Patents Issued in May 27, 2008
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Patent number: 7377290Abstract: A valve assembly for a vibration damper includes a valve housing, an actuator for driving an adjustable valve part, and a circuit arrangement having an opening which provides access to the actuator, wherein the actuator has a coil. The actuator and the circuit arrangement are arranged in the housing. A coating arranged on the circuit arrangement is shaped and dimensioned to position the circuit arrangement at a fixed position and orientation relative to the actuator. An outer plastic jacket is arranged over the coating of the circuit arrangement and encloses the coil of the actuator, so that the outer plastic jacket protects both the circuit arrangement and the coil.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Bernd Albert, Jürgen Lindenthal, Stefan Rappelt, Christina Wittwer
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Patent number: 7377291Abstract: A multiport rotary valve has a stator with plural flow paths and a rotary valve plate having plural flow channels. The rotary valve plate defines a rotor that rotates relative to the stator to define unique plural fluid pathways from the stator, through the valve plate, and returning through the stator. Rotation of the rotary valve plate is controlled by a microprocessor, which includes an optical sensor to determine the position of the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Serveron CorporationInventors: Jim Moon, John Hinshaw, Steve Mahoney
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Patent number: 7377292Abstract: A vehicular brake system component is used in a brake system of a vehicle. The brake system component includes a sealable bonded component having a metal member and an elastic rubber member bonded to each other and located so as to touch a brake fluid.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignees: NHK Spring Co., Ltd., ADVICS Co., Ltd., Kokoku Intech Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuo Mori, Koichiro Yamada, Hiroshi Mizukami, Chiharu Umetu, Kenichi Suzuki, Juichi Shibatani, Masaaki Kobayashi, Yutaka Kikuchi, Kazuhiro Takahara, Tatsumi Ohishi
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Patent number: 7377293Abstract: A heddle frame having two uprights and two cross-rails interconnected by at least one brace extending in a direction generally parallel to the uprights. The brace includes a rod provided with a screw fastener at opposite ends thereof, two threaded members for being screwed onto one of the opposite ends of the rod, and first and second clamping members mounted to the opposite ends of the rod and the threaded members, respectively, for exerting a clamping locking force on a portion of each cross-rail wherein the locking force results from screwing the threaded members onto the opposite ends of the rod.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Staubli FavergesInventor: Andre Fumex
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Patent number: 7377294Abstract: At a high pressure refuel depot that dispenses high pressure hydrogen or compressed natural gas to vehicles, the thermal energy (heat) generated by the high flow rate of the high pressure refueling gas is evacuated from the on board fuel tank[s] of vehicles eliminating the need for refueling pre treatments such as a slow fill, secondary precooling, and pressure overfill otherwise used to achieve a full vehicle tank refill. In an example, a high pressure fuel depot refilling line is operatively interconnected to an on board vehicle tank having a gas flow circuit wherein the refuel gas itself is circulated within the on board tank to absorb the compression heat of refueling and then to an external radiator before being released into the tank.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kiyoshi Handa
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Patent number: 7377295Abstract: A model vehicle fuel filler system is provided, comprising a fuel tank secured to a vehicle chassis, a fuel tank opening extending from the fuel tank, the opening having a rim tipped toward a lateral side of the vehicle chassis, thereby allowing a fuel filler bottle opening to be withdrawn away from the tank opening with less spillage.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Traxxas LPInventors: Brent Whitfield Byers, Timothy E. Roberts
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Patent number: 7377296Abstract: A device for packaging and dispensing a product includes: a unit that can be refilled with product using a container having a dispenser member, the unit comprising: a body; an element that can be refilled with product comprising a product application surface; and, a filling valve that is attached to the body and configured to pass from a closed configuration to a filling configuration under the effect of a thrust exerted by the dispenser member, and to return to the closed configuration in the absence of the dispenser member.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: L'OrealInventor: Jean-Louis Gueret
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Patent number: 7377297Abstract: A tree delimber including a base frame rotatably supporting a yoke and cutting head assembly. The yoke is journalled for rotation in a ring bearing on the base frame adjacent its rear end and supported by a pair of roller units adjacent its front end. Each roller unit includes a vertically adjustable roller, adjustment being possible by manipulation of a single screw shaft accessible from a corresponding side of the base frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.Inventor: Steve Shae
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Patent number: 7377298Abstract: An apparatus for comminuting materials includes a rotating or stationary ring of knives that is arranged around a chipping chamber. The ring of knives is has a plurality of knife carriers, which are distributed around the knife ring axis in a circular shape, each knife carrier having a bearing surface. The bearing surface is a receptacle for a knife package that is comprised of a knife retaining plate and a slicing knife, and which is held in an operational position at a predetermined angle and a predetermined blade projection by fasteners. The knife carrier has a reference surface, which interacts with the knife package, and based on which the blade projection is determined. The slicing knife has at least one recess that originates in a rearward longitudinal edge, whereby the reference surface is arranged on the projection inside the recess, the projection extending vertically to the bearing surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Pallmann Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Hartmut Pallmann
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Patent number: 7377299Abstract: A purse including an article storage assembly and at least two handles. Each of the at least two handles includes a first handle portion having a first end attached to the article storage assembly and a second end, and a second handle portion having a first end attached to the article storage assembly and a second end removeably attached to the second end of the first handle portion. The first and second handle portions are shapeable into various substantially rigid configurations.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventors: Danielle Evin Gerber, Rock Positano
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Patent number: 7377300Abstract: An elastic tire according to the invention comprises a tread (1) which comprises at least one unit (3) for measuring the grip of the tire on the ground, the measuring unit (3) being intended to come into contact with the ground on each revolution of the tire, and comprising, viewed at a radially outer face (5) of the tread (1), a central zone (10) and an encircling zone (20) surrounding the central zone (10), a sensor (40) sensitive to at least a tangential force exerted on the radially outer top (11) of the central zone (10) being provided opposite the top (11), the central zone (10) and the encircling zone (20) satisfying the two conditions: a) Rzzc<Rzze, and b) (i) Rxzc/Rzzc>Rxze/Rzze or (ii) Ryzc/Rzzc>Ryze/Rzze, where: x, y and z represent the circumferential, axial and radial directions for the tire, Rzzc and Rzze represent the rigidities of the central zone (10) and of the encircling zone (20) under a force oriented perpendicularly to the radially outer face (5), Rxzc and Rxze represent theType: GrantFiled: August 18, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A.Inventor: Bertrand Daval
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Patent number: 7377301Abstract: An adhesive dispensing apparatus for dispensing an adhesive on a sheet bundle includes a support device for supporting the sheet bundle, a dispensing device disposed adjacent to the support device for dispensing the adhesive on an edge of the sheet bundle supported by the support device, and a transport device disposed adjacent to the support device for transporting the sheet bundle from the edge, to which the adhesive is applied, as a leading edge in a transport direction. A refilling device is provided for refilling the adhesive to the dispensing device, and a moving device moves the dispensing device between a dispending position where the adhesive is dispensed to the edge of the sheet bundle and a refilling position where the adhesive is supplied to the dispensing device from the refilling device.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Nisca CorporationInventors: Katsumasa Takagi, Masaya Takahashi, Shuji Ishimaru, Yoshinobu Kono, Misao Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7377302Abstract: A blind which allows the space underneath either desired end of its head rail to be opened by folding louvers beginning with the one at the desired end by a simple operation. A louver is hung from each one of a plurality of carriers that can move within a head rail and, among the carriers, the carrier arranged closest to the first end a of the head rail constitutes a first master carrier, and the carrier arranged closest to the second end of the head rail constitutes a second master carrier. By manipulating a first operating device, the first master carrier is moved toward the second end of the head rail to open the space underneath the first end, and by manipulating a second operating device, the second master carrier moved toward the first end of the head rail to open the space underneath the second end.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Nichibei Co. Ltd.Inventors: Hidehiko Nakamura, Koji Takagi
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Patent number: 7377303Abstract: The present invention relates to a die casting machine. A molten metal (melted liquid) is supplied into a evacuated casting space that is formed by a combination of a movable mold and a fixed mold. The molten metal is first moved in a horizontal direction along a molten metal injection pipe and is then injected into a chamber located at the bottom of the casting space. Thereafter, the molten metal is moved in a vertical direction by means of a follower plunger and is then inserted into the casting space. Therefore, since occurrence of a turbulent flow of the molten metal injected into a mold is prevented, a product of a high quality with no minute bubbles can be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventor: Dong Keun Go
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Patent number: 7377304Abstract: Molten metal is injected uniformly into a horizontal mold from a feed chamber in a horizontal or vertical direction at a controlled rate, directly on top of the metal already within the mold. A cooling medium is applied to the bottom surface of the mold, with the type and flow rate of the cooling medium being varied to produce a controlled cooling rate throughout the casting process. The rate of introduction of molten metal and the flow rate of the cooling medium are both controlled to produce a relatively uniform solidification rate within the mold, thereby producing a uniform microstructure throughout the casting, and low stresses throughout the casting.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: Men G. Chu, Ho Yu, Alvaro Giron, Ken Kallaher, Jeffrey J. Shaw
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Patent number: 7377305Abstract: A system for producing cast components from molten metal. One form of the present invention includes a system for the precision pouring of molten metal within a casting mold.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Rolls-Royce CorporationInventors: Donald J. Frasier, Matthew Kush, Max Eric Schlienger, Michael Baldwin
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Patent number: 7377306Abstract: Each of fins is provided with an engage projection having a first width and a engage hole portion having a second width wider than the first width, and the fins are able to be slid while engaging with each other. Accordingly, in case of installing a heat sink to a case of a fan, it is possible to install the fins to the case so that the fins are arranged in a flowing direction of a refrigerant by the fan while engaging with each other. As the result, the refrigerant is able to flow smoothly when passing through the fins by arranging the fins at desired angle. Accordingly, it becomes possible to present a radiation fin, a cooling device and an electronic equipment having such cooling device.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Toshio Hashimoto
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Patent number: 7377307Abstract: A vertical heat exchanger is described, which allows efficient elimination of the gas generated therein and efficient removal of the sludge accumulated therein. The vertical heat exchanger has at least part of one end of a vent pipe formed of an upper tube sheet part (an upper cover part in the case of a spiral heat exchanger) and the other end thereof connected outside the heat exchanger to an immediately adjacent fluid passing port passing the same fluid as the vent and/or at least part of one end of a drain pipe formed of a lower tube sheet part (a lower cover part in the case of a spiral heat exchanger) and the other end thereof connected outside the heat exchanger to an immediately adjacent fluid passing port passing the same fluid as the drain.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2000Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuichi Ijiri, Takeshi Nishimura, Kazuhiko Sakamoto, Osamu Dodo
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Patent number: 7377308Abstract: A stacked, embossed plate heat exchanger (10) is provided for transferring heat between a first fluid flowing in a plurality of U-shaped flow paths (12) through the heat exchanger (10) and a second fluid flowing in a plurality of U-shaped flow paths (14) through the heat exchanger (10). Embossed beads (44) and (46) are provided in each of the plates (18A,18B) and are embossed on opposite sides of the plate (18A,18B) to mate with corresponding ones of the beads (44) and (46) on adjacent plates (18A,18B) to define the respective U-shaped flow paths (12,14).Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Modine Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Be A. Ware
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Patent number: 7377309Abstract: In a unit case of a vehicle air conditioning apparatus, air mix chamber is not provided. Cooled air cooled by an evaporator and heated air heated by a heater core are directly introduced to a face opening and a foot opening of the case and then mixed in a face duct and a foot duct. The case has a guide for directing a flow of the heated air or the cooled air. The guide, the foot opening and the face opening are arranged such that the amount of heated air passing through the foot opening is larger than that of the cooled air and the amount of cooled air passing through the face opening is larger than that of the heated air in a bi-level mode. Accordingly, a temperature of air blown from a foot outlet into a passenger compartment is different from that of air blown from a face outlet.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Takeshi Tamatsu
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Patent number: 7377310Abstract: A system is provided for expanding a tubular element extending into a wellbore formed in an earth formation. The system includes an expander arranged to expand the tubular element by virtue of axial movement of the expander through the tubular element, an activating system for inducing the expander to move through the tubular element, the activating system including at least one activating tool, and a control system for controlling the activating system, including a remote control unit and for each activating tool a respective controller. The remote control unit is arranged to transmit an acoustic signal to an acoustic conductor selected from the tubular element and another elongate member extending into the borehole, each controller being arranged to receive the acoustic signal from the acoustic conductor and to control the corresponding activating tool upon receipt of the acoustic signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Scott Anthony Benzie, Andrei Gregory Filippov, Neil Philip Thomson
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Patent number: 7377311Abstract: A safety valve system for removing down-hole tools from a coal-bed methane well. The system includes first and second horizontally opposed stuffer-blocks, a stuffer-box housing for housing the stuffer-blocks, a means for attaching said stuffer-box housing to a coal-bed methane wellhead, and a means for delivering fluid to move the stuffer-blocks between an open position and a closed position. In one embodiment, the safety valve system further includes a controller, at least one methane sensor, a stuffer-box position sensor, and a stuffer-block activation system. A control algorithm is stored on or in communication with the controller enabling the controller to control the position of the stuffer-blocks, moving the stuffer-blocks between an open and closed configuration, wherein the stuffer-blocks are maintained in an open configuration if the methane level is below a predetermined threshold level. The valve system may further comprise a free-rotating stripper-diverter atop of the valve system.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventors: Richard E. Scallen, Roy E. Knutson, Jr.
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Patent number: 7377312Abstract: An oil well pumping apparatus for pumping oil from a well to a wellhead provides a tool body that is sized and shaped to be lowered into the production tubing string of the oil well. A working fluid is provided that can be pumped into the production tubing. A prime mover is provided for pumping the working fluid. A flow channel into the well bore enables the working fluid to be circulated from the prime mover via the production tubing to the tool body at a location in the well and then back to the wellhead area. A pumping mechanism is provided on the tool body, the pumping mechanism including first and second gerotors. The first gerotor is driven by the working fluid. The second gerotor is rotated by the first gerotor. The two gerotors are connected with a common shaft. The tool body has flow conveying portions that mix the working fluid and the produced oil as the oil is pumped.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventor: Raymond C. Davis
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Patent number: 7377313Abstract: A submersible pump gas separator for a well pump has a housing with a rotatable shaft. A separating section in the housing separates heavier well fluid components into an area radially outward from the lighter components. A crossover member rotates with the shaft. The crossover member has a helical liquid passage having an inlet in fluid communication with the separating section for receiving the heavier components and an outlet in fluid communication with a liquid outlet of the housing. The crossover has a gas passage having an inlet in fluid communication with the separating section for receiving the lighter components and an outlet in fluid communication with a gas outlet of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Donn J. Brown, Brown Lyle Wilson
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Patent number: 7377314Abstract: A downhole gas separator includes an external tube having a closed bottom and an open top; and an internal tube positioned eccentrically within the external tube and having an open bottom and a top adapted for connection to a production tube. The internal tube can alternatively be connected to a pump intake. The separator is positioned eccentrically within a casing, and provides for separation of gas from produced fluids before the fluids enter the production tube and/or pump.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Intevep, S.A.Inventor: Pedro Gonzalez
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Patent number: 7377315Abstract: A downhole tool string component has a tubular body with a first and second end. At least one end is adapted for axial connection to an adjacent downhole tool string component. A covering, secured at its ends to an outside diameter of the tubular body, forms an enclosure with the tubular body. The covering has a geometry such that when a stress is induced in the sleeve by bending the downhole tool string component, that stress is less than or equal to stress induced in the tubular body. The covering may be a sleeve. Further, the geometry may comprise at least one stress relief groove formed in both an inner surface and an outer surface of the covering.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventors: David R. Hall, Scott S. Dahlgren
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Patent number: 7377316Abstract: An apparatus for lowering wireline into a well. The apparatus comprises a sleeve having a first and second end, wherein the first end contains a first plurality of wedges and the second end contains a second plurality of wedges. The apparatus further includes an upper mandrel having a third plurality of wedges that are configured to engage the first plurality of wedges and a first cap configured to engage the upper mandrel, wherein the first cap contains a first and second passage, and wherein the first passage is configured to receive the wireline. The apparatus further comprises a lower mandrel having a fourth plurality of wedges that engage with the second plurality of wedges, and a second cap configured to engage the lower mandrel, wherein the second cap contains an opening that has the lower mandrel disposed there through.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventor: Anthony R. Boyd
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Patent number: 7377317Abstract: Disclosed herein is a borehole conveyance system that is conveyed within the borehole by a tubular such as a drill string. The conveyance system integrates wireline type downhole instrumentation into drilling and drill string tripping operations that are typically performed in a borehole drilling operation. This increases the types of measurements that can be obtained during the drilling operation. Equipment costs and maintenance costs can thereby be reduced. Certain wireline type tools can be used during drilling operations to yield measurements superior to their LWD/MWD counterparts and to reduce operation costs. Other types of wireline tools can be used to obtain measurements not possible with LWD/MWD systems. The rotation of the tool conveyance system and instrumentation therein is optionally controllable with respect to the rotation of the drill string by a selective locking subassembly (SLS).Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Precision Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Paul Radzinski, Kirk Towns
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Patent number: 7377318Abstract: Solutions for the propagation of a hydraulic fracture in a permeable elastic rock and driven by injection of a Newtonian fluid. Through scaling, the dependence of the solution on the problem parameters is reduced to a small number of dimensionless parameters.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventors: Emmanuel Detournay, Jose Ignacio Adachi, Dmitriy Igor Garagash, Alexei A. Savitski
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Patent number: 7377319Abstract: A downhole tool assembly including a sealing device and a sensing device for sensing parameters associated with the operation of the sealing device.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Daniel L. Patterson
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Patent number: 7377320Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for gravel packing is provided. The apparatus includes a substantially tubular-shaped base pipe having a plurality of apertures disposed along part of its length and a dual-wall sand screen coaxially secured to the base pipe. The dual-wall screen is substantially permeable to fluids and impermeable to sand. The apparatus provides a plurality of fluid permeable channels formed within the sand screen, which are disposed along the entire length of the screen. Each channel has an associated plurality of ports spaced along discrete intervals of the screen, which communicate with an annulus formed between the apparatus and the wellbore. The method provides for injecting a sand and fluid slurry mixture through the screen and out of the ports. This design reduces the incidence of sand bridge formation, and packs gravel around any sand bridges, which may be formed.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: BJ Services Company, U.S.A.Inventor: Donald H. Michel
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Patent number: 7377321Abstract: An assembly having plural valves is run into a wellbore having plural zones, where each of the valves is actuatable by dropping a valve-actuating object into the corresponding valve. The valves are successively actuating, in a predetermined sequence, to an open state. The zones are successively tested after actuating corresponding valves to the open state.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Gary Rytlewski
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Patent number: 7377322Abstract: A hydraulically actuated anchor and a mechanically actuated packer are used in combination to secure a production tubing system in a lateral prior to injection of a cement to line the lateral borehole in which the production tubing is positioned. The packer is expanded to prevent fluid cement material from flowing past the packer into a junction area of the lateral with other laterals and aid the removal of superfluous cement material after hardening of the injected cement material around the production tubing system.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Peak Completion Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Raymond A. Hofman
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Patent number: 7377323Abstract: A blowout preventer stack landing assist tool and landing tool adapter joint for use with a standard telescoping joint used in oil and gas drilling operations that allows lifting and moving of the riser string and blowout preventer stack without requiring disconnection of the telescoping joint, tensioning lines and associated piping from the riser string connection.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Stephen J. Walker, Lan T. Hiscox
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Patent number: 7377324Abstract: A pipe handling device for mounting to use with a top drive and possibly a pipe engaging apparatus, includes a link arm having a first end pivotally connectable to move with the top drive and an outboard end pivotally connectable to a pipe elevator segment, and a drive system to drive the outboard end of the link arm at least between a lower position and a raised position. A pipe handling system and method may include or employ the pipe handling device.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Tesco CorporationInventors: K. Evert Beierbach, Kevin Nikiforuk
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Patent number: 7377325Abstract: There is disclosed an expandable centraliser for locating a body within a borehole, and a method of centralising tubing in a borehole. In an embodiment of the invention, an expandable centraliser (10) is disclosed, the centraliser (10) comprising a deformable body (12), and at least one abutment portion in the form of a shoulder (14) on the body (12), the shoulder (14) adapted to be urged radially outwardly on deformation of the body (12), to centralise tubing (28) coupled to the centraliser (10) within a borehole (15).Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Duncan James Trinder, Neil Andrew Abercrombie Simpson, Alexander Craig Mackay
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Patent number: 7377326Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore casing within a borehole that traverses a subterranean formation includes the steps of assembling a tubular liner by coupling a threaded portion of a first tubular member to a threaded portion of a second tubular member and coupling a tubular sleeve to the threaded portions of the first and second tubular members. The method further includes positioning the wellbore casing within the borehole and radially expanding and plastically deforming the wellbore casing assembly within the borehole. The step of coupling the tubular sleeve through the threaded portions of the and second tubular members includes applying impulsive magnetic energy to the tubular sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2003Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, L.L.C.Inventors: Mark Shuster, Lev Ring
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Patent number: 7377327Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide a more reliable variable choke flow control valve. In one embodiment, a variable choke valve for use in a wellbore is provided. The valve includes a tubular housing having an axial bore therethrough and a port through a wall thereof. The valve further includes a tubular sleeve having an axial bore therethrough and first and second holes through a wall thereof and disposed within the housing. The first hole is larger than the second hole, and the sleeve is actuatable among three positions: a first position where the first hole is aligned with the port, a second position where the second hole is aligned with the port, and a third position where the sleeve wall is aligned with the port.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Stephen L. Jackson
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Patent number: 7377328Abstract: An expandable downhole anchoring tool positionable within a wellbore for use in cooperation with drilling equipment comprises a body including a plurality of angled channels formed into a wall thereof, and a plurality of moveable slips disposed in the same radial plane around the body, wherein the plurality of moveable slips are hydraulically translatable along the plurality of angled channels between a collapsed position and an expanded position. A method of setting an expandable anchor within a wellbore comprises running the anchor into the wellbore in a collapsed position, and expanding the anchor into gripping engagement with the wellbore, wherein the anchor is adapted to expand up to at least 1.5 times a collapsed diameter of the anchor.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: Charles H. Dewey, Brian W. Cruickshank, John E. Campbell
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Patent number: 7377329Abstract: A horseshoe adapted to be attached to the hoof of a horse comprises a body having a U-shaped configuration, the body including a ground engaging surface, a hoof engaging surface, and a convex outer and a concave inner side wall, the side walls extending between the surfaces, and a continuous sequence of separate wedges in the form of V-shaped projections for improving traction of the horseshoe are integrally formed and extend outwardly from the convex outer side wall. An open sided swedge is provided in the ground engaging surface of the body.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventor: Robert W. Coloumbe
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Patent number: 7377330Abstract: The sway restrictor includes a bracket attachable between the draft link or arm and an adjacent upwardly and downwardly extending structural element of a work machine, and is operable for substantially restricting or preventing relative sideward movement therebetween, particularly swaying of the hitch, while allowing relative upward and downward movements thereof, including tilting movements.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Roger D. Mickelson, Robert E. Mozingo, Ralph D. Galloway, Marvin L. Linder
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Patent number: 7377331Abstract: A damping drive axle includes an output shaft divided into a first portion and a second portion, a mounting seat having a centrally defined hole, a first compartment to correspond to and receive therein the first portion of the output shaft and a second compartment to receive therein the second portion of the output shaft, a hollow cylinder with having a triangle opening to allow an extension of the second portion of the output shaft, multiple columns rotatably received in a side defining the triangle opening to selectively lock/release the second portion of the output shaft, multiple cutouts defined in a bottom face of the cylinder and multiple legs extending out from the bottom face of the cylinder, each leg being sandwiched by two adjacent cutouts and an input device to rotate the sleeve of the hollow cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Power Network Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ting-Kuang Chen
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Patent number: 7377332Abstract: A method for designing a roller cone drill bit having a plurality of cutting elements in a row. The method includes defining a pitch pattern for the plurality of cutting elements such that a first group of adjacent cutting elements are arranged in a first pitch and a second group of adjacent cutting elements are arranged in a second pitch in the row; evaluating the pitch pattern of the plurality of cutting elements in the row; and modifying at least one of the plurality of cutting elements, based on the evaluating the pitch pattern of the plurality of cutting elements.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: Amardeep Singh, Scott D. McDonough
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Patent number: 7377333Abstract: Aspects of this invention include a downhole tool having first and second members disposed to translate substantially linearly with respect to one another. A magnet is deployed on the first member and a plurality of magnetic field sensors is deployed on the second member. The magnetic field sensors are spaced in a direction substantially parallel with a direction of translation between the first and second members. The tool typically further includes a controller disposed to determine a linear position of the first and second members with respect to one another from magnetic flux measurements made at the magnetic field sensors. Exemplary position sensor embodiments of the present invention are non-contact and therefore are not typically subject to mechanical wear. Embodiments of the invention therefore tend to advantageously provide for accurate and reliable linear position measurements.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: PathFinder Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Junichi Sugiura
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Patent number: 7377334Abstract: Methods and apparatus for rotating a stripper assembly in use with a rotating drilling head. A drive system is disposed external to the rotating drilling head and generates rotational motion to match the rotation of a drillstring running through the rotating drilling head. A connection transfers rotational motion from the drive system to the stripper assembly. In one embodiment, the drive system comprises a housing disposed about the drillstring and a one or more contact members connected to said housing and operable to contact the drillstring. One or more biasing members urge the contact members into contact with the drillstring so as to transfer rotational motion from the drillstring to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: James May, Larry Moeller, Jackson Debray, Joe W. Reeves
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Patent number: 7377335Abstract: An apparatus and method for the movement of drilling equipment between topographically adjacent drilling locations comprises positioning a transportable planar surface over the adjacent drilling locations between which it is desired to move the equipment. Ports or other access areas extending through the planar surface to the drilling locations below are provided. The equipment to be moved is placed on top of the planar surface and is provided on its bottom with a low-drag surface which can slide across the planar surface. The equipment can be moved from one desired drilling location to another by sliding it between locations on top of the planar surface. When all of the drilling is completed, the equipment can be struck for transport and the planar surface disassembled and moved to a new drilling area. Various methods to move the equipment could be used.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventors: Bruce Jones, Robert Markle
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Patent number: 7377336Abstract: A modularly segmented apparatus for precise borehole pressure control, removing waste from borehole fluid, and recirculating the cleaned borehole fluid includes a pressure control section, a gas separator section, and a waste management section. In the pressure control section, a pressure manifold interconnects a plurality of chokes. A plurality of valves are used to direct the contaminated fluid through one of the chokes, which maintains a precise and predetermined pressure in the system. The manifold, chokes, and valves are mounted on a skid for easy transport. In the gas separator section, a gas separator is used to remove a majority of the gases present in the contaminated borehole fluid. In the waste management section, a vibratory separator removes large solid contaminants from the degassed fluid. The solids are directed to a solids collection container for further treatment or disposal. The fluid is directed to a first pit, which may be one partitioned are of a larger collection tank.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: M-I L.L.C.Inventors: Jason Duhe, James Gharst, Stella Simon, legal representative, Paul Delahoussaye, Kelvin Simon
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Patent number: 7377337Abstract: A downhole drilling tool 136 comprises a drillstring 138, a drilling head 140, and a freewheel 144 for transferring drive from the drillstring to the drilling head. The freewheel 144 is positioned between the drillstring 138 and the drilling head 140.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Pilot Drilling Control LimitedInventors: George Swietlik, Christopher David Down
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Patent number: 7377338Abstract: A pressure fluid actuated downhole percussion tool includes a reciprocating piston hammer with differential transverse pressure surfaces cooperable with a cylinder housing, a guide sleeve and a bit carried exhaust tube to form opposed pressure fluid chambers to which pressure fluid may be conducted to deliver repeated impact blows to a bit having circumferentially spaced bosses and replaceable cutting inserts. The bit is drivenly connected to the tool by plural drive pins supported in circumferentially spaced grooves in the bit shank and in a removable sub supported by the tool housing. Improved earth penetration performance is realized utilizing a claw bit with a pressure fluid actuated percussion tool providing rotation as well as selective deliverance of impact blows through the bit.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventor: Grey Bassinger
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Patent number: 7377339Abstract: A system for damping vibration in a drill string can include a valve assembly having a supply of a fluid, a first member, and a second member capable of moving in relation to first member in response to vibration of the drill bit. The first and second members define a first and a second chamber for holding the fluid. Fluid can flow between the first and second chambers in response to the movement of the second member in relation to the first member. The valve assembly can also include a coil or a valve for varying a resistance of the fluid to flow between the first and second chambers.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: APS Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mark Ellsworth Wassell, William Evans Turner, Daniel E. Burgess, Carl Allison Perry