Patents Issued in September 25, 2007
  • Patent number: 7273065
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a dunnage bag wherein in the valve body a valve diaphragm is mounted on a shaft and is supported by a mounting bar such that the valve diaphragm may be reciprocally moved from the closed position to the open position by a simple axial push on the valve shaft. The valve shaft is retained in the mounting bar in an orifice and the shaft diameter is enlarged at its end distant from the valve diaphragm so as to generate a frictional force fit or lock in the open position to facilitate the removal of air from the bag. The valve may be released form the friction lock by the air pressure of a recharged bag and/or by the manual movement of the valve diaphragm and shaft axially toward the open end of the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: James A. Robbins
  • Patent number: 7273066
    Abstract: A valve connector for coupling with inflation valves of vehicle tyres, comprising a housing, within the housing a coupling hole for coupling with an inflation valve, the coupling hole having a central axis and an outer opening, positioning means for positioning the inflation valve when coupled in the coupling hole, and an activating pin, which is arranged coaxially with the coupling hole, for depressing a central spring-force operated core pin of the inflation valve, a cylinder (303) having a cylinder wall provided with a pressure port which is connected to a pressure source, wherein the activating pin is shiftable between a proximal pin position and a distal pin position relative to the positioning means so as to depress the core pin of the inflation valve in its distal pin position and disengage the core pin of the inflation valve in its proximal pin position when the inflation valve is positioned by the positioning means, the activating pin is coupled with a piston (304) and the piston (304) is slidingly a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: NVB International
    Inventor: Nicolass van der Blom
  • Patent number: 7273067
    Abstract: A relatively small, lightweight valve actuator assembly that can withstand relatively high levels of vibration and shock includes a motor, a position sensor, and a drive belt mounted on an actuator housing assembly. The position sensor is preferably disposed within a sensor housing that is mounted on a side of the actuator housing assembly. As a result, the overall center-of-gravity (CG) and weight of the actuator assembly is significantly reduced, as is the overall size envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: James N. Quitmeyer, Kellan P. Geck, Louie T. Gaines, Jeff S. Rayner, Charles M. Royalty
  • Patent number: 7273068
    Abstract: A fuel control valve (100) includes a rotary throttling valve assembly (4,7) providing one or more of the benefits of being lightweight, having a relatively low power consumption, having a fail-closed structure and/or zero leakage. The fuel control valve (100) is a rotary, throttling valve that is actuated via a rotary torque motor (70). The valve (7) can be spring loaded for providing positive shutoff. Position indication of the valve (7) is obtained via a position sensor (31) and cam (13) mounted to the throttling valve shaft at a driven end (98). In a de-energized state, a torsion spring (45) is provided that is loaded to rotate the valve (7) to the closed position. The fuel control valve (100) may be advantageously utilized in extreme operating environments, e.g., such as extreme temperature and vibration environments found in missile control fuel systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Devane R. Ballenger, Stephen M. Emo, William Lorenz, Kenneth L. Miller
  • Patent number: 7273069
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a pressurized gas inline valve assembly incorporating a check valve to maintain pressure above a selectable psi and a ball valve for selectively shutting off gas flow. The apparatus is preferably positioned approximate the gas source in a beverage dispensing system that uses carbon dioxide for carbonation, preservative and propellant. Preferably, the apparatus is designed to maintain the system pressure above the threshold pressure that when below said threshold pressure the carbon dioxide would revert to its inoperative dry ice solid state as opposed to its operative liquid state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Burt Nelson
  • Patent number: 7273070
    Abstract: A spout plumbing device includes a spout having an externally threaded water inlet on the bottom for engaging sequentially with a hexagonal nut, an expansion tube and a swivel cap which has a hexagonal central bore in upper portion engaged with the hexagonal nut, a less diameter circular central bore in lower portion engaged with the expansion tube which has a flange on the top stopped against an annular shoulder inside the swivel cap, an elastic sleeve sleeved on the lower portion of the expansion tube and engaged within a through hole of a worktop, a washer position between the swivel cap and the worktop when the swivel cap engages with the worktop and a water source connected to the lower end of the water inlet. It is characterized that this plumbing job is all worked on the top of the worktop and does not need to work in the narrow and dirty space under the worktop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Tung-Po Lin
  • Patent number: 7273071
    Abstract: A control for controlling the amount of heated fluid entering the inlet of the driving heat source for a refrigerant absorption cycle is controlled to vary the relative amount of heated fluid entering the driving heat source inlet, and being dumped to atmosphere. Preferably, a diverter valve is utilized such that a first valve body (40) communicates the flow into the driving heat source inlet, and moves in opposition to a second valve body (46) controlling the flow through the exhaust. The two valves bodies (40, 46) are preferably mechanically linked. Since the heated fluid is not allowed to enter the refrigerant absorption cycle as its drive heating source, no additional hardware and control for dumping excess heat is necessary within the refrigerant absorption cycle. A computer control preferably drives the first valve to a precise position and the linkage ensures the second valve is also received at a precise position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: UTC Power, LLC
    Inventors: Mark E. Marler, Sunghan Jung, Timothy C. Wagner, Jinsang Ryu
  • Patent number: 7273072
    Abstract: A valve body for a valve assembly includes a main passageway in which a primary valve is received which has a weir constructed to define a valve seat and to interact with a valve element in the form of a diaphragm. Integrated in the valve body is a secondary valve having a weir which defines a valve seat and interacts with a second valve element in the form of a diaphragm. The secondary valve is constructed to allow establishment of a fluid communication upstream of the valve seat of the primary valve between the main passageway and a branch line, via which a medium sample can be extracted and/or steam and/or condensate can be, optionally, released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: GEMÜ Gebrüder Müller Apparatebau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Fritz Müller
  • Patent number: 7273073
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method, device and tools for the protection of cadmium welds, holidays or the like on underground pipe portions, wherein the device includes a patch having a fibrous material and a hydrophobic agent that is adapted to form a substantial seal about the pipe portion or otherwise coat the pipe portion with an anti-corrosion agent upon application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: The Trenton Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Douglas, Mark Bradley, Charles W. Kennedy, Frank Rampton
  • Patent number: 7273074
    Abstract: An on-machine-seamable industrial fabric includes rings in the seam region. In one principal embodiment, the rings are between the seaming loops at the two ends of the fabric and enclose at least one cross-machine-direction (CD) yarn. As such, the rings strengthen the seam region by involving the CD yarns as a reinforcement. In another principal embodiment, the rings are used instead of a seaming spiral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Albany International Corp.
    Inventor: Robert A. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7273075
    Abstract: A powder-fluidizing apparatus is presented which is applicable to feeding ultra-fine and nano-size powders, and powders with a broad particle size distribution, in a uniform manner over a long period of time. Generally, this is accomplished by using a rotating brush to sweep the powder through holes in a removable sieve plate, which breaks up agglomerated particles in the powder and controls the powder feed rate. The powder then drops from the holes into a funnel, where it is fluidized by being entrained into a carrier gas, and then flows through the funnel out of the apparatus to an applicator. The funnel surface is vibrated to avoid powder build-up on the surface that can break loose and cause pulses of increased material in the powder flow. Ultrasonic waves are introduced into the funnel to break up any agglomerated particles remaining in the powder before it reaches the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Innovative Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph Tapphorn, Howard Gabel
  • Patent number: 7273076
    Abstract: A device is provided for emptying a pressure container (4) which includes a receptacle (2) capable of being closed in a pressure-tight manner, for accommodating the pressure container (4), means for opening (38) the pressure container (4) located in the receptacle (2), means for leading away the container contents, and an excess pressure safety means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Umwelt-Technik-Metallrecycling GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Franck
  • Patent number: 7273077
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing liquid crystal material including a container containing liquid crystal material, a discharge pump drawing-in liquid crystal material and discharging the drawn liquid crystal material, a nozzle dispensing the discharged liquid crystal material onto LCD panel regions as a plurality of liquid crystal droplets, and a control unit calculating a total amount of liquid crystal material to be dispensed onto each LCD panel region as a dispensing pattern of liquid crystal droplets each having an amount of liquid crystal material contained therein and for compensating the total amount of liquid crystal material by at least one of: compensating the predetermined number of liquid crystal droplets arranged within the predetermined dispensing pattern, and compensating the predetermined amount of liquid crystal material within at least one liquid crystal droplet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Choon Ryu, Sang-Hyun Kim, Sung-Su Jung, Dong-Ho Park
  • Patent number: 7273078
    Abstract: A tree delimber including a base frame rotatably supporting a yoke assembly and a cutting head assembly. The yoke assembly is journalled for rotation in a ring bearing on the base frame, adjacent its front end, and supported by a pair of roller units adjacent its rear end. Each roller unit includes a vertically adjustable roller, adjustment being automatically effected by horizontal movement of a wedge driven by a control rod under the influence of fluid pressure in a hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Blount, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Shae
  • Patent number: 7273079
    Abstract: An electric sharpener has a casing, an electric motor, and a flat cutting blade for turning by the motor. There is an aperture in the casing through which a pencil can be inserted for sharpening by the cutting blade. An activation sensor is included for detecting when a pencil has been inserted through the aperture to close the electrical circuit, and a deactivation sensor for detecting a sharpened tip of the pencil to open the electrical circuit, thereby stopping the motor. The deactivation sensor has an actuating part for engagement and movement by the tip and a contact part supported by the actuating part for concurrent movement to break electrical contact with a fixed contact in the electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Progressive Plastic Metal Stationery Products Manufactory Limited
    Inventor: Tsz Bun Kok
  • Patent number: 7273080
    Abstract: A support fixture for a hand-held power tool includes a base plate and a guide plate assembly supported for movement relative to the base plate to bring the working end of the power tool into contact with a workpiece on which the base plate is supported. The guide plate assembly includes a tool support housing configured for supporting the body of the power tool, and an overthrow nut assembly for threaded engagement with a threaded portion of the power tool adjacent the working end of the tool. The fixture includes a guide bushing that is top-loaded into a bushing collar defined in the base plate, in which the guide bushing is configured to engage a template supported on the workpiece. A threaded plug holds the guide bushing within the bushing collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Credo Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Brad M. Baber
  • Patent number: 7273081
    Abstract: The present invention provides a heavy load pneumatic tire capable of effectively preventing a river wear from generating while preventing a crack or a stone-biting from generating in a sipeing end. In a heavy load pneumatic tire in which a tread portion has a rib pattern formed with ribs divided by main grooves which are continuous in a circumferential direction of the tire, at least one of the main grooves that is located on the outermost side in a widthwise direction of the tire is provided at its groove bottom with a projecting stripe which is continuous in the circumferential direction of the tire, and the ribs adjacent to an inner side of the main groove are provided with closed sipeings arranged at substantially constant distances from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akinori Miyake
  • Patent number: 7273082
    Abstract: A tire inflation system includes an air supply source in selective fluid communication with a tire via a pneumatic conduit. A method of inflating the system includes providing a tire pressure retention valve in the pneumatic conduit adjacent to the tire. An inflation pressure of the tire is determined with a step-up procedure, in which air bursts are communicated from the air supply source to a portion of the pneumatic conduit between the air supply source and the tire pressure retention valve. The volume of at least one selected communicated air burst is related to a volume of a section of the conduit. The tire is inflated with an extended-pulse procedure, in which extended bursts of air are communicated from the air supply source to the tire. A shut-down sequence is performed once a predetermined target inflation pressure in the tire is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jay D. White, Richard R. Steiner, Jesse W. Cervantez
  • Patent number: 7273083
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire has two or more carcass layers for reinforcing between a pair of annular beads. The pneumatic tire includes: (i) a region including or near a position having a tire maximum width, which region includes a radial region where cords constituting the carcass layers are arranged at an angle of 90±10° with respect to a circumferential direction; (ii) a region between the radial region and one of the beads close thereto, which region includes a bias region where cords in an upper layer and cords in a lower layer constituting the carcass intersect and are both arranged at an angle of 10° to 60° with respect to the circumferential direction; and (iii) a region between the radial region and a tire equator line, which region includes another bias region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Nakakura, Kietsu Maeda
  • Patent number: 7273084
    Abstract: A shower screen includes an upper guide rod secured on top of two posts, a screen member having a number of panels foldably coupled together and having an upper portion slidably attached to the guide rod, and two beams secured to sides of the screen member. A lower guide bar is secured to lower portions of the posts, and includes a downwardly facing passage. The beams and the screen member each includes a hook member or hook device having a projection slidably engaged into the passage of the guide bar, to anchor the lower portions of the beams and the screen member to the guide bar, and to prevent the beams and the screen member from fluctuating or vibrating relative to the guide bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Chang Than Chen
  • Patent number: 7273085
    Abstract: Deoxidation casting machine, in which a deoxidizing compound reacts with a molten metal so as to deoxidize an oxide film formed on a surface of the molten metal. The machine includes a casting die having a molten metal inlet, a cavity into which a molten metal is poured from the molten metal inlet and a feeder head provided between the molten metal inlet and the cavity. A rate of cooling the molten metal in the feeder head is lower than that in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Nissin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keisuke Ban, Koichi Ogiwara
  • Patent number: 7273086
    Abstract: In a lubricant composition suitable for use in the manufacture of aluminum alloys comprising lubricant base selected from the group consisting of solid lubricants, liquid lubricants, grease lubricants, emulsion lubricants, and dispersion lubricants, the improvement wherein the lubricant composition further comprises: an effective amount of water and surfactant. It is believed that mixing oil with water and surfactant provides a method for uniformly distributing the surface oxide at the meniscus for casting applications. Uniform distribution of the oxide at the meniscus reduces vertical fold formation that can lead to cracks in the aluminum ingot. In addition, the mixture promotes uniform heat transfer around the mold. Uniform heat transfer around the mold allows the solidifying aluminum alloy to stay in contact with the mold longer and form stronger ingot shells. A process for continuous or semi-continuous casting of aluminum alloys via the use of this lubricant composition is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Ray T. Richter, Brian C. Reynolds, Jim N. Hart, Patricia A. Stewart, James R. Anglin, Larry F. Weiserman, Thomas J. Kasun
  • Patent number: 7273087
    Abstract: A tank for a radiator has an integral connecting member between the tank and the radiator. The integral connecting member is used to connect both a filing port and a ventilation port. The filling port is utilized for adding a liquid to the radiator and the ventilation port is utilized for removing gas from the radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO Marston, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusuf Mulla, Nick Taylor
  • Patent number: 7273088
    Abstract: One or more heat exchanger components of an apparatus are in major part operably locatable outside a computer chassis and serve to reduce one or more temperatures of one or more heat producing components supported with the computer chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Christopher Gregory Malone, Glenn Cochran Simon
  • Patent number: 7273089
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an electronic apparatus comprises a main unit, a display unit and a support unit. The main unit contains a heat-generating component and a heat-receiving portion. The heat-receiving portion is thermally connected to the heat-generating component. The support unit supports the display unit on the main unit and contains a heat-radiating portion that radiates the heat of the heat-generating component. The heat of the heat-generating component is transmitted to a heat-transferring medium and transferred to the heat-radiating portion through the heat-transferring medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yukihiko Hata, Kentaro Tomioka, Mitsuyoshi Tanimoto, Hiroyuki Kusaka
  • Patent number: 7273090
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems for an integrated cold plate and heat exchanger may be provided. In some embodiments, a device may comprise a cold plate to transfer heat to a fluid and a heat spreader integral with the cold plate, the heat spreader to accept heat from an electronic device. In some embodiments, the heat spreader and the cold plate are monolithic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Michael T. Crocker, Daniel P. Carter
  • Patent number: 7273091
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus for heat generating devices such as semiconductor chips comprises a parallel disk fan in the middle of a set of heat sink fins. The parallel disk fan has radial elements placed between the disks to efficiently create air flow without turbulence. Cooling efficiency is further enhanced when heat dissipation through the parallel disks of the fan is introduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Manish Bahl, Lawrence S. Mok
  • Patent number: 7273092
    Abstract: A modularized cooler includes the at least two heat radiator modules arranged in a stack, each heat radiator module having a set of radiation fins, heat-exchange tubes arranged in parallel and surrounded by the radiation fins, two locating plates holding the heat-exchange tubes in place, and a plurality of first bends and second bends respectively connected between every two adjacent heat-exchange tubes at two sides of the radiation fins and forming with the heat-exchange tubes a continuously S-shaped piping having an inlet and an outlet, and at least one connecting tubes that connect the S-shaped pipings of the heat radiator modules in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Forward Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Fong Huang, Chih-Chien Huang
  • Patent number: 7273093
    Abstract: A device is provided for heat transfer and in particular an evaporator for an air conditioning system of motor vehicles having at least one header tank including at least two header chambers which are substantially defined by a base device and a top device. The top device includes middle side walls which are arranged adjacent to one another at least over a portion. The distance between the two side walls increases with the height above the base device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gottfried Dürr, Klaus Förster, Franz Ott, Wolfgang Seewald
  • Patent number: 7273094
    Abstract: A cooling fin unit includes a plurality of cooling fins and a heat guide pipe. Each of the cooling fins has a through hole at the main body thereof and the heat guide pipe passes through the through hole respectively. A recess part is provided to indent toward a side of the main body near the outer side of the through hole and the recess part has a receiving space communicating with the through hole. A heat conductive medium, which is received in the receiving space, is heated up to become a state of melting to fill with spots between the outer surface of the heat guide pipe and the respective through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Asia Vitag Components Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Sheng-Huang Lin
  • Patent number: 7273095
    Abstract: A method for providing for thermal conduction using an array of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). An array of vertically oriented CNTs is grown on a substrate having high thermal conductivity, and interstitial regions between adjacent CNTs in the array are partly or wholly filled with a filler material having a high thermal conductivity so that at least one end of each CNT is exposed. The exposed end of each CNT is pressed against a surface of an object from which heat is to be removed. The CNT-filler composite adjacent to the substrate provides improved mechanical strength to anchor CNTs in place and also serves as a heat spreader to improve diffusion of heat flux from the smaller volume (CNTs) to a larger heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignees: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NanoConduction, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jun Li, Meyya Meyyappan
  • Patent number: 7273096
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for holding and releasing an object, such device having a body with a cavity in which the object is accommodatable, an elastic retaining member for retaining the object in the cavity, and, a pushing member for pushing the object out of the body past the retaining member. The pushing member has a first stimuli responsive gel, which has a volume that varies in response to variation of a selected physical stimulating parameter and a controller capable of activating the pushing member by stimulating the first gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Johannis Josephus Den Boer, John Foreman Stewart
  • Patent number: 7273097
    Abstract: Methods for determining formation characteristics comprising establishing baseline casing conditions for a string of casing disposed within a wellbore in a formation and measuring updated casing conditions for the string of casing at a first time interval from the establishing of the baseline casing conditions. The baseline casing conditions are compared to the updated casing conditions to determine changes in the string of casing over the first time interval. These changes in the string of casing are then used to determine formation characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Edmund Fox, Gary James Frisch
  • Patent number: 7273098
    Abstract: A method for producing oil or gas from multiple wells, the wells including at least a first well and a second well, with each well using an artificial lift system that includes a plunger associated with a motor valve off time, and first and second identical connecting subsystems that connect their respective wells to a common sales line. The first connecting subsystem includes: a) a plunger arrival sensor connected to a micro controller; b) a wellhead connected to the first well; c) a motor valve connected to the wellhead; d) first and second pressure transducers on either side of the motor valve, conductively coupled to the micro controller; and e) a micro controller for keeping the motor valve closed during the motor valve off time, and extending the motor valve off time following a determination of the existence of a pressure spike in the common sales line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Scientific Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick Evans, Michael A. Oehlert, Trevor Pugh
  • Patent number: 7273099
    Abstract: A method of stimulating a production interval adjacent a well bore having a casing disposed therein, that comprises introducing a carrier fluid comprising first particulates into the well bore, packing the first particulates into a plurality of perforations in the casing, perforating at least one remedial perforation in the casing adjacent to the production interval, and stimulating the production interval through the at least one remedial perforation. Also provided are methods of stimulating multiple production intervals adjacent a well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Loyd E. East, Jr., Travis W. Cavender, David J. Attaway
  • Patent number: 7273100
    Abstract: Methods of cementing in a subterranean formation may include the steps of: providing a cement composition comprising a cement, water, and a dispersant comprising a low molecular weight starch that comprises anionic groups; placing the cement composition in the subterranean formation; and allowing the cement composition to set therein. In certain embodiments, improved biodegradable dispersants may include low molecular weight starches having anionic groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: B. Raghava Reddy, Larry S. Eoff
  • Patent number: 7273101
    Abstract: The invention concerns an aqueous delayed-gelation solution and a method of selectively placing a delayed-gelation solution in a hydrocarbon well. According to the invention, the aqueous delayed-gelation solution a dissolved metal salt which, in use, hydrolyses to form a gel, wherein the solution contains suspended inorganic particles and the method comprises the steps of—providing the aqueous delayed-gelation solution, and—injecting the solution into the hydrocarbon well, whereby the suspended inorganic particles reduce or block the flow of the delayed-gelation solution to relatively low permeability formation zones thereby selectively placing the solution in a relatively high permeability formation zone. Applications of the invention relate to the treatment of hydrocarbon wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Davies, Trevor Hughes, Henk Lekkerkerker, Michel Van Bruggen, Arnaud Van Der Beken
  • Patent number: 7273102
    Abstract: A technique that is usable with a subterranean well includes communicating a wireless stimulus downhole in the well and actuating a casing conveyed tool in response to the communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Randolph J. Sheffield
  • Patent number: 7273103
    Abstract: Provided herein are defoaming agents that comprise lecithin and a solvent. Optionally, they may comprise hydrophobic particles. One embodiment provides a method comprising: providing a well fluid that comprises foam; providing a defoaming agent that comprises lecithin and a solvent; and contacting the well fluid with the defoaming agent so that the amount of foam present in the well fluid is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: HalliburtonCEnergy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Szymaski, J. Michael Wilson, Samuel J. Lewis, Bryan K. Waugh
  • Patent number: 7273104
    Abstract: A method of treating a formation at a lateral section of a well involves pumping treatment fluid with or without a proppant, such as sand slugs, into the well to induce fractures in the formation. The lateral section has openings in a casing, which can be un-cemented. The treatment fluid is pumped into the well to treat portions of the formation at the heel and toe of the lateral section without mechanically dividing the lateral section of the well. A concentration of degradable diverting agent is mixed with the treatment fluid, and the treatment fluid with agent is pumped into the well. The agent is pumped into the portions of the formation having the lowest fracture gradient, such as near the heel and toe of the lateral section. The pumped fluid is at least diverted from the heel and toe of the lateral section by the agent so that portions of the formation adjacent the middle portion of the lateral section can be treated the pumped fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Key Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery M Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7273105
    Abstract: A system is described for monitoring a subsea formation, which is under development. Instruments located in a completed but unconnected well are employed for providing information by a provisional monitoring unit being lowered downhole and connected to the well. Changes in the reservoir as a result of operations in other adjacent wells are intercepted by the instruments in the well and transmitted via an acoustic link to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventors: John A. Johansen, Morten Sivertsen
  • Patent number: 7273106
    Abstract: An adjustable well screen assembly having a pipe which is connectable to a production pipe, wherein the pipe comprises a hole extending from the ID of the pipe to the OD of the pipe; a screen connected to the pipe adjacent the hole of the pipe; a valve connected to the pipe, wherein the valve controls fluid flow through the hole of the pipe; a valve motor mechanically connected to the valve, wherein the valve motor opens and closes the valve; and a valve controller communicatively connected to the valve motor, wherein the valve controller instructs the valve motor as to a configuration of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Paul Thomas Huckabee, Phillip Scott Fair, Timothy Peter McPike, Edward Eugene Shumilak, II, George Kwok Kai Wong, David Randolph Smith
  • Patent number: 7273107
    Abstract: The invention is a valve that prevents blow-outs through a control line while simultaneously allowing bi-directional flow or pressure transfer through the control line. The invention comprises a shuttle valve disposed in the control line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Stephane Hiron, Rodney J. Wetzel, Philippe Gambier
  • Patent number: 7273108
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for removing sand and/or other fill material located in a wellbore ahead of a coiled tubing tractor and displacing the material behind the tractor. More particularly, the apparatus and methods of the present invention allow a coiled tubing tractor to drive forward in a wellbore by removing fill material in front of the tractor thereby allowing the wheels or traction pads of the tractor to remain in contact with the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventor: John Gordon Misselbrook
  • Patent number: 7273109
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for propelling a tool having a body within a passage. The tool includes a gripper including at least a gripper portion which can assume a first position that engages an inner surface of the passage and limits relative movement of the gripper portion relative to the inner surface. The gripper portion can also assume a second position that permits substantially free relative movement between the gripper portion and the inner surface of the passage. The tool includes a propulsion assembly for selectively continuously moving the body of the tool with respect to the gripper portion while the gripper portion is in the first position. This allows the tool to move different types of equipment within the passage. For example, the tool advantageously may be used in drilling processes to provide continuous force to a drill bit. This enables the drilling of extended horizontal boreholes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Western Well Tool
    Inventors: Norman Bruce Moore, Ronald E. Beaufort, Rudolph E. Krueger
  • Patent number: 7273110
    Abstract: A sealing device for shutting down a pipe, comprising an expandable cylindrical sleeve (1), which is designed with a conical interior, and is provided with radially through-going slots (3) extending in the sleeve's longitudinal direction from each of the sleeve's end surfaces (4,5), with slots from opposite end surfaces being arranged between one another. A rod (2) extends through the sleeve (1), where the rod (2) is provided with a conical portion with an outside adapted to the sleeve's conical inside, and where the rod's conical portion has a smallest diameter smaller than or equal to the sleeve's smallest inner diameter in its non-expanded form and a largest diameter equal to or larger than the sleeve's largest inner diameter in its expanded form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventors: Dag Pedersen, Rolv Flaaten, Mats Johansson
  • Patent number: 7273111
    Abstract: A grading implement including main body having a left end, a right end and a length that extends between the left and right ends. The main body also includes a front side and a back side. A claw-blade is positioned at the front side of the main body. Side blades are positioned at the left and right ends of the main body. The side blades include portions that extend rearwardly from the main body so as to define a volume located behind the back side of the main body between the side blades. The volume receives grading material when the implement is moved rearwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Glen Johnson
  • Patent number: 7273112
    Abstract: An electric power tool has a drive mechanism switchable back and forth among a drilling, a percusion drilling, and a chiseling mode of operation; a drive shaft performing a rotary motion; a percusion mechanism provided with a drive bearing; a serrated sleeve supported axially displaceably in the drive bearing of the percussion mechanism and transmitting a rotary motion of the drive shaft to the drive bearing of the percusion mechanism when it is in an axial position corresponding to the chiseling or percusion drilling modes of operation; and an axially displaceable serrated shaft supported in the drive bearing, so that the serrated sleeve transmits to the serrated shaft the rotary motion of the drive shaft when the serrated shaft is in axial position corresponding to the drilling or percussion drilling modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Saur, Helmut Heinzelmann
  • Patent number: 7273113
    Abstract: The invention represents a new design of a reversible penetrating machine (90) with a pneumatically controlled differential air distributing mechanism. This design eliminates the springs, the rear anvil assembly, and several other components found in the prior machine. The chisel and the tail of the machine are also redesigned to eliminate the need of a special attachment in case of retracting a failed machine. In addition, a simplified modification of the machine for special applications is disclosed in which the rear valve chest with associated parts is replaced by a single flange having appropriate air ducts. Finally, the new design of the chisel causes a reduction of the lateral friction between the body of the machine and soil. All this significantly increases the reliability and efficiency of the machine and results in decrease of the related manufacturing and operating cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Michael B. Spektor
  • Patent number: 7273114
    Abstract: A tractor-trailer coupling mechanism for a powered tow vehicle and unpowered trailer vehicle which eliminates jack-knifing. The coupling includes at least one extension or more on the trailer vehicle which is constructed to slide into a receptor channel or recesses in the powered vehicle. A locking or latching arrangement is attached at the front of the tractor vehicle. The result is that the tractor vehicle and the trailer vehicle are fixedly connected to each other as a single chassis vehicle, making the powered tractor vehicle and the trailer vehicle operate as one unit. An alternative arrangement would provide the channel on the trailer and the extension protruding from the powered tractor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Jacob Sidney Rand