Patents Issued in August 7, 2007
  • Patent number: 7252105
    Abstract: A lightweight metal or plastic framework which has a handle (11) at the top of a vertical shaft (12) with built in arms (13,14) below the handle and a bottom shaft (15) attached to the end of the vertical shaft (12). The said bottom shaft (15) is bent down at both ends on which are attached rubber bumper-pivots (16,17) that act as bumpers for the ends of shaft (15) and lift said wheels from said surface when said framework is leaned toward the user. Two bearing fitted wheels (18,19) are attached on the same side of said framework to said bottom shaft (15) by axles (20,21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: John Francis Otis
  • Patent number: 7252106
    Abstract: A sunshade apparatus configured to inhibit the sun's rays, constructed with a plurality of flexible panels, having the ability to form a three-dimensional shape that provides a compact collapsible structure, and minimum assembly. The sunshade three-dimensional structure has the capability to easily adapt to an object or stand on its own.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Carl J Conforti
  • Patent number: 7252107
    Abstract: A foldable enclosure structure containing a fabric cover defining a desired shape when expanded to an expanded position; a first supporting frame fixedly attached to the cover and a second supporting frame provided within the cover and rotatably coupled to the first frame such that the second frame is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The second frame is superposed over the first frame in the collapsed position for ease of storage, but is rotated axially to intersect with the first frame in the expanded position to prop up the cover to the desired shape. To ensure that the structure is stable in the expanded position, fixing means is/are provided for fixedly attaching the second frame to the first frame in the expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Best Tide Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wan-sing Chu, Lai-Ha Wu
  • Patent number: 7252108
    Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and a canopy framework that provides a flexible, collapsible canopy that is capable of flexing and moving, in whole or in part, between a raised position and lower positions having a reduced profile from the raised position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting a flexible framework mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. Truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7252109
    Abstract: A safety device (61) for a lighting valve (23) of a gas burner, comprising a starting button (36), a return spring (57), a cutoff shutter (42) controlled by the starting button (36), a control shutter (41) for a pilot light nozzle, and a holding electromagnet (54) for the control shutter (41). The control shutter (41) is normally closed and is actuatable through the starting button (36) for the flowing of the gas to the pilot light nozzle, whilst the holding electromagnet (54) is dependent on the pilot light to hold open the control shutter (41). The starting button (36) is provided for rotation and can be depressed only for a given angular start position so that, for starting the lighting, the button (36) must be rotated up to said start position and subsequently depressed to close the cutoff shutter (42) and open the control shutter (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Industrias Unidas S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventor: Pierangelo Colombo
  • Patent number: 7252110
    Abstract: A membrane valve wherein the shutter disk is retained in contact with the valve seat during ejection of liquid or gas by means of one or more ribs that are substantially in contact with the shutter disk along one or more lines secant to the shutter disk and/or by means of one or more rows of secondary clamping pins that are engaged in matching openings on the valve seat. Further, a second stage pressure reducer for two-stage underwater regulators incorporating a membrane valve wherein the shutter disk is retained in contact with the valve seat during exhalation of gas by means of one or more ribs that are substantially in contact with the shutter disk along one or more lines secant to the shutter disk and/or by means of one or more rows of secondary clamping pins that are engaged in matching openings on the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Scubapro Europe SRL
    Inventor: Roberto Semeia
  • Patent number: 7252111
    Abstract: Apparatus far equilibrating differences between flow rates into and out of closed pipeline systems, which apparatus includes a tank having a supply line and a discharge unit, with a displaceable plate; the supply being fed to the tank through the displaceable plate, the discharge from the tank being through an outlet at the bottom of the tank and the plate moving upwards or downwards to automatically change the volume of the tank in accordance with differences between the supply rate and the discharge rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: tesa Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Sven König, Hermann Neuhaus-Steinmetz, Ulrich Reiser, Norbert Grittner
  • Patent number: 7252112
    Abstract: A breakaway coupling for a fuel supply hose includes a male valve body interfitting with a female valve body for defining a fuel passage, and the valve bodies enclose axially movable spring biased poppet valve members. The valve bodies are connected by a permanent magnetic coupling system which provides for moving the valve bodies from a connected position to a disconnected position in response to a substantial axial tension force on the valve bodies. In one embodiment, the coupling system includes an annular strike member surrounding the fuel passage and a mating annular magnet member supporting a plurality of circumferentially spaced permanent magnets of rare earth materials. In another embodiment, the valve bodies define a vapor return passage with a poppet valve member and disposed either radially outboard or inboard of the fuel passage. The magnetic coupling system also simplifies reconnecting the valve bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Catlow, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Imler, Paul D. Carmack, Robert M. Csortos
  • Patent number: 7252113
    Abstract: An in line mechanical timing valve is disclosed. The valve has an inlet capable of being coupled to a water source and an outlet. A valve housing is fluidly coupled to the inlet and the outlet to control water flow between the inlet and the outlet. A bisecting cylinder is installed perpendicular to the inlet and outlet. The bisecting cylinder has a central axis and a diaphragm which has an open position allowing water flow to the outlet and a closed position preventing water flow to the outlet. A dial knob has an extended position and a retracted position. The dial knob is rotatable about the central axis of the bisecting cylinder when in the retracted position. A timing mechanism has a windup shaft parallel to the central axis of the bisecting cylinder. One end of the windup shaft has one end coupled to the dial knob which allows the timing mechanism to be set by the dial knob. A shaft parallel to the central axis of the bisecting cylinder is inserted through the timing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: L.R. Nelson Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Jacobs, Lawrence P. Heren, John Wisslead
  • Patent number: 7252114
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator status defines two pairs of poles between which an elongate magnetisable armature can see-saw through a mid position between two home positions defined by two of the poles. A closed low reluctance path in each home position includes a permanent magnet which keeps the armature in either home position. An electromagnet is energised by a current pulse, to repel the armature from one home position and attract it to the other. Resilient energy storage means resists the final movement of the armature towards each pole. A non-magnetisable curved central region of the armature makes rolling contact with a complementary curved surface with the stator to cover and uncover openings therein. The stator is housed within, or forms a fluid chamber and fluid supplied thereto can be delivered selectively through one or the other of the two openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Camcon Limited
    Inventor: Wladyslaw Wygnanski
  • Patent number: 7252115
    Abstract: A coupling solenoid valve having a main valve unit and a solenoid operating unit, of which both side faces in the valve-width direction correspond to a first coupling face and a second coupling face for coupling another solenoid valve, wherein a binding member is movably attached to the main unit, this binding member is provided with an engaging hook protruding on the first coupling face side, a hook-engaging portion is formed on the second coupling face side of the main valve unit, and the hook is engaged with the engaging portion of the adjacent solenoid valve, thereby coupling the adjacent solenoid valves so as to be mutually connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Miyazoe, Katsuyuki Senba
  • Patent number: 7252116
    Abstract: A coupling solenoid valve, of which both side faces in the valve-width direction are coupling faces for coupling another solenoid valve, including a main valve unit for switching a fluid channel using a spool, and a solenoid operating unit for driving the spool, wherein a housing of the main valve unit is divided into plurality of blocks, a valve hole for accommodating the spool is formed in a center block, a bottom block is made up of a synthetic resin, plurality of coupling communication holes are formed in this bottom block, and also a connection tube is formed in an integrated manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Miyazoe, Katsuyuki Senba
  • Patent number: 7252117
    Abstract: A stub-out cover for protecting the outer surface of a stub-out line. The stub-out cover includes a substantially rigid, molded tubular member open at one end and closed at the other end. A plurality of flexible tab members extend from the inner wall of the tubular member inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the tubular member. Each tab member has a height that is slightly greater than the distance between the inner wall of the tubular member and the outer surface of the stub-out to be protected. When placed onto a stub-out, the tab members bend to tightly engage the outer surface of the stub-out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: William F. Glenn
  • Patent number: 7252118
    Abstract: According to one aspect, the present technique provides methods and apparatus for inserting coil windings into a stator. Advantageously, the windings may be wound in a vertical configuration to facilitate insertion of the windings into stator slots. Moreover, the exemplary embodiment provides a transfer tool that maintains the stepped and vertical configurations of the coil windings developed during winding upon separation of the wire from the winding form. Advantageously, the present technique may decrease motor fabrication times and improve motor performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ray Thomas Reid
  • Patent number: 7252119
    Abstract: An apparatus for charging pressurized aerosol cans with liquid is provided having a reservoir, filler coupling and safety release device. The safety release device automatically prevents over-charging the can by interacting with the safety dome to cause the can to disengage from the filling reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Seymour of Sycamore
    Inventor: Christopher Heatley
  • Patent number: 7252120
    Abstract: A powder feed apparatus and method for increasing the rate of flow of powder fed through a powder feed system to a powder press. The apparatus includes a housing having a powder feed chamber, with a powder ingress opening and a powder egress opening, and at least one vibrator. The powder feed chamber is dimensioned to transmit a vibrational force from the vibrator to powder in it such that the velocity of the powder through the powder egress opening is increased over the velocity of the powder through the powder egress opening in the absence of the vibrational force (i.e. using only gravity feed).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Glenn Beane
  • Patent number: 7252121
    Abstract: A urine disposing apparatus and method utilizes a cart-like structure to permit a bed-ridden patient to utilize a single urinal for multiple urinations. Following each use, the contents of the urinal are poured into a director, from which they empty into a receptacle located within the disposing apparatus. The empty urinal may then be re-used and emptied as needed. After a period of use, a caregiver may remove the receptacle, clean the component portions of the apparatus as required, and re-position the apparatus and empty urinal for use by the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Greg Hillis
  • Patent number: 7252122
    Abstract: The present invention provides a manifold for receiving fluid tubes in a bulk compounder. In its simplest form, the manifold includes a plurality of inlets, each inlet defining an opening to a respective fluid passageway, and each passageway contains a check-valve. Included in this manifold is an outlet in fluid communication with the fluid passageways and an inlet port which is coaxial with the outlet. The coaxial inlet port contains a check-valve. Included as a part of the present invention is a cannula adapted for use with the manifold of the present invention, tube sets for use with the manifold of the present invention, and a method of minimizing error in filling a bag using a manifold in accordance with the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: B. Braun Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Aleandro DiGianfilippo, Kenneth C. Raines, Joel Bartholomew, Richard S. Pierce, Jeffery Steigerwalt
  • Patent number: 7252123
    Abstract: A grout bag housing support in the shape of cylinder has an upper open end and a lower open end, with a sidewall having passageways at the lower end through which water may drain during the grout bag filling operation. A securing collar is dimensioned to fit in the upper end of the cylinder in order to hold a grout bag firmly in place while being filled, and to thereafter permit removal of the grout bag upon removal of the securing collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Ricky W. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7252124
    Abstract: A work feeding and conveying device for a planing machine includes a conveying unit assembled on an intermediate base of a planing machine. The conveying unit has a power source, a front shaft, a rear shaft and a conveying belt. The front shaft is secured at the front end of the intermediate base and connected with a power source for being rotated. The rear shaft is pivotally connected with the rear end of the intermediate base, able to be moved back and forth horizontally for a present distance. The conveying belt formed with a rough surface with high friction coefficient is fitted around the intermediate base and passes on the front and the rear shaft. The conveying belt can smoothly convey a work piece, and evenly apply force on its surface, able to carry out wood processing precisely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Bor-Yann Chuang
  • Patent number: 7252125
    Abstract: A portable workdeck assembly is described as including a specially configured planar work surface on whose upper surface may be mounted a number of distinct bench mounted tools and related accessories, and whose lower surface carries user adjustable means enabling the deck assembly to be interfitted onto a plurality of variously sized and shaped supporting base members. The workdeck assembly therefore readily facilitates the portability of a set of familiar bench mounted tools and accessories to various sites. In a preferred baseline embodiment, one or more rigidifying channels longitudinally disposed on the work surface bottom carry a number of two-axis adjustable feet which enable the workdeck assembly to interfit snugly with variously sized rolling tool cabinets. In an alternate embodiment, a number of cross members with resilient feet are mounted on the work surface bottom enabling the workdeck to be non-slidingly positioned atop any suitably strong horizontally disposed base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Harley J. Haag
  • Patent number: 7252126
    Abstract: A device, such as a safety support, comprising a body and a base, in which the base comprises at least one zone of resistance which is essentially circumferentially inextensible and is mechanically coupled to the body, and at least one centering zone which is mechanically joined to the resistance zone by connections with low tensile rigidity and so to be mechanically uncoupled from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Sebastien Drap
  • Patent number: 7252127
    Abstract: Bicycle wheels have integral reflective areas to increase visibility of the bicycle. These areas show through portions of the wheel tread, so that the tread protects the reflector material from wear. The reflecting areas are scattered over the wheel and situated at a variety of angles with respect to the plane of the wheel so that reflectors are always situated to reflect light from the sun, a street lamp, or car headlights. A bicycle tire of the conventional sort having a tube and removable outer tire having tread is used. The outer tire has holes formed in it interspersed among the raised areas of tread. Reflecting material in sheets is placed between the outer wheel and the tube. Preferably, the reflecting material is affixed to the outer tire, and is coated with a protective coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Mark Goetz
  • Patent number: 7252128
    Abstract: A tire includes a radial carcass reinforcement radially surmounted by a crown reinforcement composed of at least two working crown plies formed of metallic reinforcement elements crossed from one ply to the next and forming with the circumferential direction angles of between 10 and 35°. Also provided is at least one additional reinforcement, formed of at least two circumferentially oriented layers of metallic elements of a compacted diameter at most equal to 0.6 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Oliver Ferlin
  • Patent number: 7252129
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a tread, a carcass with belt plies disposed below the tread, and a cap ply layer between the tread and the belt plies of the carcass. The cap ply is a leno weave tape having warp yarn in the longitudinal direction and weft yarns in the weft direction. The leno weave tape is wound in a flat helically wound around the belt plies, and cover with a tread of the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Dany Michiels, Geert Broos, Willy Delanoy, Werner K. Hess, Boudewijn Snauwaert
  • Patent number: 7252130
    Abstract: While clamped by a clamping jig 100, polarization-maintaining fiber cables 11 and 12 are automatically oriented with an orientation adjusting unit 200 and then heated by a heater 105 for curing thermoset resins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Totoku Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Nonomura, Hidetoku Iida, Atsushi Koyama
  • Patent number: 7252131
    Abstract: Printed slips are applied to packets in a cigarette packer by a unit comprising a first device designed to feed slips procured as single items and ordered in a stack, or a second device designed to feed slips obtainable as cuts generated from a continuous strip; the two feed devices are conceived as mutually interchangeable accessory components that can be mounted in identical manner to a universal pickup and application device that is installed permanently in the machine and able to take up the slips with equal facility from either the first or the second feed device at a pickup station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: G.D S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fiorenzo Draghetti, Andrea Biondi
  • Patent number: 7252132
    Abstract: A window covering has a headrail, a plurality of lift cords extending from the headrail and a plurality of shade elements positioned sequentially below the headrail. Each shade element has two longitudinal edges which are substantially parallel to one another. A flap made of mesh fabric, a non-woven fabric or a film through which light may pass is attached to one or both longitudinal edges of the shade elements. The shade elements are positioned so that when the shade elements are in a closed position the lower edge of one shade element abuts the upper edge of an adjacent shade element and when the shade elements are in an open position, the lower edge of the at least one shade element is spaced apart from the upper edge of an adjacent shade element. The flap may or may not fully cover the gap between adjacent shade elements. A first cord is attached to one longitudinal edge of each shade element and a second cord is attached to the other longitudinal edge of each shade element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming Nien, David Pon
  • Patent number: 7252133
    Abstract: A high load operation industrial roll door, including a flexible door curtain windable about a top roll positioned above a door opening and provided with a drive system. The roll door includes a bottom beam fastened to the door curtain, and a biasing spring, for resisting movement of the door upon application of a load thereon, and a positive stop preventing movement of the biasing means beyond a predetermined point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Albany International Corp.
    Inventors: Mikael Bengtsson, Hakan Larsson, Raymond Sauve, Holger Siewert, Jan Victor, Kent Palsson
  • Patent number: 7252134
    Abstract: Various systems and apparatuses for processing a metal casting are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Consolidated Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott P. Crafton, Paul M. Crafton, Ian French, Jim Garrett
  • Patent number: 7252135
    Abstract: A method of producing a composite metal material includes: (a) mixing an elastomer and filler particles to obtain a composite material; and (b) mixing the composite material and a metal to obtain a composite metal material in which the filler particles are uniformly dispersed in the metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Nissin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Noguchi, Akira Magario
  • Patent number: 7252136
    Abstract: A numbering device is disclosed for marking molded cast parts, the device including a plurality of concentric cylinders having indicia disposed on an end thereof, the cylinders being rotatingly indexable to cause the indicia to move as desired to form the desired mark, the mark is then impressed into a sand mold and subsequently reproduced on the cast part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Michael William Rieke
  • Patent number: 7252137
    Abstract: An air conditioning unit includes an air conditioning casing formed with an inlet and an outlet. The air conditioning casing allows air to flow in the air conditioning casing from the inlet to the outlet. The conditioning unit also includes an evaporator arranged in the air conditioning casing and having substantially a U-shape and a U-Shaped outer air flow path provided on an outer side of the U-shaped evaporator in the air conditioning casing. An inner air flow path is provided on an inner side of the U-shaped evaporator in the air conditioning casing and a heater core is arranged in the air conditioning casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventors: Yukio Ozeki, Toshio Ohashi, Masato Ohno, Manabu Uomoto, Masaharu Onda
  • Patent number: 7252138
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the repair of damaged tubes, such as heat exchanger tubes, comprising inserting a flow through plug into the damaged heat exchanger tube. The flow through plug is tapered and creates a press fit when inserted within the heat exchanger tube. The flow through plug has an aperture along its axis, thus allowing for flow lengthwise through the flow through plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: Larry Junior Burkhalter, Michael Stanley DeCourcy, Stephan Kenneth Weinberg, Keith Frederick Briegel
  • Patent number: 7252139
    Abstract: A system and method for cooling electronic components. The system includes a surface. One or more electronic components are coupled to the surface, the one or more electronic components including an integrated circuit in contact with a heat sink. A blower is coupled to the surface, the blower having a first port, a second port, and an impeller that rotates around an axis. The blower is oriented such that the axis is perpendicular to the surface and non-intersecting with the heat sink, wherein the blower moves air across the heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Shlomo Novotny, Arthur S. Rousmaniere, Marlin Vogel
  • Patent number: 7252140
    Abstract: One embodiment of the cooling module is implemented as a device having a heat sink and an integrated synthetic jet actuator. The heat sink is configured to have a channel and a jet distribution system associated with the synthetic jet actuator directs fluid flow into the channel of the heat sink. In operation, the fluid flow of this embodiment of the cooling module comprises a synthetic jet stream and ambient fluid entrained into the channel by the synthetic jet stream. The fluid flowing through the channel serves to a wall of the heat sink channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Nuveatix, Inc.
    Inventors: Ari Glezer, Raghavendran Mahalingam
  • Patent number: 7252141
    Abstract: A groundwater sampling and pumping device and system for withdrawing groundwater from a well. The device includes a hollow outer housing having water inlet ports formed through a bottom thereof and a hollow inner housing sized to be positioned coaxially within the outer housing and defining a water flow passage therebetween, the respective bottoms being spaced to define a lower portion of the water passage whereby water ports are in fluid communication with the water passage. An electric motor in the inner housing is connected to a water impeller operably positioned between the bottoms to draw groundwater into the water passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Concurrent Technologies International, LLC
    Inventor: Craig Intelisano
  • Patent number: 7252142
    Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Brezinski, Gregory B. Chitwood, Ralph H. Echols, Gary P. Funkhouser, John C. Gano, Paul I. Herman, Marion D. Kilgore, Ronald J. Powell, Thomas W. Ray, Michael W. Sanders, Robert S. Taylor, Bradley L. Todd, Cynthia Tuckness
  • Patent number: 7252143
    Abstract: A free point tool has at least one sensor to measure deformation of a stuck conduit in a borehole. A set of anchors is located adjacent to and on each side of the sensor. The anchors include anchor arms that move from a stowed position to an extended position. Each of the anchor arms has a pad, which pad has a contact face. The contact face is structured and arranged to engage the conduit. The pad is coupled to the respective anchor arm in an articulating manner, such as by a pin joint or a ball and socket joint. The pad can be easily coupled to or disconnected from the arm. This allows the pad to be selected for the downhole conditions, including conduit physical characteristics and environmental conditions downhole. The anchors also include cam arms coupled between the anchor arms and an actuator. There are provided at least two sets of anchor linkages of cam arms and anchor arms so as to adapt to the conduit inside diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Computalog USA Inc.
    Inventors: Freddie L. Sellers, Stanley R. Thomas, Jr., Lucio N. Tello
  • Patent number: 7252144
    Abstract: A nuclear sensor on a bottomhole assembly (BHA) makes measurements of a property of an earth formation during continued rotation of the BHA. Magnetometers that are susceptible to bias error are deployed on the BHA to make measurements of the magnetic toolface angle. A processor separates the sensor measurements into azimuthal sectors while compensating for inherent time delays in the electronics, non-uniform rotation, and bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert A. Estes, Roger Cruz, Brent D. Hope, Nico Foekema
  • Patent number: 7252146
    Abstract: Methods are provided that include a method of creating a stable slurry of coated particulates wherein the slurry is capable of being stored for at least 2 hours before use comprising the steps of: providing resin coated particulates wherein the resin comprises a resin that does not completely cure unless it is at least one of exposed to a temperature above about 175° F. or exposed to an external catalyst; and, substantially suspending the resin coated particulates in a servicing fluid to create a stable resin coated particulate slurry. Methods are provided that include a method of creating a stable slurry of coated particulates wherein the slurry is capable of being stored for at least 2 hours before use comprising the steps of: providing tackifier coated particulates; and, substantially suspending the tackifier coated particulates in a servicing fluid to create a tackifier coated particulate slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Billy Slabaugh, Jimmie D. Weaver, Philip D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7252147
    Abstract: A method of initiating fluid circulation in a well bore through a casing inner diameter and an annulus outside the casing, the method having the following steps: inducing an increase in the annulus fluid pressure; flowing cement composition into the annulus at the top of the well bore; maintaining a difference in pressure between the fluid pressure of the casing inner diameter and the fluid pressure of the annulus until enough cement composition has entered the annulus to drive fluid circulation by the added cement composition weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Badalamenti, Karl W. Blanchard, Simon Turton, Ronald R. Faul, Henry E. Rogers, James E. Griffith, Michael G. Crowder
  • Patent number: 7252148
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for pumping fluids from a well utilizing a submersible pumping system. In one embodiment, the pump comprises a pump body operable to be disposed within tubing within a well. The pump body encloses a pump chamber having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is in fluid communication with the well. A diaphragm is disposed within the pump chamber and forms a boundary between the pump chamber and a diaphragm chamber. A piston is moveably disposed within the diaphragm chamber. The piston may be moved within the diaphragm chamber by a pressure intensifier supplied with a pressure differential from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Leland B. Traylor
  • Patent number: 7252149
    Abstract: A safety valve lock out system and method. In a described embodiment, a method of locking out a safety valve in a subterranean well includes the steps of: flowing a hardenable fluid into the safety valve; and preventing a closure device of the safety valve from closing with the hardenable fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Crow
  • Patent number: 7252150
    Abstract: A downhole tool including a selectively releasable joint, a downhole drilling assembly including the downhole tool, and a corresponding method. In one embodiment of the invention, a downhole drilling assembly includes a downhole tool having a first body and a second body mounted for relative rotation; a joint part for use in forming a selectively releasable joint between the second body and a part of the assembly coupled to the second body; and one or more locking member(s) for locking the first and second bodies relative to one another against relative rotation so as to allow a release force to be applied through the first body to release the releasable joint and allow the tool to be separated from the part of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew McPherson Downie, Edward Docherty Scott, Roy Powell
  • Patent number: 7252151
    Abstract: Methods and apparati are disclosed for continuous circulation of drilling fluids while adding or removing tubulars to and from a drill string, and also for continuing drilling during the addition or removal of tubulars to and from the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Coupler Developments Limited
    Inventor: Laurence John Ayling
  • Patent number: 7252152
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for remotely actuating a downhole tool. In one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for activating a downhole tool in a wellbore, the downhole tool having an actuated and unactuated positions. The apparatus includes an actuator for operating the downhole tool between the actuated and unactuated positions; a controller for activating the actuator; and a sensor for detecting a condition in the wellbore, wherein the detected condition is transmitted to the controller, thereby causing the actuator to operate the downhole tool. In one embodiment, conditions in the wellbore are generated at the surface, which is later detected downhole. These conditions include changes in pressure, temperature, vibration, or flow rate. In another embodiment, a fiber optic signal may be transmitted downhole to the sensor. In another embodiment still, a radio frequency tag is dropped into the wellbore for detection by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael LoGiudice, R. Lee Colvard
  • Patent number: 7252153
    Abstract: A fluid loss device including a flapper and seat assembly that provide a seal on a lower flapper surface when the flapper is closed and resists pressure in either direction. The flapper and seat assembly is spring biased to contact a flapper support above the flapper to resist deformation of the flapper due to a pressure differential from below the flapper. The flapper and seat assembly may be moved by tubing pressure to release an opening prop that opens the flapper. The valve seat may include an elastomeric seal element to improve the fluid flow restriction. The flapper and seat assembly is also biased upward by a pressure differential from below to above the flapper, to thereby increase the flapper to valve seat pressure as the fluid pressure differential increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Hejl, W. David Henderson, W. Mark Richards
  • Patent number: 7252154
    Abstract: A percussion device for a rock drilling machine or the like, which comprises means for providing an impact, i.e. a stress pulse, to a tool connected to the percussion device. The means for proving the stress pulse include a stress element (4) of liquid, which is supported to a body (2) of the percussion device and means for subjecting the stress element to pressure and correspondingly for releasing the stress element (4) abruptly, whereby the stress energy is discharged as a stress pulse to the tool in direct or indirect contact with the stress element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction Oy
    Inventors: Markku Keskiniva, Erkki Ahola, Ari Kotala
  • Patent number: 7252155
    Abstract: A power tool (1) having a striking means (5), by which a percussive tool (2) that can be driven at least partially along an axis (A) struck directly and having a flushing bore (4) extending at least partially longitudinally through a tool shank (3), and having a flushing head (6) having a radially inwardly open transverse bore hole (8) connected in a flow-through fashion with a fluid channel (7). The flushing head (6) has at least one hollow cylindrical sleeve-like guide surface (9), which is fitted for an insertion end (10) of the striking tool (2). The striking means (5) sealed by a seal (11a, 11b) is cup-like. The striking means (5) is moveably guided and made fluid tight by the seal (11a, 11b) to embrace the machine-side part of the insertion end (10) having the machine-side open flushing bore (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesselschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Goetzfried, Udo Hauptmann, Konrad Artmann