closing the internal longitudinal bore of the inner core assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Anthony R. Boyd
  • Patent number: 7011161
    Abstract: A structural support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Lev Ring, Robert Donald Mack, Andrei Gregory Filippov
  • Patent number: 7011162
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore, the apparatus comprises a top body, a bottom body, and a sleeve mechanically connected to the top and bottom bodies. The sleeve movable between a first position to a second position, whereby in the first position, the top and bottom bodies rotate as one unit and in the second position, the top body rotates independent of the bottom body in a first direction and with the bottom body in a second direction. A method for completing a wellbore, wherein the method comprises running an assembly and a liner disposed on a drill string into the wellbore. The assembly includes an expander tool, a hydraulically actuated swivel, and a running tool mechanically connected to the liner. The method includes rotating the assembly and the liner as one rotationally locked unit. The method further includes activating the expander tool, expanding the liner into the existing casing, deactivating the expander, and then removing the drill string and running assembly from the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick G. Maguire
  • Patent number: 7011163
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a horseshoe including a plurality of calks for enhancing traction. The calks are located on sloped interior side wall portions of the horseshoe. Each calk includes a small rounded leading end and a rearwardly and outwardly tapered surface for permitting the horseshoe to slide forwards during the braking or planting phase of the gait cycle. Further, each calk includes a grab surface on the trailing end for enhancing traction during the propulsive or thrust phase of the gait cycle. The horseshoe of the present invention can reduce the magnitude of the shock loads experienced by a horse during the hoof planting phase by sliding slightly on the hoof lands, and improve traction with the rear grab surface during the propulsive phase of the gait cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Thoro'Bred Racing Plate, Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin L. Kinney, Thomas B. Curl
  • Patent number: 7011164
    Abstract: An engine disabler spray system allows a first chase vehicle to disable a second fleeing vehicle by spraying a fire suppressant agent from the first vehicle at the second vehicle wherein the fire suppressant agent is sucked through the air intake of the second vehicle's engine and once the fire suppressant agent enters the engine, the engine is robbed of oxygen and ceases thereby. The fire suppressant agent is stored within a tank located within the trunk of the first vehicle and is discharged through nozzles located on the back of the first vehicle. The nozzles may be directionally controlled for optimum targeted spraying at the second vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: O. Alan Breazeale
  • Patent number: 7011165
    Abstract: An electric hand tool apparatus (1) for driving a drill-like tool, which carries out an at least partial rotational movement, has within a housing (2), an electric motor (4) without or free of collector and slip ring, the rpm of which can be controlled by motor control electronics (3), wherein an rpm-dependent clutch (5) for transferring the torque is disposed in a force transfer path from the electric motor (4) to a transmission (6). Optionally, to prevent an excessively high twisting of the housing (2), a sensor (7) is evaluated and the rpm of the electric motor (4) is reduced in order to sever the transfer of force by the rpm-dependent clutch (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ferdinand Kristen, Hans-Werner Bongers-Ambrosius
  • Patent number: 7011166
    Abstract: An automatic pipe handling system for automatically transporting pipe sections to and from a horizontal boring machine. The system comprises a pipe handling assembly, a pipe lubrication assembly, a makeup/breakout assembly, and an automatic control system. The pipe handling assembly stores pipe sections and transports the pipe sections to and from the drill string of a boring machine. As the pipe handling assembly transports a pipe section, the pipe lubrication assembly lubricates the appropriate pipe joints. The makeup/breakout assembly secures the drill string and pipe joints so that pipe sections can be added to or removed from the drill string. A programmed controller automatically operates the pipe handling system and its components by synchronizing the operations of the pipe handling system. The controller sequences and times the operation of each aspect of the pipe handling system during both the boring operation and the backreaming operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoff D. Koch, Brad E. Mitchell, David A. Rorabaugh
  • Patent number: 7011167
    Abstract: In a device for sealing a bore hole and discharging drill cuttings and stripped excavation material, including a housing adapted to receive sealing elements and an opening capable of being connected to the bore hole, one side wall of the housing is provided with at least one opening for the connection of a haulage duct, wherein the housing end side facing the bore hole is equipped with a lockable, particularly screwable, sealing flange (13) for the detachable connection with a bore hole lining (11). The sealing flange (13) is rotationally and sealingly mounted within the housing and carries projections, in particular an annular brim (15) which is overlapped by a stop (14) of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignees: VOEST-ALPINE Bergetechnik Gesellschaft m.b.H., Cigar Lake Mining Corporation
    Inventors: Bernhard Ebner, Gerhard Weinberger, Bruno Reumüller, Barry Schmitke
  • Patent number: 7011168
    Abstract: A hole forming tool is disclosed utilizing compressed gas discharged into a shaped shroud resulting in minimal disturbance to the surrounding ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Eric Wensing
  • Patent number: 7011169
    Abstract: A drill bit with rolling cone cutters for drilling a borehole in an earthen formation. The bit has a bit body, at least one leg depending from the bit body, a rolling cone rotatably mounted on the leg, the cone having a plurality of adjacent rows of cutters thereupon, at least one hole formed within the cone, the hole having a cylindrical wall, and a cutting element partially disposed within the hole, the cutting element having a cylindrical base which fits within the cylindrical wall of said hole, a shoulder which extends outward from the base of the cutting element, and an exposed cutting end extending from the shoulder, the cutting end being substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the cutting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Jimmy Wayne Eason
  • Patent number: 7011170
    Abstract: An earth boring bit has rolling cones rotatably mounted to the bit legs. Each cone has conical bands extending around the exterior. Holes are formed in each of the bands. Compacts are press-fitted into the holes, each having a cutting tip that projects from the conical band. Flats are formed in the conical bands, each flat extending between adjacent compacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Leroy W. Ledgerwood, III, Timothy K. Marvel
  • Patent number: 7011171
    Abstract: A rugged terrain robot (RTR) apparatus can function as a reconnaissance robot to optimize safety of search or rescue personnel. Remote control places the RTR in either a rolling mode or in a stair-climbing mode. Remote feedback is provided by an on-board RTR camera and microphone. The RTR consists of two clamshell sections and a tail boom section. The RTR uses polymorphic locomotion of the clamshells for efficient maneuverability in traversing rugged terrain when in a “rolling” mode and is switched remotely into a stair-climbing mode (or extreme terrain) using end-over-end clamshell motion with a tail boom assist to climb stairways. The RTR can carry various communication devices, sensors and payloads for use by police, firemen, soldiers, rescue or other applications to optimize safety when direct entry by a human may not desirable until an area is reconnoitered. The RTR is remote controllable and easily transported to a reconnaissance area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Andrew R. Poulter
  • Patent number: 7011172
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a plurality of casters coupled to the frame, a wheel movable relative to the frame between a first position engaging the floor and a second position spaced from the floor, a drive assembly coupled to the wheel and operable to drive the wheel to propel the patient support apparatus along the floor, a controller associated with the drive assembly, a push handle coupled to the frame, a control coupled to the push handle and movable to provide a signal to the controller via at least one wire routed from the control through the push handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services
    Inventors: Richard H. Heimbrock, Thomas M. Webster, John Vogel
  • Patent number: 7011173
    Abstract: A snowmobile is described having a frame, at least one steerable ski disposed at a forward end of the frame, and an endless drive track disposed beneath a rearward end of the frame to propel the frame. A seat is mounted on the frame, which may accommodate at least one person. A fairing is disposed behind the seat, and a storage compartment is defined interiorly to the fairing. Variations are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Germain Cadotte, Eric Bertrand, Yvon Bédard
  • Patent number: 7011174
    Abstract: A rear suspension system for a motorcycle is disclosed. The rear suspension system includes a lower member mechanically connected to the pivot pin and extending from the pivot pin to a rear axle assembly. The suspension system also includes an upper member connected to the lower member and an air spring assembly is disposed between the upper member and the frame. The suspension system is adjustable during operation and provides improved suspension travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jesse G. James
  • Patent number: 7011175
    Abstract: A method for activating safety devices comprising a first longitudinal impact sensor, a second lateral impact sensor and a processing device which activates the safety devices, wherein when the motion signals and/or signals derived therefrom exceed defined threshold values, the threshold values that are critical for the activation of the safety devices are increased in the event of an immediately preceding abnormal motion of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andrea Link, Willibald Watzka, Jan Urbahn
  • Patent number: 7011176
    Abstract: A power device for an automotive vehicle includes an interlock switch 1, a crash sensor 2 for detecting an impact of an automotive vehicle, an interlock relay 3 controlled and turned ON and OFF by the interlock switch 1, and a contactor 4 for interrupting an output circuit 11 when the interlock relay 3 is turned OFF. In the power device, when the interrupting signal is outputted from the crash sensor 2, or when the interlock switch 1 is turned OFF from ON, the contactors 4 are turned OFF to interrupt the output circuit 11. Further, the power device has a switching element 6 connected to exciting coils 4a of the contactors 4 in series and is turned ON and OFF by an interrupting signal from the crash sensor 2. When the crash sensor 2 outputs the interrupting signal, the contactors 4 are turned OFF by the switching elements 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Yugo, Yoshiaki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7011177
    Abstract: To enable restart of an engine by detecting that a vehicle is restored to the upright position after overturning in an early state. An acceleration sensor having a detection axis laid laterally of a vehicle body is integrated into an ECU and mounted on the vehicle body. Outputs of the acceleration sensor are weighted and averaged, and when an average value exceeds an overturn threshold repeatedly, an overturn determination unit determines that the vehicle is overturned. On the other hand, when outputs of the acceleration sensor are determined to be below a restoration threshold, and the determination is repeatedly made, it is determined that the vehicle is restored from the overturned state. The engine is stopped when determination of overturn is made, while restart of the engine is enabled when determination of restoration is made. Especially, the reference value of determination is set so that determination of restoration is made at an early stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenichi Machida, Katsuhiro Ouchi
  • Patent number: 7011178
    Abstract: A sound transmitter includes at least a vibrating membrane mounted on the wall of an enclosure so that one surface of the speaker membrane radiates in the enclosure, the enclosure being provided with a vent forming a conduit between an outlet inside the enclosure and an outlet outside the enclosure. The vent comprises aerodynamic turbulence attenuating elements at least at one of the outlets, the turbulence resulting from an air stream caused by the large amplitude displacements of the membrane. The invention also concerns a sound transmitter wherein air moves in a conduit (33) extending from the membrane to an outlet (35) of the conduit (33) on the outside. The invention further concerns a speaker whereof the members have an aerodynamic shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignees: Universite Pierre et Marie Curie
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Morkerken