Patents Issued in January 2, 2007
  • Patent number: 7156149
    Abstract: A method is described for producing a stratified composite material, with a layer of sinterable solids particles being applied to a strip-like metal carrier and being sintered with liquid phase by the supply of heat continuously in the forward feed direction. In order to provide simplified production conditions it is proposed that the metal carrier is heated continuously in the forward feed direction with a temperature profile which decreases towards lower temperatures from a maximum temperature above the melting temperature of the solids particles in the region of a surface layer receiving the particle layer towards a core layer of the metal carrier, and that the particle layer is sintered at least in a layer resting on the metal carrier by a heat transmission from the heated metal carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Miba Gleitlager GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Mergen, Günter Kutzik
  • Patent number: 7156150
    Abstract: A two-roll casting installation with two casting rolls which rotate in opposite directions about horizontal axes and forming a casting gap for forming and discharging a thin cast metal strip. A sealed housing which has a base and surrounds a conveying path for the metal strip which leaves the casting gap and which strip is from a vertical casting direction into an approximately horizontal conveying direction. Diverter devices divert the metal strip within the housing. A displaceable scrap collection container removes scrap and scale produced from the two-roll casting installation. To minimize the penetration of external air into the housing, the base of the housing, at least in a subregion, forms a collection trough for the scrap, which is part of an emptying device, and a displaceable scrap collection container is arranged in a receiving position below the emptying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Michael Zahedi, Thomas Stepanek, Gerald Hohenbichler, Franz Plöckinger, Karl Klima
  • Patent number: 7156151
    Abstract: A method of casting steel strip by introducing molten plain carbon steel on casting surfaces at least one casting roll with the molten steel having a free nitrogen content below 120 ppm and a free hydrogen content below about 6.5 ppm measured at atmospheric pressure. The free nitrogen content maybe below about 100 ppm or below about 85 ppm. The free hydrogen content maybe between 1.0 and 6.5 ppm at atmospheric pressure. Novel cast strip of plain carbon steel is produced having a strip thickness less than 5 mm or less than 2 mm by use of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Nucor Corporation
    Inventors: Rama Ballay Mahapatra, Eugene B. Pretorius, David J. Sosinsky
  • Patent number: 7156152
    Abstract: A process for the continuous production of a thin steel strip, in which a steel melt from a melt reservoir is introduced onto one or more, in particular two, cooled shaping wall surfaces which move synchronously with a casting strip, in particular rotate in the form of casting rolls and at least partially solidifies at the shaping wall surface to form the casting strip. The steel melt, in terms of the crucial alloying constituents, contains less than 1% by weight of Ni and less than 1% by weight of Cr and less than 0.8% by weight, in particular less than 0.4% by weight, of C and at least 0.55% by weight of Mn. In the process, recesses are arranged on the shaping wall surface in a random pattern, distributed uniformly over the shaping wall surface, and the roll separating force (RSF) at the shaping wall surface is set to a value of between 5 and 150 N/mm, in particular between 5 and 100 N/mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Gerald Hohenbichler
  • Patent number: 7156153
    Abstract: To start up a casting operation in a two-roll casting device without the use of a start-up strand, the method comprises setting an operating casting thickness and rotating the casting rolls at a casting-roll circumferential velocity which corresponds to a starting casting velocity, which is lower than a steady-state operating casting velocity, feeding metal melt into a melt space formed by the rotating casting rolls and the side plates to form a cast metal strip with a substantially constant, predetermined cross-sectional format while at the same time increasing the casting velocity to a strip-forming casting velocity, then increasing the casting velocity to a strip-separating casting velocity, which is significantly higher than a casting velocity which is sufficient for the prevailing full solidification conditions, and separating off the metal strip which has been cast thus far, setting a steady-state operating casting velocity, diverting the subsequent cast metal strip to a strip-conveying device and comme
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Gerald Hohenbichler, Gerald Eckerstorfer
  • Patent number: 7156154
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for continuous or semi-continuous casting of a metal material. The device comprises a first arrangement comprising a coil (7) having an extension around the casting mould (2) in an area, which is arranged to comprise molten metal material. The coil (7) is arranged to be fed with alternating current such that a varying magnetic field generated and is applied to the molten metal material in the casting mould (2). The device also comprises a second arrangement comprising at least two magnetic poles (8), which are provided at opposite sides of the casting mould (2). The poles (8) are arranged to supply a static or periodic low-frequency magnetic field to the molten metal material in the casting area. The poles (8) comprise at least a portion (11) which comprises a plurality of material layers which are electrically insulated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventors: Nils Jacobson, Jan Erik Eriksson, Erik Svensson
  • Patent number: 7156155
    Abstract: As a heat storage unit wherein, the volume variation of a heat storage material can be absorbed without an accompanying decrease in heat capacity, decrease in heat transfer coefficient, and oxidation and deterioration of the heat storage material due to oxygen in the air, so that the heat storage capacity can be adequately maintained and high performance can be attained, and moreover, the number of parts and the cost can be reduced, there is provided on the outside of a main member having; a fluid passage formation section which forms a fluid passage for circulating a fluid introduced from an inlet, on the inside of an outer wall section, and a heat storage material filling space formation section which forms a heat storage material filling space for filling with a heat storage material for which the volume varies corresponding to the heat storage condition, adjacent to the fluid passage, a passage switching section which selectively switches a flow-in destination of a fluid introduced from the inlet by the p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomohide Kudo
  • Patent number: 7156156
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for a heat transfer fluid circuit comprising ducts for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid, which are inserted between an inlet and an outlet, is described. Cavities designed to contain a heat storage fluid adjacent to the cooling fluid circulation ducts and associated with heat-exchanger surfaces, so that heat storage fluid is capable of exchanging heat with the air flow, if the circulation of the heat transfer fluid is stopped, are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Valeo Climatisation
    Inventors: Regine Haller, Loic Lepetit, Christian Petit, Didier Loup
  • Patent number: 7156157
    Abstract: A cooling mechanism according to the present invention comprises a heat conductive unit having a plurality of heat radiating fins extended outward in the radial direction thereof and a fan. The heat radiating fins and the air gaps among the heat radiating fins define a circular attachment face, on which the fan is attached. The fan further comprises a fan bracket and a fan wheel mounted within the fan bracket. The fan wheel further includes a wheel hub and a plurality of blades arranged around the wheel hub. The radial distance over which the blades of the fan extend significantly exceeds the outer rim of the attachment face of the heat conductive unit, so that air flow driven by the fan can pass through the air gaps of the heat conductive unit as well as the outer wall of the rim of the heat conductive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Asia Vital Component Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Hao Liu
  • Patent number: 7156158
    Abstract: To realize a integrally constructed cooler of the heat pipe type which ensures the achievement of sufficient cooling capacity and the realization of a simple, compact and inexpensive cooler, that is especially low in height, employing and incorporating ingeniously a heat pipe, there is provided a heat pipe type cooler comprising: a heat receiving plate 3; a heat radiator having a configuration of a plurality of horizontally oriented heat radiation plates 5 extending vertically; and a heat pipe H having a generally U or V shaped profile, the middle portion of which is secured to the heat receiving plate 3: and wherein each end of the heat pipe H passes through the heat radiation plates 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Akira Ueda, Masumi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7156159
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of circulating a heat-absorbing material within a heat exchanger. The apparatus comprises a manifold layer coupled to an interface layer. The manifold layer comprises an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold. The interface layer comprises a plurality of channels that extend from the inlet manifold, toward a heat-exchanging plane, and turn away from the heat-exchanging plane, terminating at the outlet manifold. The plurality of channels are stacked in a plane non-parallel to the heat-exchanging plane. Each of the channels is adjacent to another, thus allowing heat radiated from a heat-generating device to be conducted to a cooling material circulating within the channels, away from the heat-generating device. Preferably, each of the channels has a U-shape or an elongated U-shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Cooligy, Inc.
    Inventors: James Lovette, Peng Zhou, James Gill Shook
  • Patent number: 7156160
    Abstract: A liquid cooling system includes a container (10) defining communicable first and second chambers (125a, 125b) therein, a pump (15) mounted on the container and having an entrance port (152) in flow communication with the second chamber, and an exit port (150) in flow communication with the first chamber so that the pump, the first chamber, and the second chamber together form a loop for circulation of coolant, and a heat dissipation unit (2) located at the loop for cooling the coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Ind. (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsieh Kun Lee, Cheng-tien Lai, Shi-Wen Zhou
  • Patent number: 7156161
    Abstract: A lightweight thermal heat transfer apparatus, including a core section and a laminate composite section. The core section is substantially similar to a diamond shape. The laminate composite section has a plurality of thermally conductive fibers, which are disposed around the core section and oriented at a configuration similar to the core section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Steve Thoman, Ronald Trabocco, Mary Donnellan
  • Patent number: 7156162
    Abstract: A unit-type heat exchanger for use as a condenser in motor vehicle air conditioners and an oil cooler for various oils use in motor vehicles. An oil cooler 1 and a condenser 2 are arranged one above the other and assembled into a unit. Each of these components 1, 2 has two pipelike headers 10, 20 arranged in parallel to each other at a spacing, and a plurality of parallel exchange tubes 11, 21 joined at opposite ends thereof to the two headers 10, 20. The adjacent oil cooler 1 and condenser 2 have ends thereof positioned in proximity to each other and connected to each other by connectors 3. Each of the connectors 3 is provide at opposite sides thereof with respective recessed portions 30, 31 for opposed ends of the headers 10, 20 to be fitted therein, and these header ends are fited in the respective recessed portions 30, 31 and joined to the connector 3. The unit-type heat exchanger is adapted to prevent mixing of the fluids flowing inside the oil cooler 1 and the condenser 2, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventor: Hideaki Manaka
  • Patent number: 7156163
    Abstract: A composite heat exchanger having functions of air cooling and spray cooling, includes two base plates, a fin group between the base plates, and a flow conduit. The fin group includes a plurality of fins. Each fin is defined with a plurality of receiving holes. The flow conduit parallelly extends through the receiving holes and surrounds an outside of the fins whereby the outside surface of the flow conduit surrounding the fins directly contacts atomized heat exchange media for heat transfer through phase change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Liung Feng Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lin Heng-I, Chuang Feng-Ming, Lin Wen-Hsien
  • Patent number: 7156164
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger (10) with tubes (80) and a collector box (20). Said collector box (20) has a tube-plate (30) with tube openings (60) and with angled or rounded lateral regions (110,120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Werner Helms, Markus Reck, Stefan Weise
  • Patent number: 7156165
    Abstract: In tubular portion of a tank, slits are formed in each side face of chambers or across all side faces of the chambers. For partition plates that are to be inserted from the slits, groove portions in which the partition plates are fitted are formed by cutting portions to which the partition plates butt. The slits are formed in the chambers at positions relatively shifted from each other in a direction in which tubes are layered. This structure guarantees that, in the tank for a heat exchanger, bypass leakage of a heat exchange medium between sub-chambers is prevented from occurring when the partition plates are inserted in the tank from the slits provided on the tank side faces. Further, the tank can maintain required strength even if the slits are formed in it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Zexel Valeo Climate Control Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Ohata, Muneo Sakurada, Yoshihisa Eto, Naoto Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 7156166
    Abstract: A heating and air-conditioning system for a motor vehicle has a conditioning housing that includes a connecting section which is provided with at least one air outlet opening. Using connecting structure on the connecting section, the air outlet opening may be connected to either an attachable rear vehicle compartment temperature-control unit or closed tightly, in a leak-proof manner, by a removable covering part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Ian Bendell, Wolfgang Dieksander, Gebhard Schweizer
  • Patent number: 7156167
    Abstract: A vehicle HVAC control system including front and rear HVAC control systems for controlling a front HVAC system and a rear HVAC system, and a method for controlling the front and rear HVAC systems. A front set point temperature is used by the front HVAC control system to control operation of the front HVAC system. The front set point temperature is communicated to the rear HVAC control system. The rear HVAC control system derives a rear set point temperature, which is based upon the front set point temperature and a temperature adjustment value, to control operation of the rear HVAC system. The temperature adjustment value is one of a plurality of predetermined temperature adjustment values that may be selected by a rear seat passenger to adjust the rear set point temperature relative to the front set point temperature and thereby permit the rear set passengers to control the temperature of air delivered to the rear seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Bradley C. Errington, Junichi Kanemaru
  • Patent number: 7156168
    Abstract: An intensity of solar radiation is determined in a vehicle based on an absolute position of the sun, a spatial orientation of the vehicle, and a measured intensity of the sun. A position of the sun relative to the vehicle is determined on the basis of the orientation of the vehicle on the globe. This orientation can be determined by GPS data, at least one acceleration sensor, and/or an additional vehicle compass. The position of the sun relative to the vehicle can be determined based on the individual or combined data and the actual, absolute position of the sun, thereby making it possible to determine the intensity of the solar radiation in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: PREH GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Gutbrod, Thomas Noeth
  • Patent number: 7156169
    Abstract: An electrically operated actuation tool for a subsea completion system component having at least one hydraulically actuatable mechanism comprises an electric motor, a hydraulic pump which is driven by the motor and at least one hydraulic line which communicates between the hydraulic pump and a corresponding hydraulic conduit that is fluidly connected to the mechanism. In this manner, the motor drives the hydraulic pump to generate hydraulic pressure which is used to actuate the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher D. Bartlett
  • Patent number: 7156170
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in severing casing as it is pulled from a wellbore. In one aspect, the apparatus, includes a clamping assembly, a drilling assembly and a cutting assembly. The apparatus is disposed at the end of a telescopic arm, with the components being remotely operated by personnel using a control panel. The apparatus is positioned adjacent casing and clamped thereto. Thereafter, the apparatus drills a hole completely through the casing for the insertion of a retention pin. The apparatus then severs the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventors: Per Fotland, Tor Jan Akerlund
  • Patent number: 7156171
    Abstract: A centralizer for maintaining stand-off and/or centralizing a tubular member inside a larger diameter tubular member, for instance, in a wellbore. The centralizer is provided with bow springs that compress to a minimal diameter around the outer diameter of the sub to which the centralizer is concentrically mounted when compressive force is applied to the bow springs to facilitate insertion of the centralizer into restricted openings and/or flow control or wellhead equipment. The minimal diameter of the centralizer is provided by mounting the bow springs to a reduced diameter portion of the collar that is mounted to the sub, and even greater reduction in diameter is achieved by mounting the bow springs in notches formed in the reduced diameter portion of the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: CaseTech International, Inc.
    Inventor: Maximillian S. Gremillion
  • Patent number: 7156172
    Abstract: Methods are described for providing localized heating in an oil well at precise depths to accomplish or expedite specific objectives. The methods involve the use of a heating tool which can be lowered into an oil well to apply heat at a precise depth to achieve a desired result. The specific objectives may include localized heating of a fresh cement slurry to accelerate curing, or localized heating of recently emplaced chemicals which are formulated to be thermally activated. One purpose of such chemicals is to viscosify or increase in gel strength after being pumped into an oil well production zone, in order to restrict the production of unwanted formation fluids such as water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Becker, Frank Zamora, Verland Granberry, Robert B. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 7156173
    Abstract: Cement compositions containing low reactivity materials are disclosed. The compositions are useful in conditions involving high temperatures, high pressures, and tectonic forces such as oil and gas wells. The cement compositions display increased compressive strength, flexural strength, and tensile strength. Fractures appear to occur in a non-linear fashion between the Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ) of the particles, rather than in a straight line such as those observed in conventional cement materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventor: Dan T. Mueller
  • Patent number: 7156174
    Abstract: The present invention relates to well bore operations, and more particularly, to contained micro-particles, and methods for using such contained micro-particles in cementing operations. An exemplary method of facilitating the use of micro-particles in a well bore fluid comprises the steps of providing contained micro-particles, and adding the contained micro-particles to the well bore fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, the well bore fluids of the present invention comprise encapsulated micro-particles. In another exemplary embodiment, the well bore fluids of the present invention comprise pelletized micro-particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig W. Roddy, Bradley L. Todd
  • Patent number: 7156175
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of chemically generating gas in aqueous fluids utilized in the drilling and completion of wells such as drilling fluids, spacer fluids, and aqueous acid solutions. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of preventing the formation of fractures in a subterranean formation during a drilling operation. In other embodiments, the present invention provides methods of separating a first fluid and a second fluid in a subterranean formation; methods of forming lightweight well treatment fluids; methods of enhancing the permeability of a subterranean zone; lightweight drilling fluids; lightweight spacer fluids; foamed aqueous acidic well treatment fluids; and methods of making foamed aqueous and aqueous acidic well treatment fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: B. Raghava Reddy, Krishna M. Ravi, James E. Griffith, Frank Zamora, Karen Luke, John L. Dennis, Jr., Ricky A. Cox
  • Patent number: 7156176
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a system may be used to heat a hydrocarbon containing formation. The system may include a heater placed in an opening in the formation. The system may allow heat to transfer from the heater to a part of the formation. The transferred heat may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in the formation. The heater may be removable from the opening in the formation and redeployable in at least one alternative opening in the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, John Matthew Coles, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Bruce Gerard Hunsucker, James Louis Menotti, Christopher Arnold Pratt, Scott Lee Wellington
  • Patent number: 7156177
    Abstract: A scale dissolver fluid for dissolving scale in a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation comprises an effective amount of a scale dissolver formulation and an effective amount of a surfactant for controlling the viscosity of the fluid. In use, formation hydrocarbons act on the surfactant to reduce the viscosity of the fluid so that the fluid selectively invades a hydrocarbon-bearing zone of the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Gareth John Jones, Gary John Tustin, Philip Fletcher, Jesse Ching-Wang Lee
  • Patent number: 7156178
    Abstract: Compositions containing a peroxide or peracid and an organic acid salt buffer are provided. Also provided is a method for utilizing such compositions for removing polymers from oil and gas wells, while simultaneously dissolving encountered calcium carbonate deposits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Phillip J. Rae, Gino F. Dilullo Arias
  • Patent number: 7156179
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for completing a wellbore using expandable tubulars. Particularly, the invention relates to a system of completing a wellbore through the expansion of tubulars. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to the concurrent expansion of a first and second tubular, wherein the first tubular contains a polished bore receptacle configured to sealingly receive a portion of the second tubular thereby providing a sealable connection therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon J. Harrall, Robert J. Coon
  • Patent number: 7156180
    Abstract: An apparatus suitable for use in a wellbore comprises an expandable bistable device. An exemplary device has a plurality of bistable cells formed into a tubular shape. Each bistable cell comprises at least two elongated members that are connected to each other at their ends. The device is stable in a first configuration and a second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: L. McD. Schetky, Craig D. Johnson, Matthew R. Hackworth, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Patent number: 7156181
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for propelling a tool having a body within a passage. The tool includes a gripper including at least a gripper portion which can assume a first position that engages an inner surface of the passage and limits relative movement of the gripper portion relative to the inner surface. The gripper portion can also assume a second position that permits substantially free relative movement between the gripper portion and the inner surface of the passage. The tool includes a propulsion assembly for selectively continuously moving the body of the tool with respect to the gripper portion while the gripper portion is in the first position. This allows the tool to move different types of equipment within the passage. For example, the tool advantageously may be used in drilling processes to provide continuous force to a drill bit. This enables the drilling of extended horizontal boreholes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Western Well Tool, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman Bruce Moore, Ronald E. Beaufort, Rudolph E. Krueger
  • Patent number: 7156182
    Abstract: A one trip system for expanding a tubular that is solid or perforated or a screen comprises a downhole assembly that features a hydraulic anchor that can be set, released and repositioned to repeat the process. The anchor is small enough to go through the tubular or screen after initial expansion. The anchor's maximum extension is designed to avoid overstressing the already expanded tubular or screen. An expansion tool is hydraulically driven with the initial portion of the stroke delivering an enhanced force. The expansion tool initially supports the tubular or liner but subsequently releases during the first stroke, after the tubular or screen is fully supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gerald D. Lynde, John L. Baugh, Leopoldo S. Gomez, John P. Davis
  • Patent number: 7156183
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing defining a chamber therein and defining an inlet port and an outlet port and a movable pressure barrier, disposed in the chamber, separating the chamber into first and second portions, the inlet port and the outlet port being in fluid communication with the first portion of the chamber. The apparatus further includes a drive spring disposed in the second portion of the chamber for urging the movable pressure barrier in a pumping direction when in a compressed state, electric means for compressing the drive spring, and a return spring disposed in the first portion of the chamber for urging the movable pressure barrier in a recharging direction when the drive spring is in an uncompressed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Williams
  • Patent number: 7156184
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inert rendering method for preventing and/or extinguishing fires in enclosed spaces, wherein an oxygen-inhibiting gas is introduced into the target area in order to adjust a first basic level of inertion with a reduced oxygen content in comparison with natural conditions, and wherein an oxygen-inhibiting gas is further introduced in a gradual or sudden manner (in the case of a fire) into the target area in order to adjust one or more levels of inertion with a similarly reduced oxygen content. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method, comprising an oxygen-measuring device in the target area and a source of an oxygen-inhibiting gas. The aim of the invention is to provide an inert rendering method and device for carrying out said method enabling the storage of extinguishing gas needed to extinguish a fire in a simple, economical manner without having to resort to premises which are normally specially provided therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Wagner Alarm—und Sicherungssysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Werner Wagner
  • Patent number: 7156185
    Abstract: A soil stabilizer treating earth includes a stabilizer frame, a rotor rotatably mounted thereon and including a cutting tool for cutting earth and being movable such that the rotor may engage various depths of earth, a rotatable axle, and a track apparatus mounted on the rotatable axle, the track apparatus supporting the stabilizer frame and providing for movement of the stabilizer frame and rotor across the ground surface. The track apparatus may include a continuous flexible track having an upper length and a ground-engaging lower length and including an inner surface, an axle wheel mountable to the rotatable axle for rotational movement therewith, the axle wheel engaging the inner surface of the flexible track along the upper length to drive the flexible track in response to rotation of the axle, and an apparatus frame for mounting the axle wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: ATI, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Juncker
  • Patent number: 7156186
    Abstract: These and other objects and objectives are attained by providing an soil conditioning rotary reel for a strip-till primary tillage system, the rotary reel having a particular cross-sectional profile that forms the soil into a uniform raised berm ideally suited for planting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Dean Knobloch, Daryl T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7156187
    Abstract: An electric powered handheld screwdriver having a main body and a reaching arm. The main body has a power source, a drive motor, and a drive shaft. Attached to the outer portions of the main body are a plurality of screwdriver bits. The power source is a removable rechargeable battery pack. The reaching arm is composed of two sections: a front section and a rear section. The rear section has two transversely aligned drive shafts. The first drive shaft is connected to the main drive shaft of the drive motor. The first drive shaft is then connected to a series of longitudinally aligned transmission gears which are offset from the center line of the motor main drive shaft. The gears are then connected to the second transversely aligned drive shaft and this drive shaft is connected to the spindle. The spindle is powered by the second drive shaft and has the ability to rotate about the second drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Joel Townsan
  • Patent number: 7156188
    Abstract: A pile driver comprises a hammer for impacting a pile, a velocity sensor for measuring the velocity at impact, and a control system for adjusting the hammer stroke in accordance with the readings from the velocity sensor so that the optimal impact energy is imparted to the head of the pile. Optionally, the system further comprises a pile driving analyzer (including at least one strain gauge and/or an accelerometer) mounted on the side of the pile itself to determine whether the impact loading on the pile is below the maximum allowable stress. If the pile driving analyzer senses an overload of stress on the pile, the control system will reduce the velocity of the subsequent hammer stroke so that it no longer exceeds the maximum allowable stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Bermingham Construction Limited
    Inventors: Patrick Bermingham, Mark Triska, Michael Justason, Grant Bearss, David Hoover, Stefano Gabaldo, Tim Rosenberger
  • Patent number: 7156189
    Abstract: Self drilling anchors and related methods and apparatus. In one embodiment an apparatus comprises a drill bit, a hammer mechanism for hammering the drill bit in a first direction and in a second direction, and a selection mechanism for controlling whether, at a given point in time, the drill bit is hammered in the first or second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Yoseph Bar-Cohen, Stewart Sherrit
  • Patent number: 7156190
    Abstract: An impact tool has a slidable hammer that is driven by hydraulic oil under pressure inside a chamber. The hydraulic oil is pressurized by a piston driven by compressed gas on the opposite side of the piston from the hydraulic oil. The gas in the gas chamber is compressed by the piston on an initial stroke, and has a large annular chamber holding the gas so that higher average gas pressure can be attained during the power stroke. As the piston is moved to compress the gas, the piston lifts a valve that opens a passage for the hydraulic oil moved by the piston to act on a hammer to impact a breaking tool. The piston is a two part piston that serves to lower the inertia during the final closing of the valve, and thereby reduces impact loads on the valve as it is closed. The valve also is controlled as to its stroke for efficient operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Jack B. Ottestad, Craig A. Berard
  • Patent number: 7156191
    Abstract: The motor and gearbox combination is for use in a portable power tool having a motor section and a gearbox section. The motor section comprises a motor housing having a first end and an open second end, a first bearing supported at the first end of the motor housing, a stator fixed to the motor housing, a cap closing the open second end of the motor housing and supporting a second bearing and a motor shaft journalled at one end in the bearing and at the other end in the bearing, and a rotor mounted on the motor shaft in confrontation with the stator. The gearbox section comprises a gearbox housing accommodating a gear train and an output shaft. The cap is connected to the gearbox housing at or adjacent to the first end of the motor housing and encloses or substantially encloses the motor housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Johnson Electric S.A.
    Inventor: Kevin King Wai Lau
  • Patent number: 7156192
    Abstract: A downhole tractor is provided that may be used in open or cased wells, and is also designed for use in open holes having a variety of soil/formation consistencies (e.g., soft, firm, rigid, etc.), varying diameters and non-uniform and irregular bore profiles. The tractor may include a track assembly including a plurality of idler wheels and a continuous track rotatably disposed around the idler wheels. A motor may be adapted to rotate the track around the idler wheels. Upper and lower arms may be pivotally connected to opposite ends of the track assembly and pivotally connected to a tractor housing. An actuator arm or link assembly may be provided to impart an outward force to the track assembly to move the track assembly outwardly into an open position and a retracting force to retract the track assembly into a closed position. A rotatable screw may be connected to a second motor, or a rod may be connected to a hydraulic system, to actuate the actuator arm or link assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Julio C. Guerrero, Falk W. Doering, Carl J. Roy, Paul J. Beguin
  • Patent number: 7156193
    Abstract: A method and system for the prevention of backflash from an ignition source in a flare stack to a separator or wellbore particularly during drilling and production. A continuous positive flow of air or exhaust gas is provided into the flow of gases from the wellbore or the separator to ensure that the velocity of the flow is always higher than the velocity at which the flame can propagate backwards into either the separator or the wellbore. This method and system is particularly applicable to balanced, underbalanced and air drilling operations where the flow of gas from the wellbore is intermittent and unpredictable and can stop and start during connection and disconnection of the air used as the drilling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Matt Swartout
  • Patent number: 7156194
    Abstract: Improved methods for drilling well bores penetrating producing zones while controlling formation particulates are provided. Some embodiments provide methods of drilling a well bore into a subterranean formation comprising the steps of providing a drilling composition comprising a drilling fluid and a consolidating material; and, using the drilling composition while drilling the well bore and allowing the consolidating material in the drilling composition to penetrate into the walls of the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7156195
    Abstract: A cooling system for an electric motor of a vehicle comprises an electric motor which drives the vehicle, a reduction gear which adjusts a driving force of an output shaft of the electric motor and transmits the driving force to a drive shaft, and an in-shaft refrigerant passage provided in a shaft of the reduction gear and the output shaft of the electric motor. In the cooling system, a refrigerant which has passed through the in-shaft refrigerant passage is collected outside a motor case housing the electric motor, and is circulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Yamagishi, Ryuichi Idoguchi, Hiroyuki Hirano, Tamotsu Kawamura
  • Patent number: 7156196
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hub motor (100) formed in a wheel (14) for assisting in the movement of a vehicle (10) and methods associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen Basil Katsaros
  • Patent number: 7156197
    Abstract: A reversing mechanism is disclosed for use with motorcycles and other lightweight wheeled recreational vehicles. The reversing mechanism comprises a motorized drive gear that is configured to engage a wheel sprocket attached to the axle of a wheel, such as the drive sprocket that is part of the chain or drive belt assembly of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventors: Jesse Sanchez, Richard Abeyta
  • Patent number: 7156198
    Abstract: An attaching structure for a seatbelt apparatus of a vehicle equipped with a seat, which is supported by a vehicle body through a weight sensor. The seatbelt apparatus includes a buckle, a seatbelt, and a tang. The buckle is fixed to one side of the seat of the vehicle. One end of the seatbelt is fixed at the vehicle so that it allows a length adjustment of the seatbelt, and the other end of the seatbelt is connected to an anchor that is fixed to the other side of the seat. The tang is provided at the seatbelt and is engaged with the buckle so as to hold an occupant to the seat. Here, the anchor and the buckle are fixed at a position higher than the weight sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Harutomi Nishide, Mikihito Kojima, Makoto Nagai, Kazutomo Isonaga