Patents Issued in July 17, 2007
  • Patent number: 7243704
    Abstract: A mechanical assembly, for regulating the temperature of an electronic device, includes a gimbal and a heat-exchanger which is attached to the gimbal. The gimbal includes a base member, a carrier member, and a spring which has—1) a first end with a rigid coupling to one of the base and carrier members, and 2) a second end with a slideable coupling to the remaining member. The slideable coupling prevents any gap from occurring between the heat-exchanger and the electronic device when they are pressed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Delta Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Ihor Tustaniwskyi, James Wittman Babcock, Henry Jen Kuo
  • Patent number: 7243705
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a microchannel structure having microchannels formed therein. The microchannels are to transport a coolant and to be proximate to an integrated circuit to transfer heat from the integrated circuit to the coolant. The apparatus also includes a cover positioned on the microchannel structure to define a respective upper wall of each of the microchannels. The cover presents a compliant surface to the microchannels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Alan M. Myers, Je-Young Chang, Ravi Prasher, Ioan Sauciuc, Gregory M. Chrysler, Patrick D. Boyd, Chia-pin Chiu
  • Patent number: 7243706
    Abstract: A heatsink for a power device comprises an upper conductive plate providing a first surface; a lower conductive plate providing a second surface; a middle conductive plate provided between the upper and lower plates, the middle plate having a hollow portion and a solid portion, the hollow portion defining an area to receive coolant, wherein the power device is provided on the first or second surface, so that heat generated by the power device can be transferred to the coolant. The heatsink further comprises an input port coupled to the hollow portion of the middle plate to provide the coolant into the hollow portion; and an output port coupled to the hollow portion of the middle plate to remove the coolant from the hollow portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: IXYS Corporation
    Inventor: Charles Coleman
  • Patent number: 7243707
    Abstract: A heat exchanger including flat tubes having cooling passages for a gas and a bypass for the gas separate from the cooling passages, and coolant channels defined between every two flat tubes adjacent the tube passages and spaced from the bypass of the tubes. The tubes define a cooled area adjacent the passages and an uncooled area adjacent the bypass substantially spaced from the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Viktor Brost, Christoph Ruf
  • Patent number: 7243708
    Abstract: A radiator includes a flat base (10), a pair of heat pipes (20) and a plurality of fins (30) on the base. The base defines a pair of grooves (12) through a top portion thereof. Each heat pipe includes parallel and symmetrical first and second sections (22, 24). The first sections are soldered to the base in the grooves. Each fin defines a notch (32) at a bottom portion thereof and a pair of holes (36) at opposite sides of the notch. Flanges (35) extend perpendicularly from the notches of the fins, cooperatively defining a streamline airflow guiding surface. Collars (37) extend perpendicularly from the holes of the fins, for receiving the second sections of the heat pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsieh Kun Lee, Chun-Chi Chen, Yi Qiang Wu
  • Patent number: 7243709
    Abstract: A heat dissipating assembly. The heat dissipating assembly comprises a frame, a clamping member, and a rotatable handle. The frame comprises a locking member. The clamping member is disposed crossing the frame. The rotatable handle is rotatably connected to the frame and abuts the clamping member. The rotatable handle exerts pressure on the clamping member, and the locking member locks the rotatable handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chin-Ming Chen, Chih-Hao Hsia, Chun-Yang Hung
  • Patent number: 7243710
    Abstract: A vehicle heat exchanger includes heat exchangers overlapped with each other in an airflow direction. The heat exchangers include heat exchanger tubes arranged side by side with each other. The heat exchangers include outer fins interposed between neighboring heat exchanger tubes. The heat exchangers includes header pipes connecting and communicating with both ends of the heat exchanger tubes for heat-conducting media to circulate through the heat exchanger tubes and header pipes. The vehicle heat exchanger includes a reservoir in communication with one of the header pipes for reserving a heat-conducting medium. The reservoir is fixed to a header pipe of the largest one of the heat exchangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventor: Masayoshi Shinhama
  • Patent number: 7243711
    Abstract: Some engine applications place spatial constraints on heat exchangers, such as oil coolers. In such a case, a heat exchanger having an oblong rather than a circular cross section can satisfy spatial constraints, and with certain internal geometry, may permit improved heat rejection performance while potentially enabling a cost reduction through a reduction in materials. The heat exchanger has a housing which defines a heat exchanging cavity within which a tube bundle is positioned. The tube bundle is made up of a plurality of tubes in a hexagonal packing pattern that are supported by a plurality of baffles. The tube bundle and the housing define a serpentine flow path between an inlet and an outlet. The serpentine flow path includes a plurality of segments that are generally perpendicular to the tubes, and these segments are separated by flow direction changing windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Amstutz, Thomas E. Brindle, Timothy A. Bruce, Bruce Hershock, Sandra L. Ketcherside, John A. Nelson, Dan A. Piterski, James L. Tilson
  • Patent number: 7243712
    Abstract: A fin tube assembly has a core tube of elongated transverse cross-section having rounded leading and trailing sides, opposite flat faces, and opposite open ends for flow through the tube. A plurality of fins project in opposite directions from finned areas of the opposite flat faces. The finned areas terminate short of the rounded sides of the core tube. A first internal rib extends across the interior of the core tube adjacent one rounded side and a second internal rib extends across the interior of the core tube adjacent the opposite rounded side to separate the interior of the core tube into a larger central channel between the ribs and separate side channels between each rib and the adjacent rounded side of the core tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: H. Peter Fay
  • Patent number: 7243713
    Abstract: An improved shear/seal ram assembly used in ram-type BOPs is disclosed. The disclosed invention is a unique shear/seal ram assembly in which rail seal actuators attached to or integrally formed in a planar surface of one shear blade mate with and slide within corresponding rail guide grooves formed in a planar surface of a second shear blade. As the shear blades move over each other, the rail seal actuators slide within the rail guide grooves, eventually coming into contact with a seal actuator plate of a unique blade-to-blade seal assembly placed within a shear blade seal groove. Continued movement of the shear blades over each other causes the rail seal actuators to compress, or “energize,” the blade-to-blade seal of the blade-to-blade seal assembly, thereby providing a pressure tight seal between the shear blade assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: National-Oilwell DHT, L.P.
    Inventors: C. Steven Isaacks, Harry P. Hiebeler, Noe Tony Cordova, Jimmy Livingston, Russell C. Gilleylen
  • Patent number: 7243714
    Abstract: A well having a bore hole extending from surface to an underground formation, a casing arranged in the borehole, a tubing hanger supported on the top of the casing, a packer arranged in the casing at a predetermined depth, and a tubing extending from the tubing hanger to the packer, wherein the tubing includes a tubing section that consists of a tubular body of elastomeric material that is reinforced by axially extending reinforcement strands arranged in the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Willem Van Den Dobbelsteen
  • Patent number: 7243715
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a design and method of manufacture for a mesh-type screen to be used in subsurface well completions to prevent the production of sand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David Wei Wang, Colin J. Price-Smith
  • Patent number: 7243716
    Abstract: Rigid wound or reelable pipe (1) for transporting hydrocarbons having a single-walled or double-walled envelope comprising two coaxial pipes, internal (2) and external (3), respectively, separated by an annular space, comprising at least one electrical heating cable (10) capable of being subjected to an elongation of 0.5% without sustaining damage and produced, for example, in the form of a central conducting braided cable surrounded by an electrically insulating sheath. The materials comprising the cable are subjected to elastically deformation by remaining below 15% of their elastic limit and preferably below 5%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventors: Sylvain Denniel, Neil Shaw Malone
  • Patent number: 7243717
    Abstract: An apparatus in a drill string comprises an internally upset drill pipe. The drill pipe comprises a first end, a second end, and an elongate tube intermediate the first and second ends. The elongate tube and the ends comprising a continuous an inside surface with a plurality of diameters. A conformable spirally welded metal tube is disposed within the drill pipe intermediate the ends thereof and terminating adjacent to the ends of the drill pipe. The conformable metal tube substantially conforms to the continuous inside surface of the metal tube. The metal tube may comprise a non-uniform section which is expanded to conform to the inside surface of the drill pipe. The non-uniform section may comprise protrusions selected from the group consisting of convolutions, corrugations, flutes, and dimples. The non-uniform section extends generally longitudinally along the length of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Scott Dahlgren, Tracy H. Hall, Jr., Joe Fox, David S. Pixton
  • Patent number: 7243718
    Abstract: Earth formations are characterized by using an array of electrodes which can measure streaming potentials in the formation, and by interpreting the data obtained by the electrodes. The electrodes are placed on a wireline tool, a LWD tool, or in a fixed manner about a completed wellbore. The measured streaming potentials are generated by drilling with an overbearing pressure, slitting the mudcake in a borehole, acid injection, or any of various other manners which causes fluid movement. The data obtained is interpreted to locate fractures, measure formation permeability, estimate formation pressure, monitor drilling fluid loss, detect abnormal pressure, etc. Particularly, a streaming potential voltage transient having a double peak profile signifies the presence of a formation fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Min-Yi Chen, Bhavani Raghuraman, Ian Bryant, Michael G. Supp, Jose Navarro
  • Patent number: 7243719
    Abstract: A method for determining a rate of change of longitudinal direction of a subterranean borehole is provided. The method includes positioning a downhole tool in a borehole, the tool including first and second surveying devices disposed thereon. The method further includes causing the surveying devices to measure a longitudinal direction of the borehole at first and second longitudinal positions and processing the longitudinal directions of the borehole at the first and second positions to determine the rate of change of longitudinal direction of the borehole between the first and second positions. The method may further include processing the measured rate of change of longitudinal direction of the borehole and a predetermined rate of change of longitudinal direction to control the direction of drilling of the subterranean borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: PathFinder Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Emilio Baron, Stephen Jones
  • Patent number: 7243720
    Abstract: A method for selectively reducing the permeability of one or more relatively permeable geological layers of an oil-bearing formation, to inhibit breakthrough of driving fluid from a driving fluid injection well via at least one of said layers into an oil production well, which method comprises the steps of injecting a driving fluid comprising a first compound into the formation via the injection well; detecting the first compound in well fluid of the oil production well; upon detection, injecting a second compound into the formation via the oil production well, to react with the first compound in order to provide a flow restriction generated by a third compound which comprises a reaction product of the first and second compounds in at least one relatively permeable geological layer through which breakthrough of the driving fluid into the oil production well has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Dirk Jacob Ligthelm
  • Patent number: 7243721
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus employing inert gases injected into the lower level of sloping underground oil-bearing formations as a driving mechanism and water injected into the upper level of the formations as a gas blocking mechanism for increasing and extending the production of oil from underground formations is described. An oil production system to produce oil from a viscous reservoir is provided including at least one production well, a fluid injection well, and a heating system functionally associated with the at least one production well, the heating system having at least one electrical heating well adapted to direct power from a power supply at surface to the reservoir to heat the reservoir. Hydraulically-operated crude oil pumps are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.
    Inventors: Johnny Arnaud, B. Franklin Beard, Merle W. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 7243722
    Abstract: Apparatus (9) for radially expanding an expandable member, the apparatus including a plurality of radially moveable fingers (22). The radially moveable fingers (22) can move between two positions; in a first position, the moveable fingers (22) are radially extended to a form a cone to facilitate radial expansion of the expandable member; in the second position, one or more of the radially movable fingers (22) can move radially inward so that restrictions in the path of the apparatus can be by-passed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: e2Tech Limited
    Inventors: Peter Oosterling, Alan MacKenzie
  • Patent number: 7243723
    Abstract: A system and method for fracturing an earth formation surrounding a borehole includes an elongate conduit positioned in the borehole. A packer assembly is provided about the conduit and is adapted to seal an annulus between the conduit and the borehole. A packing passage is provided and adapted to communicate a first side of the packer assembly to the annulus between the conduit and the borehole on a second side of the packer assembly. The conduit has at least one inlet into the conduit on the second side of the packer assembly adapted to allow flow from outside of the conduit to the interior of the conduit. The conduit has at least one ported sub having at least one lateral jet aperture therein adapted to direct fluids within the conduit into the earth formation to fracture the earth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim B. Surjaatmadja, David McMechan, Philip D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7243724
    Abstract: An apparatus (110) and method for treating an interval of a wellbore comprises an outer tubular (112) disposed within the wellbore. A sand control screen (118) is disposed within the outer tubular (112). A treatment fluid passageway (144) is formed between the sand control screen (118) and outer tubular (112). In addition, a production pathway (130) is formed between the sand control screen (118) and outer tubular (112). When the apparatus (110) is in an operable position, the region between the outer tubular (112) and the wellbore serves as a primary path for delivery of a treatment fluid, the production pathway (130) serves as a secondary path for delivery of the treatment fluid if the primary path becomes blocked and the treatment fluid passageway (144) serves as a tertiary path for delivery of the treatment fluid if the primary and secondary paths become blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald W. McGregor, Travis T. Hailey, Jr., William David Henderson, Robert W. Crow, Philip D. Nguyen, David A. Hejl, Ronald A. Gibson
  • Patent number: 7243725
    Abstract: A surge chamber assembly (70) for use in a wellbore includes a housing (80) having one or more openings (112), a surge chamber (100) and a combustion chamber (98). The openings (112) provide fluid communication between the exterior (82) of the housing (80) and the surge chamber (100). A sleeve (114) is slidably positioned within the housing (80) and has a first position wherein fluid communication through the openings (112) is prevented and a second position wherein fluid communication through the openings (112) is allowed. A combustible element (124) is positioned in the combustion chamber (98) such that combusting the combustible element (124) generates pressure in the combustion chamber (98) that actuates the sleeve (114) from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Flint R. George, Ryan A. Harrison, Roger C. Watson
  • Patent number: 7243726
    Abstract: A method that is usable with a well includes injecting a chemical through a chemical injection line into a flow that passes through a well pump. The method includes controlling the injection of the chemical to enhance the flow through the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Herve Ohmer
  • Patent number: 7243727
    Abstract: An isolation assembly for use with coiled tubing is described. The isolation assembly has a check valve for providing selective fluid communication through from the coiled tubing, through the isolation assembly, and into a downhole tool, such a straddle packer. The isolation assembly includes a shuttle moveable within a housing, and plurality of ports to selectively provide fluid communication from within the isolation assembly below the check valve, through the ports, and into the annulus, thus allowing selective surface-controlled equalization of downhole equipment. Also described is a bottom hole assembly including the isolation assembly. An improved method of fracing a formation includes providing a check valve, thus improving the life of the coiled tubing and the safety of the operation, and reducing the time to perform a given downhole operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Eric Hughson Tudor, William George Gavin
  • Patent number: 7243728
    Abstract: Devices and methods for releasably securing components of a device having a sliding sleeve arrangement to prevent premature actuation due to vibration. In a currently preferred embodiment, standard elastomeric O-rings are used as shear members. The O-ring shear members reside within spaces formed between two slidable sleeve members. The O-rings are sheared cross-sectionally to allow the sleeve members to move axially with respect to one another. An exemplary coiled tubing shear release joint is described that incorporates a shear disconnect assembly which uses elastomeric O-rings as shear members. Multiple O-ring seals can be used as shear members to increase the shear value of the device. The use of O-rings as shear members helps prevent premature sliding of sleeve components in response to high vibration. Because the O-rings are resilient, they absorb vibration and do not shear during vibration, the connection between the two sleeve components will not be released prematurely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Carl W. Stoesz, Calvin J. Stowe
  • Patent number: 7243729
    Abstract: The invention relates to a running tool for subsea junction plate assembly installation. The invention further relates to a method for installing a junction plate assembly using the running tool of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Tyrrell, Christopher Mancini
  • Patent number: 7243730
    Abstract: A well optimizing system and method for lifting fluid that accumulates and retards production in a well. The system includes a plunger having a piston and a detachable plugh. The piston has a sealing section and a retrieval end and defines a passage through the length thereof. One or more pads are radially extendable from the sealing section. The detachable plug is positional in the retrieval end in a position to substantially block the flow of fluid through the passage from below the plunger. The system may further include a production control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Danny M. Casey
  • Patent number: 7243731
    Abstract: An apparatus for radially expanding tubular members including a segmented expansion cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology
    Inventors: Brock Wayne Watson, Lev Ring, David Paul Brisco
  • Patent number: 7243732
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an elastic memory foam into an expansion element with an outer diameter larger than a borehole, heating the expansion element to its transition temperature and compressing it to a smaller run-in diameter, cooling the compressed expansion element below its transition temperature and running it into the borehole, then raising the expansion element to its transition temperature to cause it to expand and seal against the borehole wall. Expansion can be enhanced by expanding a mandrel on which the expansion element is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Bennett Richard
  • Patent number: 7243733
    Abstract: A cup tool includes a cup tool tube having a threaded upper end for connection to a high-pressure mandrel. The cup tool has an outer surface over which an elastomeric cup is slidably mounted for movement from an unset position for entry into a wellbore to a set position in which an annular gap is obstructed to contain fluid pressure below the elastomeric cup. The cup tool tube includes an annular jump step designed to inhibit movement of the cup to the set position during insertion of the cup tool into the wellbore, and a gauge ring located above the jump step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob McGuire, Danny Lee Artherholt
  • Patent number: 7243734
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power tool with battery power supply comprising a main body and a detachable battery package which are connected with each other via a securing frame and a locking assembly. The securing frame includes a guiding device, an locking/unlocking button located on one of the main body and the battery package. An electrical connection is provided between a motor in the main body and the battery package, and includes a plurality of electrode connectors and corresponding electrode contact tabs. A mechanism for creating a non-mechanical force is located between the main body and the battery package for pushing the battery package out of the securing frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Nanjing Chervon Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuming Wu
  • Patent number: 7243735
    Abstract: A method for a wellbore operation with a wellbore system, the method, in at least certain aspects, including acquiring with sensor systems data corresponding to a plurality of parameters, the data indicative of values for each parameter, each parameter associated with part of the wellbore system, and, based on said data, calculating a value for each of a plurality of mechanical specific energies each related to a mechanical specific energy for a part of the wellbore system; and, in some aspects, monitoring in real time the value of each of the mechanical specific energies; and, in certain aspects, using such determined values to alter, change, improve, or optimize operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.
    Inventors: William Leo Koederitz, Terry Lynn Tarvin
  • Patent number: 7243736
    Abstract: A method of controlling a well experiencing gas kicks, which includes the step of increasing pressure above maximum allowable casing pressure to offset decreases in circulating pressure. The method includes calculating a difference between initial circulating pressure and present circulating pressure to arrive at a net loss in circulating pressure. Pressure is increased above maximum allowable casing pressure by an amount approximating the net loss in circulating pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Javed Shah
  • Patent number: 7243737
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to back reamers having bases including leading ends that can be connected to a drill string and trailing ends that can be connected to product desired to be pulled through a bore being backreamed. The back reamers also include reaming components that are detachably secured to the bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Tod J. Michael
  • Patent number: 7243738
    Abstract: A process for underbalanced drilling into multiple coal and shale formations, and dewatering the drilled formations, which includes drilling a first borehole through several coal seams to a certain depth; lowering an upstock on the end of a carrier string to the depth of the upper coal seam; lowering a drill string in the carrier string, and angling off of the upstock, to drill a lateral or horizontal borehole within the coal seam; repeating the process for the second coal seam; setting a packer in place above the first coal seam in the annulus between the cased borehole and the carrier string; forming perforations in the wall of the carrier string below the packer; retrieving the upstock from the carrier string; lowering an electrical submersible pump to the bottom of the principal borehole; pumping water from the sump portion to the surface within the annulus of the second drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Gardes
  • Patent number: 7243739
    Abstract: A coiled tubing directional drilling apparatus which is operated by a mud motor and is characterized by a fixed housing and a rotary steerable bent housing or sub which is selectively rotatable with respect to the fixed housing at a fixed angle bend by a shifting mechanism, typically operated by a reversible electric motor. The motor and shifting mechanism rotate with the drive shaft and employ a lead screw in a cross-nut arrangement that selectively engages and disengages a castle lock or power take-off drive system responsive to the direction of rotation of the motor, for effecting 360-degree rotation of the bent housing with respect to the fixed housing. A sun gear and pinion gear planetary gear system facilitate rotation of the bent housing with respect to the fixed housing at a slower speed than the drive train and bit box components of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Robert E. Rankin, III
  • Patent number: 7243740
    Abstract: A filter assembly including a primary flow passageway having at least one filter deployed therein and a secondary flow passageway having a bypass filter deployed therein is provided. The filter assembly further includes a bypass valve assembly configured to selectively open and close the secondary flow passageway when a fluid pressure is respectively above and below an adjustable, predetermined threshold value. Exemplary embodiments of this invention may be coupled to a drill string and advantageously utilized to filter drilling fluid downhole. Such embodiments tend to advantageously improve the filtering efficiency and safety of drilling operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: PathFinder Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Terrence G. Frith
  • Patent number: 7243741
    Abstract: A fluid handling system for drilling cuttings utilizes a constant and gravity managed liquid level between a substantially atmospheric separator and a shale shaker. Substantially all of the gas entrained in the cuttings is evolved and passed to a flare for preventing evolution of the gas at the shale shaker. Solids from the separator are combined with liquid recirculation from and returning to the shale shaker. Optionally, a vacuum degasser is positioned between the separator and the shale shaker and separated gases are passed from the degasser to the flare. This method and system is particularly applicable to balanced, underbalanced and air drilling operations where the flow of gas is intermittent and unpredictable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Matt Swartout
  • Patent number: 7243742
    Abstract: A retrievable drill pipe screen is adapted for releasable connection within a drill pipe string. The screen has a planar support plate for connecting a perforated tubular screen body to a fish neck wherein the plane of the planar support plate is generally parallel to the axis of the screen body. The orientation of the planar support plate provides minimal resistance to fluid flowing into the screen body while also reducing vortex effects that cause wear of screen components. Preferably, a wear distributor sleeve is fit within the screen body for protecting against wear of the screen caused by fluid flow and a retaining rod can secure the bottom of the screen body to the fish neck in the event that a lower portion of the screen body becomes detached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Ed A. Kutryk
  • Patent number: 7243743
    Abstract: A drilling assembly for drilling a borehole into geological formations. The assembly comprises a drilling shaft and a pump device, both placable in the borehole. The drilling shaft comprises a drilling head, and the pump device comprises a sealing device for sealing a first borehole part below the sealing device from a second borehole part above the sealing device. The pump device is enabled to pump a fluid from the first borehole part to the second borehole part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Johannes Van Wijk
  • Patent number: 7243744
    Abstract: Composite constructions comprise a plurality of granules that are arranged together in a randomly-oriented manner. The granules each comprise an ordered arrangement of a first material phase and a second material phase, wherein the first and second material phases are each continuous, and each occupy different and distinct regions of the granule. At least a portion of the first and second material phases of each granule are in contact with one another. The first material phase comprises a material selected from the group consisting of cermet materials, polycrystalline diamond, polycrystalline cubic boron nitride, and mixtures thereof. The second material phase comprises a material that is relatively softer, e.g., more ductile, than the first material phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Griffo
  • Patent number: 7243745
    Abstract: A cutting element for a rotary drill bit that has a superabrasive member joined to a substrate at a three-dimensional interface is disclosed. The interface of the cutting element preferably incorporates a first ring pattern comprising a plurality of circumferentially arranged raised sections which are separated by a plurality of radially extending grooves. Also, the interface configuration may include at least a second ring pattern comprising a plurality of circumferentially arranged raised sections which are separated by a plurality of radially extending grooves. Radially adjacent ring patterns may substantially circumferentially overlap with one another. An interface of a cutting element including at least one ring pattern having an odd number of sections is also disclosed. Further, rotary drill bits including at least one such cutting element are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus R. Skeem, Danny E. Scott, Jeffrey B. Lund
  • Patent number: 7243746
    Abstract: The recreational electric vehicle (hereinafter REV) is a convenient indoor or outdoor vehicle for one or two people with a space for personal goods. REV is most suited for adaptations for recreational use. It uses electric power for zero pollutant emissions, quiet operation, and a very low running cost. REV is driven using a joystick and is able to turn on the spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Abraham Vasant
  • Patent number: 7243747
    Abstract: A trailer provided with a manoeuvring device. The manoeuvring device has a pivoting frame that can be moved with respect to the chassis of a trailer, such as a caravan, and is provided at the end with a roller driven by an electric motor. This roller does not engage on one of the wheels but is itself able to function as a wheel. Lifting of the chassis of the trailer is achieved with the aid of the pivoting frame, as a result of which the existing wheels at least partially lose contact with the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Reich GmbH
    Inventors: Helmuth Bender, Steffen Bender, Cor Beijersbergen-van Henegouwen, Kees Jan Staats
  • Patent number: 7243748
    Abstract: A vehicle electric drive system has an internal combustion engine which drives an electric generator. The generator powers a motor which drives the wheels. The system has operator controls including a speed control member movable from a zero speed position to a high speed position, an FNR direction control member having forward, neutral and reverse positions. The system also includes a wheel speed sensor and an electronic control unit. Upon startup, the control unit senses the position of the direction control member, senses wheel speed, and senses position of the speed control member. The controller prevents vehicle operation if the direction control member is not in its neutral position, or the sensed wheel speed is not close to zero, or the speed control member is not near its zero speed position. The controller permits vehicle operation if the direction control member is in its neutral position, and the sensed wheel speed is close to zero, and the speed control member is near its zero speed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Arun Kumar Seksaria, Mervin Peter Kizlyk, Robert Eugene Kasten
  • Patent number: 7243749
    Abstract: A motor-driven wheel includes a wheel disc, a wheel hub, a knuckle, a hub bearing, a constant-velocity joint, an in-wheel motor, and a spring. The center of swing of the constant-velocity joint is placed closer to the outside of the vehicle relative to the hub bearing. Since such components of the constant-velocity joint as an inner race, balls and a cage are placed differently in position from the hub bearing, the hub bearing can be reduced in diameter. An outer race of the constant-velocity joint is integrated with the wheel hub into a single part and has an opening facing the outside of the vehicle. Since the opening is large and shallow, the work of installing the cage, balls and inner race and securing them with a snap ring is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takuma Kakinami, Takeo Yamamoto, Shigekazu Yogo
  • Patent number: 7243750
    Abstract: A vehicle having a side cover capable of sending a sufficient amount of cooling air to a radiator even without a front cover or cowling. Side covers are disposed on both right and left side surfaces for covering a radiator. An air admission portion for drawing in a cooling air for cooling the radiator is provided in each of the side covers. A main step is disposed outside of each of the air admission portions with a footpeg portion provided on a top surface thereof and a step portion projecting upwardly at a front end portion thereof. The step portion is substantially at the same position in the fore-aft direction of the vehicle as a front end of the air admission portion. The footpeg surfaces is located near a rear portion of a front wheel with the main step structure ensuring an even more comfortable and easy riding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunichi Nakabayashi, Tomokatsu Suda
  • Patent number: 7243751
    Abstract: A large-size weighty radiator (1) having an array of rubber dampers (21) at the bottom is mounted between transversely spaced side members (2) of a vehicle body, by a structure (M) including a hollow frame portion having a transversely extending body part (H1) and a pair of fixed parts (H2) fixed to the side members (2), and a receiving portion (H3) formed on the frame portion for receiving the array of rubber dampers (21) inserted thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Shigematsu
  • Patent number: 7243752
    Abstract: Device for inductive power supply and guidance of a moving object, with a primary inductance element extending as a conductive loop along a path provided for the object. A secondary inductance element is arranged on the object and can be coupled magnetically with the primary inductance element for power transmission. Several receiver inductance elements are arranged on the object and output measurement signals dependent on the magnetic field of the primary inductance element. An evaluation device determines a measure for the position of the object with reference to the conductive loop from the measurement signals. A regular arrangement of receiver inductance elements is provided, which extends on the object at least perpendicular to its direction of motion. The receiver inductance elements are simultaneously also connected to a data receiver device, which contains a way for extracting a data signal from the output voltage of at least one of the receiver inductance elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Wampfler Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andrew Green, Frank Böhler, Roland Winterhalter
  • Patent number: 7243753
    Abstract: The invention relates to drilling or rockbolting machines, for the execution of underground works, in particular in mining operations. The carrier vehicle comprises a chassis and four wheels, all driving wheels, with two wheels situated on the right-hand side of the chassis of the vehicle and two other wheels situated on the left-hand side of the chassis. The four wheels are of the independent suspension type, having a jack-controlled height, and each comprise rotation-drive means, especially hydraulic motors. The chassis receives, at the front and at the rear, working equipment, such as drilling arms with respective guides, the basic position of which is horizontal and transverse to the direction of displacement of the vehicle. This carrier vehicle is applicable to the realization of a machine, which can be used in mine galleries of low height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction Lyon SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Barthomeuf, Franck Leon, Alain Comorge, Alexandre Miralles