Patents Issued in June 26, 2007
  • Patent number: 7234494
    Abstract: A device for filling soluble containers such as capsules comprises an assembly for orienting and separating capsules including double blind capsules which have a longer cap length and shorter body length wherein such assembly has a top sheet for loading the capsules and a bottom sheet for orienting the capsules loaded therein and such said sheets capable of being relatively displaced with respect to each other. Slots are provided in the top sheet for limiting such displacement by setting free configuration for orientation of the capsules. An open closable gate is mounted to the top sheet for enabling easier loading and containment of the capsules within the top sheet, for orienting the capsules. The filler assembly has at least a pair of sheets having profile cut portions and profile-cut strip for gripping the body of the capsules especially capsules having a longer cap length and shorter body length such as double blind capsules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventors: Raj Vikram Tahil, Santosh Puransingh Bhagat, Poovakkala John Oommen
  • Patent number: 7234495
    Abstract: An underground mine tire 20 having a nominal bead diameter of 20.0 inches or less has a carcass, a tread 25 and a pair of rubber sidewalls 23, each extending along the outer periphery of the carcass 21 below the tread 25. The tire 20 has a nominal bead width D greater than 8.50 inches and an overall diameter of less than 55 inches. The carcass 21 has at least one radial steel cord reinforced ply 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Maurice Jacob Frank, Steven Michael Wilton, Lance Reed Wilkinson, Brian Ernest McMahon, Nicholas Lynn Sticklen
  • Patent number: 7234496
    Abstract: A safety insert designed to be mounted in an assembly comprising a tire and a rim of a vehicle and device for detecting the bearing of the tire on an insert, so that the insert generates signals oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the tire and rim assembly and so that the device detects and analyzes the vibrating signals of the chassis of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Compagnie Générale des Etablissements Michelin-Michelin & Cie
    Inventors: Arnaud Dufournier, Francois Hottebart
  • Patent number: 7234497
    Abstract: A tire for a motorcycle wherein the radius of curvature (R1) of a corner portion on one side (an inside in an axial direction) of a groove of the tire is smaller than a radius of curvature (R2) of the other corner portion; the radii of curvature (R1) and (R2) are set to be 2 mm or more; a first phantom circle for defining the corner portion is inscribed on a second phantom circle for defining the corner portion; the point of contact of the first phantom circle and the second phantom circle is positioned on the outside from the center of a groove; and the distance between the center of the groove and the point of contact is equal to or smaller than one fifth of the width (B) of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masakatsu Yamane
  • Patent number: 7234498
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pneumatic tire having a component comprising at least one elastomer containing olefinic unsaturation; a radioactive source of radiation; and a phosphorescent agent capable of emitting visible light upon exposure to said radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Giorgio Agostini
  • Patent number: 7234499
    Abstract: An adhesive tape application tool (1) usable for applying an adhesive tape to a door sash frame (80) of a vehicle, for example, quickly without causing bubbles incorporated or without deviation of tape applying positions even if the door sash has a form of a curve with a small radius or curves steeply with a corner. The adhesive tape application tool includes: an application part (5) for pressing an adhesive tape against an application surface (54), and a guidance part (6) having three guide rollers (16, 17) having a tapered shape portion and being in contact with the projected line portion in such a manner that the guide rollers pinch the adherend together with the application part. The guidance part is provided with guide rollers having a tapered shape portion positioned at both ends being installed with their top directed in one direction, and the central guide roller having a tapered shape portion being installed with its top directed in other direction (opposite to the aforementioned direction).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Takayoshi Fujino
  • Patent number: 7234500
    Abstract: A cutting device (10) for cutting a material (12) and providing a cut portion of the material (12). The device comprises a heating assembly comprising an electrical induction arrangement (32) for heating the cut portion of the material by induction heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Relco U.K. Limited
    Inventors: David Gill, Mark Gill
  • Patent number: 7234501
    Abstract: An actuating mechanism (10) is taught that is used for externally operating a mini-blind (20) or a shade (20?) in a sealed double glazed window (22) which includes a window frame (24) with a side opening (26) and a roll box (28) in alignment with the side opening. A blind actuator (34) incorporates a rotatably sealed pulley shaft (38) that interfaces with the roll box on an interior end (40) and a belt pulley (66) on an exterior end (42). The actuator is sealed to the window frame with an O-ring (48) and rotation of the belt pulley causes the blinds to raise, lower and tilt. When the actuator is slideably removed from the window frame the mini-blind cord roll box may be extricated for replacement or repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Hubert H. Park
  • Patent number: 7234502
    Abstract: An overhead garage door with a counterbalance mechanism incorporated into a pocket or hollow section formed in the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: James J. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 7234503
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reduction device for a roll screen, as a compressive piston of a reduction part comes in and out inside of a cylinder combined with a one end of inside of a winding bar, to a device being capable of winding and loosening the roll screen easily and conveniently, more particularly to a device being capable of preventing a noise, an impact and a safety-accident and being capable of operating easily without distinction of age or sex, young and old, men and women all alike, due to a winding of the roll screen by way of reducing a speed of the roll screen with a definite section while the roll screen is wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Jae-Suk Kwak
  • Patent number: 7234505
    Abstract: A metal flow system, for use in casting aluminium alloy using a pressure casting machine, is provided by a component of a die or mould assembly, for the machine, which defines a die cavity. The component defines at least part of an alloy flow path for the flow of aluminium alloy from a pressurized source of substantially molten aluminium alloy of the machine to the die cavity. The flow path includes at least one runner and a controlled expansion port, referred to also as a CEP, which has an inlet through which the CEP is able to receive aluminium alloy from the runner and an outlet through which aluminium alloy is able to flow from the CEP for filling the die cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
    Inventors: Morris Taylor Murray, Matthew Alan Cope
  • Patent number: 7234506
    Abstract: A ceramic core for use in casting an article such as for example an airfoil, wherein the ceramic core has a pocket located at or near a region of the core that is otherwise associated with occurrence of a localized casting defect in the cast article. A covering is disposed on the core to cover the pocket and provide core outer surface features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Howmet Research Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Grunstra, John Corrigan
  • Patent number: 7234507
    Abstract: A die coating for use on the surface of a metal mold or die component contacted by molten metal in low pressure or gravity die casting, and a method for its production. The die coating includes a porous layer of ceramic material produced by co-deposition, using a thermal spraying procedure, of a powder of said ceramic material and a powder of an organic polymer material. After the co-deposition, the co-deposited layer is heated to remove the polymer material, and provide the porous layer of ceramic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Cast Centre Pty Ltd., Department of Mining, Minerals and Materials, Engineering, University of Queensland
    Inventors: Mahnaz Jahedi, Mary Giannos, Stefan Gulizia
  • Patent number: 7234508
    Abstract: A mould for continuously casting metal strips comprises a pair of side walls (11) on opposite sides of an open-ended mould cavity (C) having an entrance end (E) for continuously receiving molten metal and an exit end (D) for continuously discharging a moving solidified strip (D) formed from the molten metal. Each mould side wall (11) includes a graphite block (13) formed of a stack of a multiplicity of elongate graphite laminae (16) having opposite faces (16A) and inner edges (16B), said inner edges (16B) jointly forming a surface (16A) directed toward the mould cavity (C). The mould further comprises a cooling system associated with each graphite block (13) and including coolant tubes (15) extending through the stack transversely to said opposite faces (16A) of the graphite laminae (16) forming the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Luvata Oy
    Inventors: Angela Vestman, legal representative, Susanne Karlsson, legal representative, Sture Östlund, Bertil Vestman, deceased
  • Patent number: 7234509
    Abstract: A molten metal containment device between the crystallizing rollers (38, 39) of a continuous casting machine comprises a lateral containment plate (47) able to press against the shoulder surfaces (40, 41) of the crystallizing rollers (38, 39); means of providing pressure (37) able to move said lateral containment plate (47) so as to move it close to and press it against said shoulder surfaces (40, 41). The lateral containment plate (47) is fixed to the means of providing pressure (37) through an articulated joint which comprises a flexible tubular sleeve (1), corrugated like bellows and able to support said lateral containment plate (47) allowing the horizontal pivoting at least around one axis of pivoting (X) horizontal and not parallel to the axes of rotation (A1, A2) of the rollers (38, 39). In a second aspect of the invention the containment plate (47) is fixed to the means of providing pressure (37) through more supports (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alfredo Poloni, Andrea De Luca, Nuredin Kapaj
  • Patent number: 7234510
    Abstract: A closed forced air system cools the electronic circuitry in a control console of an x-ray inspection station directed to food products in containers. A U-shaped tubular duct located beneath the console enclosure has both upwardly-directed ends attached to the bottom panel of the enclosure with openings provided for airflow communication, thus creating a closed loop air passageway. A pair of electric fans are installed at the upper ends of the U-shaped duct in manner to circulate air flow through the loop. Air in the enclosure, warmed by the electronic control circuitry, is drawn by one fan down into one arm of the U. The duct acts as a heat dissipater, and cool air at the opposite arm of the U is drawn by the other fan back up into the enclosure. The bottom of the U-shaped duct is attached to a front region of a support platform at the floor level and thus the arms of the U serve as a front pair of supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: InspX, LLC
    Inventor: Alexander I. Gilevich
  • Patent number: 7234511
    Abstract: An improved modular heat exchanger suitable for automotive applications, and particularly radiators for heavy duty equipment, and methods for forming the modular heat exchanger. The modular heat exchanger construction incorporates a brazed core assembly composed of flat-type cooling tubes and sinusoidal centers. The ability to use a brazed core assembly within a modular heat exchanger construction promotes enhanced heat transfer efficiencies associated with the use of flat tubes and sinusoidal centers, as compared to mechanically-joined round tubes and fins. The required positional tolerances of the tubes for mating with the remainder of the heat exchanger are maintained within the brazed core assembly by eliminating core shrinkage attributable to the use of clad aluminum alloy components to construct the core assembly. In two embodiments, core shrinkage is physical suppressed through the use of an expandable brazing fixture or the inclusion of sub-headers in the brazed core assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Philip George Lesage
  • Patent number: 7234512
    Abstract: A shell and tube heat exchanger has at least one baffle to support the tubes within the casing of the heat exchanger, wherein the baffle intersects the inner casing wall along a substantial portion of the arc. The baffle has a bypass through which flows at least a portion of the fluid flowing into the casing and around the baffle. At least a portion of the bypass is outside of the casing. This flow of fluid through the bypass reduces pressure drop through the heat exchanger and also reduces to some extent, points adjacent to the baffles where fluid flow may stagnate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Crown Iron Works Company
    Inventor: George E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7234513
    Abstract: Heat from a heat generating device such as a 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 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 form at least one of the sections to reduce friction in the liquid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventor: Shwin-Chung Wong
  • Patent number: 7234514
    Abstract: A heat exchanging core for a micro-channel heat exchanger includes at least one heat conducting plate, which has at least one channel formed between a first side and a second side of the heat conducting plate. The at least one channel has a channel length to hydraulic diameter ratio of less than 100, wherein the channel length is defined as a distance between the first and second sides of the heat conducting plate. A micro-channel heat exchanger includes a housing defining a cavity therein, the housing including an inlet and an outlet coupled to the cavity, and a heat exchanging core positioned within the cavity between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet. The present invention provides, among other features, improved heat transfer, reduced pressure drops, and reduced jitter. The present invention can be implemented for laminar flow and/or turbulent flow environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: ASML Holding N.V.
    Inventor: Herman Vogel
  • Patent number: 7234515
    Abstract: A heat exchanger, particularly a flat-tube heat exchanger for a motor vehicle, which includes two coolant boxes and a tube block with an inlet tube attached to one of the boxes and an outlet tube attached to another of the boxes, and wherein each tube extends at least in part along one longitudinal side of the associated box and has at least one radial opening which communicates with a side opening formed in the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Holger Auchter, Thomas Fricker, Bruno Lösch
  • Patent number: 7234516
    Abstract: When it is assumed that a vehicle is stopped or parked after its engine was stopped and a predetermined period of time has passed, a cold wind side air mixing door, hot wind side air mixing door, cold wind door and rear cold wind side air mixing door are totally closed and a blower is operated for a predetermined period of time. Accordingly, while a cooler is being dried, drying air containing much offensive smell components, which has passed through the cooler, is discharged outside the vehicle. Therefore, it is unnecessary to provide an exclusively used air passage and an opening and closing door for opening and closing the air passage used for composing an air blowing passage to dry the cooler. By utilizing the existing equipment, air used for drying, which has passed through the cooler, containing much offensive smell components can be discharged outside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Umebayashi, Yoshinori Yanagimachi, Tomohiro Inada
  • Patent number: 7234517
    Abstract: A system and method for determining load on a downhole tool according to which one or more sensors are embedded in one or more components of the tool or in a material on one or more of the components. The sensors are adapted to sense load on the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven G. Streich, Roger L. Schultz, James C. Tucker, Lee Wayne Stepp, Phillip M. Starr
  • Patent number: 7234518
    Abstract: An adjustable well screen assembly having a sand screen which is wrapped around a perforated base pipe and a perforated sleeve which is movably disposed concentrically inside the base pipe between a first, closed, and a second, open, position. In the first position of the sleeve the perforations of the sleeve and base pipe are unaligned and hydraulically isolated from each other and flow of fluids from the outer diameter of the screen into the interior of the sleeve is inhibited. In the second position the perforations of the sleeve and the base pipe are aligned and connected in fluid communication with each other and fluids are permitted to flow from the formation through the sand screen and the perforations of the sleeve and base pipe into the interior of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: David Randolph Smith
  • Patent number: 7234519
    Abstract: Thin flexible piezoelectric transducers are bonded to or imbedded into oilfield tubular members or structural members. The transducers may be used to telemeter data as acoustic waves through the members. By proper spacing of transducers and phasing of driving signals, the transmitted signals can be directionally enhanced or encoded to improve transmission efficiency. The transducers may be used for health monitoring of the tubular or structural members to detect cracks, delaminations, or other defects. The flexible transducers are very thin so that overall dimensions of tubular or structural members are essentially unchanged by incorporation of the transducers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Roger L. Schultz, John P. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 7234520
    Abstract: The invention relates to jet devices and the operating methods thereof and can be used in order to produce and intensify the oil inflow from a well. The inventive device comprises a jet pump arranged on a tubing string in the well with a casing string. An active nozzle and a mixing chamber are coaxially arranged in the body of said pump and a bypass channel provided with a mounting seat for a sealing unit with an axial channel or for functional inserts with autonomous instruments is embodied. The output of the pump is connected to an annular space of the tubing string, the input of a channel for supplying a working medium to the active nozzle being connected to the internal space of the tubing string above the sealing unit. A channel for removing the medium pumped out from the well is connected to the internal cavity of the tubing string below the sealing unit. Said device is also provided with a radiation source and a receiver-transducer of physical fields and a packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventors: Zinoviy Dmitrievich Khomynets, Vladimir Petrovich Stenin
  • Patent number: 7234521
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determination of the quality of a formation fluid sample including monitoring permeability and mobililty versus time to determine a filtrate contamination level, single phase state without gas and solids in the formation fluid, as it existed in the formation and the determination of laminar flow from the formation. The present invention also enables determination of an optimal pumping rate to match the ability of a subsurface formation to produce a single phase formation fluid sample in minimum time. The method and apparatus also detect pumping problems such as sanding and loss of seal with borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Shammai, Jaedong Lee
  • Patent number: 7234522
    Abstract: A float system for use in cementing a casing in a wellbore. The wellbore is drilled with a drill bit attached to the casing. The drill bit is removed after the wellbore is drilled. The float system is lowered into the casing after the drill bit is removed. The float system includes a packer apparatus with a float apparatus, preferably a float shoe, attached to the end thereof. The packer apparatus is set in the casing to hold the float shoe in position. A bottom cementing plug is placed in the casing and is urged downwardly until it engages the upper end of the packer apparatus. The cement will flow through the packer apparatus and the float apparatus to fill the annulus between the casing and the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Johnson, John Touchet, Scott Myers, Robert W. Srubar
  • Patent number: 7234523
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating a portion of a subsea structure is provided. The method includes pumping a fluid through a length of tubing such that the temperature of the fluid increases. The temperature increase of the fluid is created by friction in the tubing, and may be also be created by at least one pressure reducing device such as an orifice, pressure reducing valve, or relief valve. A subsea structure may be heated by transferring heat from fluid circulating in a closed loop configuration or by direct application of fluid to the subsea structure using a nozzle. A remotely operated vehicle may be utilized to transport some or all of the equipment necessary, including pumps, tubing, heat exchangers, nozzles and tanks. The remotely operated vehicle provides power to the pumps used for circulating fluid through the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Saipem America Inc.
    Inventor: B. J. Reid
  • Patent number: 7234524
    Abstract: A system monitors and controls the injection of additives into formation fluids recovered through a subsea well. The system includes a chemical injection unit and a controller positioned at a remote subsea location. The injection unit uses a pump to supply one or more selected additives from a subsea and/or remote supply unit. The controller operates the pump to control the additive flow rate based on signals provided by sensors measuring a parameter of interest. A one mode system includes a surface facility for supporting the subsea chemical injection and monitoring activities. In one embodiment, the surface facility is an offshore rig that provides power and has a chemical supply that provides additives to one or more injection units. In another embodiment, the surface facility includes a relatively stationary buoy and a mobile service vessel. When needed, the service vessel transfers additives to the chemical injection units via the buoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher Kempson Shaw, Cindy L. Crow, William Edward Aeschbacher, Jr., Sunder Ramachandran, Mitch C. Means, Paulo S. Tubel
  • Patent number: 7234525
    Abstract: The automated chemical stick loader includes a ground-based stick storage and dispensing cabinet, an automated valve actuating system atop the wellhead, and a fixed stick transfer tube extending between the storage and dispensing cabinet and the top of the wellhead. A series of chemical sticks are stored in an endless conveyor in the cabinet, with the cabinet dispensing the sticks singly and sequentially to the bottom of the transfer tube upon actuation of the system. Sticks are pushed linearly up the transfer tube until reaching the top of the wellhead, whereupon the topmost stick falls into the well when the valves are actuated to allow passage of the stick therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventors: Lee Alves, Kennith Shade
  • Patent number: 7234526
    Abstract: An expanding wellbore junction system, apparatus and methods are provided for forming a sealed wellbore intersection in a subterranean well. In one described method, an expandable wellbore junction is expanded within an under-reamed cavity in a wellbore. Intersecting tubular legs of the wellbore junction are then drifted using a drifting apparatus. A deflection device may be used to direct a drift of the drifting apparatus into a selected one of the wellbore junction legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Steele, Ernest C. Bailey, Jody R. McGlothen
  • Patent number: 7234527
    Abstract: A system and method for controllably separating a conduit into an upper portion and a lower portion. The system includes a first valve in the upper portion of the conduit above a point of separation, and a second valve in the lower portion of the conduit below the point of separation. When the conduit is separated, the valves are actuated to cease flow therethrough and prevent loss of fluids into the seawater. A hang-off tool in the lower portion of the conduit engages the well and supports the lower portion of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold W. Nivens, Curtis E. Wendler
  • Patent number: 7234528
    Abstract: A tieback connector connects a riser between a subsea wellhead housing and a floating platform. The tieback connector has a tubular body that stabs into and seals with a casing hanger. A latch member on the tieback connector engages a locking profile to secure the tieback connector to the wellhead housing. A sleeve is slidably carried on the tubular body between a running-in position and a set position. The lower end of the sleeve lands on an upper rim of the casing hanger prior to the seal engaging the seal surface. Continued downward movement of the tubular body relative to the sleeve causes the seal to engage the seal surface and the sleeve to move to the set position. The sleeve has upper end that engages a lower end of the latch member to limit any upward movement of the casing hanger in the wellhead housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Pallini, Jr., Jeffery K. McCarty
  • Patent number: 7234529
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a flow switchable check valve includes a housing, a guide member having a bore extending therethrough disposed within the housing, and a poppet having a head and a stem. The head has an upstream surface engaged with a seating surface on the housing when the poppet is in a first position. A pin extends into a groove such that the pin follows a pattern of the groove when the poppet is translated within the housing. The pattern is configured to direct the poppet from the first position to a second position when a force is applied to the head, and further configured to direct the poppet from the second position to a third position when the force is removed from the head, in which the third position is downstream from the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim B. Surjaatmadja
  • Patent number: 7234530
    Abstract: A ram-type blowout preventer may include a body, a first ram block positioned within the body and having a first shearing element and a first sealing element, and a second ram block positioned within the body and opposing the first ram block, the second ram block having a second shearing element and a second sealing element. The blowout preventer may also include a load intensifying member coupled to the first ram block, wherein the first ram block and the second ram block are configured to close together upon activation of the blowout preventer, and wherein the load intensifying member is positioned to engage with the second ram block when the first and second ram block close and force the first shearing element and the second shearing element together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Hydril Company LP
    Inventor: Dustin Dean Gass
  • Patent number: 7234531
    Abstract: A mono-diameter wellbore casing. A tubular liner and an expansion cone are positioned within a new section of a wellbore with the tubular liner in an overlapping relationship with a pre-existing casing. A hardenable fluidic material is injected into the new section of the wellbore below the level of the expansion cone and into the annular region between the tubular liner and the new section of the wellbore. The inner and outer regions of the tubular liner are then fluidicly isolated. A non hardenable fluidic material is then injected into a portion of an interior region of the tubular liner to pressurize the portion of the interior region of the tubular liner below the expansion cone. The tubular liner is then extruded off of the expansion cone. The overlapping portion of the pre-existing casing and the tubular liner are then radially expanded using an expansion cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Kendziora, Robert Lance Cook, Lev Ring, David Paul Brisco
  • Patent number: 7234532
    Abstract: An expansion apparatus for expanding a portion of a tubular comprises at least two expansion members adapted for selective deployment against a wall of a tubular. The expansion apparatus may be controlled to select a first expansion member to be deployed and the apparatus operated to expand a section of the tubular. The deployed expansion member may then be inactivated or retracted, such that the expansion member is no longer deployed against the wall of the tubular or is otherwise rendered inoperative, and a second expansion member can then be deployed and a further section of the tubular expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul David Metcalfe, Simon John Harrall, Peter Ellington
  • Patent number: 7234533
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a seal assembly that maintains a seal under various conditions by providing a source of stored energy that can be used to insure contact forces are maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Philippe Gambier
  • Patent number: 7234534
    Abstract: A firefighting vehicle includes a frame, a fluid pump, and a body having a compartment. In one embodiment, a drive line of the pump passes through a transverse cross member of the frame. In another embodiment, the body includes opposite side sections sandwiching the pump therebetween. In another embodiment, the vehicle includes a pumphouse module in which the body is mounted so as to move in unison with the body relative to the frame. In another embodiment, the vehicle includes a control panel operably coupled to the pump and extending through an opening in the compartment. In another embodiment, the compartment includes a wall having a C-shaped bulkhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Pierce Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Benjamin I. Froland, Michael R. Moore, Stanley W. Schultz, Kenneth P. Sebo, Todd S. Stecker, David N. Budiac
  • Patent number: 7234535
    Abstract: A novel drill for the aerification of turf grasses is disclosed. The drill comprises a chuck and a fluted turf drill bit held by the chuck. The chuck includes a locking mechanism which permits the chuck to rotate freely about its longitudinal axis when loaded in compression (as when the drill is inserted into the ground) but which locks, preventing rotation, when the drill is loaded in tension (such as when the drill is withdrawn from the soil). The drill bit has a smooth upper section and a fluted lower section. The smooth section decreases the probability of entangling the turf in the drill bit with subsequent lifting of the turf when the drill is withdrawn. The tip of the drill bit is adapted to provide a torque to the drill bit during insertion into the ground. Thus, the bit spirals into the ground upon insertion, but locks upon removal, thereby permitting the flutes of the bit to cut a cylindrical hole in the ground while removing soil from the hole by retaining it in the space between the flutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Daniel R. Faltysek
  • Patent number: 7234536
    Abstract: A power screwdriver is disclosed having a drive which is coupled via a clutch, disengaging as a function of torque, to a tool drive shaft for driving a tool. The screwdriver comprises an electronic control unit for controlling the drive, and a sensor which is coupled to the electronic control unit in order to switch off the drive when the clutch responds. The electronic control unit is designed for activating the drive with a certain output, preferably with a reduced output, for a limited time after switch-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: C. & E. Fein GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Scholl, Oliver Greese
  • Patent number: 7234537
    Abstract: A sonic drilling apparatus having a work piston within a cylinder chamber to provide a vibratory force through the alternate application of fluid under pressure into the bore above and below the piston in a manner that the piston will be forced to reciprocate within the bore. The cylinder chamber includes an inlet gallery to allow fluid under pressure to pass into the bore above a first face of the work piston and an exhaust gallery to allow fluid to escape from the bore below the second face of the work piston. A relief bypass is provided to prevent excessive build up of pressure in the bore during the reciprocating movement of the work piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Bantry Limited
    Inventor: Garrick Ross Johnson
  • Patent number: 7234538
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sinking a borehole in the ground, in which a wet boring tool with a removal area for producing or advancing a borehole is used, the borehole is at least partly filled with a fluid and in the borehole is formed a filling area and the removal area is at least partly washed round by a fluid flow, which conveys the bore smalls produced at the removal area to a collecting container located in the borehole. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the wet boring tool has a pumping mechanism through which fluid from the filling area is made to flow and conveys bore smalls produced into the collecting container. The invention also relates to a wet boring tool and to a boring plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Bauer Maschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Erwin Emil Stoetzer
  • Patent number: 7234539
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining an orientation of a drilling tool of a drilling system configured to drill a borehole into the Earth's surface. The method includes providing a survey system including at least one sensor within the drilling system. The sensor is configured to provide orientation information. The survey system is operable at a plurality of resolution levels. The method further includes operating the survey system at a first resolution level while the drilling tool is a first distance relative to the surface. The method further includes operating the survey system at a second resolution level while the drilling tool is a second distance relative to the surface. The second distance is larger than the first distance. The second resolution level is higher than the first resolution level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Gyrodata, Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric Wright, James Frederick Brosnahan, Greg Allen Neubauer
  • Patent number: 7234540
    Abstract: A two-axis gyroscope used on a bottom hole assembly can be used for determining a rate of rotation about the rotational axis of a BHA. The method takes advantage of possible misalignment of at least one axis of the two axis gyroscope from orthogonality with respect to the rotational axis of the BHA, resulting in the misaligned gyro being sensitive to BHA rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert A. Estes, Jonathan R. Bynum, Randell Riggs, David M. Epplin
  • Patent number: 7234541
    Abstract: An earth-boring bit has a seal assembly with a seal face having a DLC coating. The seal assembly locates between a bearing pin and a cone of the bit. The seal assembly has at least one rigid ring that rotates against a mating surface. The DLC coating is diamond-like carbon that may be coated by different processes onto either the ring, the mating surface, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Danny E. Scott, Chih C. Lin, Aaron J. Dick
  • Patent number: 7234542
    Abstract: The steel drill string attached to a drilling bit during typical rotary drilling operations used to drill oil and gas wells is used for a second purpose as the casing that is cemented in place during typical oil and gas well completions. Methods of operation are described that provide for the efficient installation of a cemented steel cased well wherein the drill string and the drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass down into the earth. A stabilizer is attached to the drill string that is used to centralize the drill string in the well during cementing operations. A one-way cement valve is installed near the drill bit of the drill string that allows the cement to set up efficiently under ambient hydrostatic conditions while the drill string and drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass into the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: William Banning Vail, III
  • Patent number: 7234543
    Abstract: Systems and methods for directionally drilling a borehole are provided. One system includes a biasing subsystem that is configured to control a tendency of a bottom hole assembly during drilling of the borehole. The system also includes a continuously variable transmission. An output shaft of the continuously variable transmission is coupled to the biasing subsystem such that the continuously variable transmission is configured to control relative rotation of one or more components of the biasing subsystem during the drilling. One method includes controlling a tendency of a bottom hole assembly during drilling of the borehole using a biasing subsystem. The method also includes controlling relative rotation of one or more components of the biasing subsystem using a continuously variable transmission during the drilling. The one or more components are coupled to an output shaft of the continuously variable transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: InterSyn IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Stuart Schaaf
  • Patent number: 7234544
    Abstract: In a tool having an inner member supported within an outer member, wherein the tool defines a longitudinal axis, a device is provided for preventing relative rotation of the inner member and the outer member. The device is comprised of a locking mechanism and a locking actuator. The locking mechanism is positioned between the inner member and the outer member, wherein the locking mechanism is movable longitudinally between a first locking mechanism position in which the inner member and the outer member are disengaged and capable of relative rotation and a second locking mechanism position in which the inner member and the outer member are engaged and not capable of relative rotation. The locking actuator causes the locking mechanism to move longitudinally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald Edward Kent