Patents Issued in June 12, 2008
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Publication number: 20080135252Abstract: A adjustable expansion cone assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Lev Ring, David Paul Brisco, Kevin Waddell, Robert Lance Cook
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Publication number: 20080135253Abstract: Methods for treating a tar sands formation are described herein. The tar sands formation may have one or more karsted zones. Methods may include providing heat from one or more heaters to one or more karsted zones of the tar sands formation to mobilize fluids in the formation. At least some of the mobilized fluids may be produced from the formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, John Michael Karanikas
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Publication number: 20080135254Abstract: Systems and methods for an in situ heat treatment process that utilizes a circulation system to heat one or more treatment areas are described herein. The circulation system may use a heated liquid heat transfer fluid that passes through piping in the formation to transfer heat to the formation. In some embodiments, the piping may be positioned in at least two of the wellbores.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Vinh Nguyen
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Publication number: 20080135255Abstract: A series of screens with restrictors to equalize flow through base pipe perforations downstream or upstream of each restrictor features a valve member in the openings so that the screens are closed to flow for run in. Pressure can be developed within the base pipe for operation of downhole equipment below the screens such as a mud motor or in the screen liner such as a packer with no need for an internal string or wash pipe. The openings can be opened selectively when the associated equipment connected to the base pipes has been operated. The valve member can be actuated to open in a variety of ways such as applied pressure, temperature or a change in well fluid condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: Martin P. Coronado, Brad R. Pickle
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Publication number: 20080135256Abstract: An improved subsea manifold system that is capable of being used in an early production system for producing hydrocarbons from a plurality of wells from a common riser system. The subsea manifold is able to control the fluid from a multiple of subsea wet-tree wells while at the same time giving the operator the option to isolate production from a single subsea well for production evaluation. The subsea manifold also includes a pigging loop which enables efficient pigging of the flowline(s) of the early production system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicants: Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Technip U.S.A., Inc.Inventors: Jeremiah Daniel, James E. Dailey
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Publication number: 20080135257Abstract: A process for extracting hydrocarbon gases from marine sediment hydrates. In one embodiment, the process includes drilling from a sea floor into a hydrate rich subsea sediment to form at least one opening therein. Electrical heaters are inserted into the opening or openings. The hydrate rich subsea sediment is heated with the electrical heaters in order to release hydrocarbon gas therefrom. The released hydrocarbon gas is collected in an overhead receiver. The hydrocarbon gas forms hydrates again when moving through the cold seawater and inside the overhead receiver. The overhead receiver is raised to a sea depth where pressure and temperature permit the hydrates to dissociate and to release the hydrocarbon gas. The hydrocarbon gas is then gathered from the top of the overhead receiver. In another embodiment, the process includes partitioning subsea marine sediments and loading the sediments into a container covered with an overhead receiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF TULSAInventors: Hong-Quan Zhang, James P. Brill, Cem Sarica
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Publication number: 20080135258Abstract: The present invention relates to overpressure protection systems and methods for use on a production system for transferring hydrocarbons from a well on the seafloor to a vessel floating on the surface of the sea. The production system includes a subsea well in fluid communication with a turret buoy through a production flowline and riser system. The turret buoy is capable of connecting to a swivel located on a floating vessel. The overpressure protection device is positioned upstream of the swivel, to prevent overpressure of the production swivel and downstream components located on the floating vessel. The device may include one or more shut down valves, one or more sensors, an actuator assembly, and a control processor. Each shut down valve and sensor is coupled to a production flowline. Each of the sensors is capable of generating a signal based upon a pressure sensed within the production flowline. The actuator assembly is connected to each of the shut down valves for operating the shut down valves.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicants: Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Technip USA, Inc.Inventors: Jeremiah Daniel, Jin-Sug Chung, Ramanathan Ramaswamy, Joseph M. Gebara, John L. Upchurch
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Publication number: 20080135259Abstract: A reciprocated pump positioned at the lower end of a string of tubing in a bore hole that provides a passageway for moving formation fluid to the earth's surface, including a pump barrel supported in communication with the tubing and a standing valve at the lower end thereof providing a first passageway through which formation fluid flows into the pump barrel, the pump barrel having an intermediate vent port providing a second entry passageway, and a tubular plunger reciprocated within the barrel and having an upper and a lower portion with a plurality of non-metallic seal rings separated by metallic spacers received on the plunger upper portion and configured to support a column of formation fluid within the tubing to substantially isolate the portion of the barrel below the non-metallic seal rings from the tubing pressure to thereby allow formation fluid to move into the pump barrel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: T. Leon Brown
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Publication number: 20080135260Abstract: A field assembled packer or plug features a sleeve of a swelling material, preferably rubber, which is slipped over the tubular. A pair of molds is assembled over the tubular. The molds can accommodate variation in the size and out of roundness of standard API tubulars. An epoxy mixture is formulated on site and pumped into the molds at opposed ends of the sealing element assembly and allowed to set up. The molds are removed and the assembly is ready to be run in the hole as a packer included in a tubular string. The element assembly can include a harder swelling material on opposed ends of the main sealing element to protect the main sealing element from damage during run in.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: Vel Berzin, Walter J. Laflin, Robert O. Castillo, Darwin D. Arline
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Publication number: 20080135261Abstract: An improved liner hanger comprises a mandrel having a piston housing and a plurality of spring slots disposed on the outer wall surface of the mandrel. Each spring slot having at least one spring disposed therein. The liner hanger also has a slip housing having a plurality of slips operatively associated therewith, a spring adjustment sleeve, and an adjustment sleeve ring. The location of the spring slots on the outer wall surface of the mandrel permits an increase in the number of springs utilized for setting the liner hanger. The spring adjustment sleeve and adjustment sleeve ring permit easy and safe assembly and disassembly of the liner hanger. Additionally, when actuated to move from its run-in position to its set position, springs, slip housing, and slips all move upward.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: Mark A. McGilvray, James M. Fraser
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Publication number: 20080135262Abstract: A system for radially expanding a tubular member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2008Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: Lev Ring
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Publication number: 20080135263Abstract: A method of combining a first fluid from a first source (1) with a second fluid from a second source (16) in a de-sired ratio, by measuring the flow rate and pressure of the first fluid (at 12 and 14) prior to combining (at 10), and determining from this the desired flow rate and pressure at which the second fluid should be added to achieve the desired ratio. The pressure and flow rate of the second fluid is measured (at 6 and 8) and provides a feedback loop to ensure that the second fluid is being added at the desired flow rate and pressure to achieve the desired ratio. The pressure and flow rate of the second fluid may be controlled by multiple pumps 2 of different power.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: Graham Douglas Millard
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Publication number: 20080135264Abstract: The limitation device (10, 11) comprises: a flue pipe (46), an closed tank (28) containing a liquid (26), a fireproof shield (20), and a system for controlling the levels of liquid in said tank (80). The tank (28) comprises at least one internal chamber (54) in direct communication with a storage bin (4) via said flue pipe (46), and at least one external chamber (52) in direct communication with a containment enclosure (2) via at least one upper opening (36) of said tank (28). Application to the limitation of the ultimate consequences of a failure to bring under control a mass fire in a storage bin (4) implanted in a containment enclosure (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2005Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: Mathieu Neumann, Thierry Delaforge, Dominique Bois
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Publication number: 20080135265Abstract: A method and apparatus for the controlled feeding of added air into a permanently inertized room in which a predefined inertization level is or must be set and maintained within a certain control range provide for the volume flow rate at which an inert gas is fed into the room atmosphere to attain a value that is adequate for maintaining the predefined inertization level in the room atmosphere that will minimize fire risk. In addition, provisions are made whereby at all times just enough fresh air is injected into the room atmosphere as is necessary to remove from the room atmosphere that proportional concentration of hazardous substances that has not already been removed, via a corresponding return-air exhaust system as a result of the injection of inert gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: AMRONA AGInventors: Ernst-Werner Wagner, Dieter Lietz, Marcus Thiem
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Publication number: 20080135266Abstract: A device and method device for delivering a fire suppressing gas to a space is provided. The device includes a housing disposed within the space; at least one generator disposed within the housing and containing pre-packed sodium azide based propellant; an ignition device for igniting said sodium azide based propellant and thereby generating a low-moisture fire suppressing gas; and an opening in the housing for directing the fire suppressing gas mixture into said space.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: Adam T. Richardson, Joseph Michael Bennett
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Publication number: 20080135267Abstract: A cultivating tool for use in flowerbeds and gardens is the subject of this invention. A unique blade configuration with a knife-like leading edge and a trailing edge having at least one flange section provides for ease in cultivating action with superior soil mixing. A mixing fork in the shape of a wishbone extends downwardly from the blade mounting plate to further enhance the cultivating action.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: Christopher Karczewski
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Publication number: 20080135268Abstract: In order to prevent the grip portion of a power tool from heating up, a brake resistor in which a regenerative current generated by a motor flows is disposed in a tail portion of the handle. The brake resistor is composed of two resistor elements connected in parallel with each other. The two resistor elements are mounted on different surfaces of a circuit board to effectively utilize an interior space of the handle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: Naoki TADOKORO, Takuya Teranishi
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Publication number: 20080135269Abstract: A method for determining the angular displacement of the output shaft (?o) of an impulse nut runner at tightening a screw joint to a predetermined final torque level (Tf) by means of an impulse nut runner having a motor driven impulse unit (23) with an inertia drive member (27), an output shaft (24) to be coupled to the screw joint to be tightened and an angle sensing device (35, 38) associated with the drive member (27) and arranged to deliver signals in response to the rotational movement of the drive member (27), wherein the total angular displacement of the output shaft (24) in relation to a threshold torque level (Tt) is calculated as a difference between the total angular displacement (?Dtot) of the drive member (27) as a result of a total number of delivered impulses (Ntot ) and the angle of the total number of full revolutions minus one full revolution [ (Ntot?1) . 360).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2005Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: ATLAS COPCO TOOLS ABInventor: John Robert Christian Friberg
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Publication number: 20080135270Abstract: A hydraulic hammer comprising a housing (10) with a longitudinal bore (12), cylinder sleeve (14) supported in the bore (12) a rear and cover (16) closing the bore (12), and a hammer piston (15) reciprocally powered in the cylinder sleeve (14) for delivering blows to a working implement inserted in the guide sleeve (20) mounted at the front end of the bore (12). The hydraulic hammer also comprises a distribution valve (31), for directing pressure fluid to the hammer piston (15), communicating the pressure fluid source and the cylinder sleeve (14). The valve (31) comprises both a clearance seal means (44) and a seat seal (45, 46) for improved tightness.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2005Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: ATLAS COPCO CONSTRUCTION TOOLS ABInventor: Stig Roland Henriksson
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Publication number: 20080135271Abstract: A right angle driving apparatus capable of operable attachment to a powered rotational drive device such as a drill, the driving apparatus being generally comprised of a worm gear drive encased within a unique block-shaped housing. The subject driving apparatus may be employed to transmit power at high velocity ratios between a shaft that is driven by the drill to a wheel having an axis of rotation perpendicular to that of the shaft. The worm gear drive may be used as a speed increaser but is preferably used as a speed reducer in which the worm is the driver and the wheel is the driven member. The worm wheel is slidably mounted on a cylindrical hub adapted to receive in either end a variety of driving tools such as sockets and screwdriver blades used to rotate fasteners. The worm wheel is driven by a worm attached to a drive shaft the journaled end of which may be adapted to receive driving tools as well to permit direct driving of tools in addition to right angle driving.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: Robert Murphy
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Publication number: 20080135272Abstract: A battery energized portable power tool has a pistol type housing with a connector for attachment of a replaceable battery unit, and an upgrading module insertable between the housing and the battery unit and being provided with accessories for adding extra operational features to the tool for meeting specific demands for different tool applications, for instance a transceiver for wireless signal communication with a stationary control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: Carl Johan Erik Wallgren
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Publication number: 20080135273Abstract: A wiring harness is disclosed. The wiring harness may have at least one conducting wire having a length direction, a first end, and an opposing second end. The wiring harness may also have a first electrical device connected to the first end of the at least one conducting wire, and a second electrical device connected to the second end of the at least one conducting wire. The wiring harness may further have a braided covering rigidly connected to the first and second electrical devices. The braided covering may be configured to house the at least one conducting wire and deform in the length direction less than the at least one conducting wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: W. Peter Siems
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Publication number: 20080135274Abstract: A surface mount power outlet for connecting to a plug includes a cover having a fin disposed on an outer surface and a substantially circular face with a plurality of slots for receiving a plug. The cover also has a substantially arcuate body disposed below the face, an open back, and a pocket on an inner surface adjacent the fin. A base having a base plate with a shape corresponding to the open back includes a tab protruding from the upper surface for matching up with the pocket when aligned with the fin to complete a rock and lock attachment. The configuration of the cover apertures dictates whether the power outlet accommodates a 30 amp or a 50 amp power receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: David M. Peck
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Publication number: 20080135275Abstract: An electrical connection line (L) for an electrical unit of a motor vehicle, which electrical connection line serves to electrically connect the unit to an electrical power source which is arranged in the motor vehicle and/or to another electrical unit. The connection line (L) is designed as a three-phase line with three insulated electrical conductors (1, 2, 3), of which each has an electrical individual sheath (5) which is in contact with its insulation means (4) and is closed all the way around. An electrical outer sheath (7) which surrounds the three sheathed conductors (1, 2, 3) and is closed all the way around is also provided and a coupling element which is equipped with electrical contacts which are insulated from one another is fitted at least to one end of the connection line (L) in a moisture-tight manner, and the electrical conductors (1, 2, 3), their individual sheaths (5) and the outer sheath (7) are electrically conductively connected to the contacts of the said coupling element.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: Peter Zamzow, Wolfgang Scheideler, Helmut Steinberg, Udo Mayer
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Publication number: 20080135276Abstract: The invention provides a flat cable including an insulator and a plurality of connectors disposed in the insulator. The conductors in the insulator are arranged in at least three layers. The width of the conductors in the middle layer is less than or equal to that of the conductors in the middle layer. Comparing with the prior art, by disposing multi-layer conductors in the insulator, the flat cable of the invention can transmit high frequency signals, the cost is cheap, and the performance/price ratio is high to manufacture in bulk, which accords with the trend of fast development of the electronics industry in the information age.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: Ted Ju
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Publication number: 20080135277Abstract: A method for administering an additive to oil, wherein a reservoir of the additive is provided in the oil.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2005Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: ABB Technology Ltd.Inventor: Uno Gafvert
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Publication number: 20080135278Abstract: To provide a multivendor-compatible printed board. On one face of an IVH (Interstitial Via Hole) board, wiring is provided for mounting a first semiconductor device, and on the other face, wiring is provided for mounting a second semiconductor device having pin positions and pin counts different from the first semiconductor. By the IVH board according to the present invention, one face can be used for mounting the first semiconductor device, and the other face can be used for mounting the second semiconductor device. Thus, even when the semiconductor device mounted on the IVH board of the present invention is changed, it becomes possible to use the identical board.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventor: Hiroaki Abe
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Publication number: 20080135279Abstract: A printed wiring board includes: a substrate main body; a solder resist layer provided on the substrate main body and having a first opening in which a part of the solder bump is formed; and a solder resist layer provided on the solder resist layer and having a second opening through which the solder bump is formed. The shape of the second opening is non-analogous to the shape of the first opening when viewed as plane-wise.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: NEC ELECTRONICS CORPORATIONInventor: Kiminori Ishido
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Publication number: 20080135280Abstract: A wired circuit board having improved adhesion between the conductive pattern and an insulating layer to prevent a plating solution from remaining between a metal plating layer and the insulating layer. The invention prevents ionic impurities in the plating solution from remaining as residual or ionic contamination, thereby preventing a short circuit from developing when electric current flows through the circuit under a high temperature and high humidity environment. Lower end portions of the terminal portions that are formed on an insulating base layer and lower end portions of side surfaces and metal plating layers that cover the terminal portions are embedded in the insulating base layer in a flexible wired circuit board.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2008Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: Nitto Denko CorporationInventors: Takashi Oda, Yasufumi Miyake, Tadao Ohkawa
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Publication number: 20080135281Abstract: A motherboard includes a printed circuit board (10), and at least a power/ground trace (20) formed on the printed circuit board. The trace includes a pair of main lines (14, 24) and at least a protection line (12, 22) connected between the main lines. A width of the main lines is constant and wider than of the protection line. Wherein when a current flowing through the power/ground trace exceeds a maximum current the protection line can endure, the protection line is burnt and disconnected from the main lines, thereby generating less smoke and protecting components connected with the trace of the motherboard from damage due to excess current.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Xiang Zhang, Kun-Peng Li, Jia-Chang Zhu
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Publication number: 20080135282Abstract: A printed multilayer electronic circuit has printed electronic components on a first level circuit. Electrical conductors are printed on the first level circuit, electrically connected to the electronic components. A layer of dielectric material is printed over the printed electrical conductors. The dielectric layer contains apertures or openings that extend vertically through the dielectric layer down to the electrical conductors. A second set of electrical conductors are then printed on the dielectric layer, situated around the apertures. Electrically conductive material is printed in the apertures so that an electrical connection is made from the second set of electrical conductors to the electrical conductors on the lower level.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: MOTOROLA, INC.Inventors: Krishna D. Jonnalagadda, Daniel R. Gamota, Iwona Turlik
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Publication number: 20080135283Abstract: A protruding electrodes is formed on a lead electrode of an electronic component, and the protruding electrodes comprises a first conductor formed on the lead electrode of the electronic component, and a second conductor overlaid on the first conductor by using a transfer mold having a concavity. By virtue of this structure, protruding electrodes of any configuration can be formed in fine pitches.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: Kunio Hibino, Yoshihiro Tomura, Yoshihiko Yagi, Kazuhiro Nishikawa
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Publication number: 20080135284Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible foil including a thin and flexible foil that isolates electromagnetic waves. The foil has a smooth surface and an opposite surface on which a plurality of three-dimensional raised projections is formed and consecutively lined up. A slicing-facilitated, flexible thinned layer is formed between adjacent ones of the projections. The foil can be deflected to enclose an electronic device that generates electromagnetic waves with the projections facing the electronic device so that the electromagnetic waves are confined inside the enclosure formed by the foil and dispersed and dissipated by reflection and diffraction in multiple angles caused by the projections so as to prevent leakage of electromagnetic waves and to protect electronic components close to the electromagnetic wave generating device from interference by the electromagnetic waves.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: CHAO-JEN WANG
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Publication number: 20080135285Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a poke-through assembly for installation in a hole in a floor structure. The floor structure defines a floor in a first working environment and a ceiling in a second working environment. The poke-through assembly includes at least one intumescent member, a base plate and an intumescent enclosure. The intumescent member is disposed at least partially between the floor of the first working environment and the ceiling of the second working environment. The base plate supports and is disposed below the intumescent member for limiting the expansion of the intumescent member toward or into the second working environment. Another aspect of the present invention provides a poke-through assembly including an upper frame, at least one intumescent member and an intumescent cover. The intumescent member is disposed below the upper frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Robert K. Jolly
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Publication number: 20080135286Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a poke-through assembly for installation in a hole in a floor structure. The floor structure defines a floor in a first working environment and a ceiling in a second working environment. The poke-through assembly includes at least one intumescent member and an intumescent cover assembly. The intumescent member being disposed at least partially within the hole in the floor structure. Also, the intumescent cover assembly including a base plate and a retainer member. The base plate supports the intumescent member and the retainer limits and/or restricts expansion of the intumescent member. Further, the retainer is adjustably secured to the base plate in a plurality of positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Robert K. Jolly, Mark R. Drane
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Publication number: 20080135287Abstract: An access floor line distribution system that includes a low profile access floor system with a low profile switch box placed inside a switch box vault formed in the floor system. The access floor system is designed to be six inches or less in height and includes support props formed in a grid pattern and covered by floor panels. The props are sufficiently spaced apart to form a vault in the floor system designed to house the switch box. Formed on the switch box is a telecommunication cable opening, and a duplex electrical plug opening. Formed on the opposite side of the switch box is a plurality of knockouts opening through which network cables extend. A plurality of air vents are formed on the sides of the box to increase air flow and heat distribution. Located inside the switch box is a low profile network switch. The network switch includes a main telecommunication input port and a power cable on one surface and plurality of network ports on an opposite surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: Bruce McQuilken
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Publication number: 20080135288Abstract: An article can include a protective core having two end portions. The article can include a number of support cores. Each support core can be positioned substantially adjacent each end portion of the protective core. The article can include a cold shrinkable material held in an expanded state over at least a portion of the protective core and at least a portion of each support core. The support cores, the protective core, and the cold shrinkable material can collectively be placed over an apparatus such that the cold shrinkable material tightens over a portion of the apparatus responsive to removing the support core from the cold shrinkable material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: William L. Taylor, William V. Dower, Garry L. Sjolander
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Publication number: 20080135289Abstract: At least a portion of a subsea well is drilled casing-while-drilling techniques. A landing shoulder is formed within an outer string of a casing. The outer string of casing is secured to an outer wellhead housing above the landing shoulder and lowered into the wellbore. A casing hanger is attached to an inner string of casing and lowered through the outer string of casing into the wellbore. A drill bit at the at the lower end of the inner string of casing is rotated to deepen the well. The string of inner casing moves downward as the well is being deepened until landing the casing hanger on the load shoulder. A tieback member is attached to an inner wellhead housing and lowered into sealing engagement with the casing hanger. The inner wellhead housing lands in the outer wellhead housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventor: David L. Ford
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Publication number: 20080135290Abstract: A wellbore drilling system includes a weight on bit controller configured to generate a normalized WOB output, a drilling torque controller configured to generate a normalized TOB output, a differential pressure controller configured to generate a normalized DeltaP output, and a rate of penetration controller configured to multiply a ROP setpoint with the normalized WOB output, the normalized TOB output, and the normalized DeltaP output to generate a ROP output.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: OMRON OILFIELD & MARINEInventors: Fergus Hopwood, Phil Martin, Richard Lewis
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Publication number: 20080135291Abstract: A method of responding to an anomalous change in downhole pressure in a bore hole comprises detecting the anomalous change in downhole pressure, sending a signal along the segmented electromagnetic transmission path, receiving the signal, and performing a automated response. The anomalous change in downhole pressure is detected at a first location along a segmented electromagnetic transmission path, and the segmented electromagnetic transmission path is integrated into the tool string. The signal is received by at least one receiver in communication with the segmented electromagnetic transmission path. The automated response is performed along the tool string. Disclosed is an apparatus for responding to an anomalous change in downhole pressure in a downhole tool string, comprising a segmented electromagnetic transmission path connecting one or more receivers and at least one pressure sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2008Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: David R. Hall, Joe Fox, Tyson J. Wilde, Jonathan S. Barlow
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Publication number: 20080135292Abstract: A drilling apparatus controls or eliminates reaction torque from drill bits thereby preventing loss of penetration due to undesired rotation of the drilling apparatus or controls drilling direction by intentionally manipulating reaction torque thereby inducing desired drill bit walk. The drilling apparatus has a concentrically divided drill bit in which an inner drill bit rotates simultaneously in the opposite direction from an outer drill bit. The inner drill bit can be moved axially forward from or back toward the outer drill bit. Forces produced by the inner and outer drill bits are controlled to eliminate or adjust reaction torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Joachim Sihler, Michael John Shepherd
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Publication number: 20080135293Abstract: Methods and apparatus for navigating a subterranean tool comprising a body member and a head member steerably associated with the body member. A determining unit is configured to determine a transversal target position of a nose of the head member relative to the body member and a steering unit is configured to steer the head member relative to the body member so that the nose of the head member is located at the transversal target position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: HITOSHI TASHIRO, RYUKI ODASHIMA, JOONHYUNG BAE, AHMED TAHOUN
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Publication number: 20080135294Abstract: Vibrational apparatus capable of providing a vibrational output, said apparatus comprising or including an assembly having a shuttle capable of shuttling between complementary structures, at least one of which complementary structures provides the vibrational output, the arrangement being characterised in that there is a drive to rotate the shuttle and there are magnetic interactions between the rotating shuttle and the complementary structures such that interactions with each complementary structure, and the phasing of the complementary structures relative to the shuttle, alternating magnetic results in the shuttling movement of the shuttle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2005Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: Roger Pfahlert
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Publication number: 20080135295Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drilling assembly has a string of downhole tools connected to a drill bit with a bit body intermediate a shank and a working face. The drill bit is connected to the string of tools at the shank. A continuous fluid passageway is formed within the bit body and the string of tools. A valve mechanism disposed within the fluid passageway is adapted to substantially cyclically build-up and release pressure within the fluid passageway such that a pressure build-up results in radial expansion of at least a portion of the fluid passageway and wherein a pressure release results in a contraction of the portion of the fluid passageway. The expansion and contraction of the portion of the fluid passageway varies a weight loaded to the drill bit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2008Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: David R. Hall
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Publication number: 20080135296Abstract: A coated drill pipe for use in drilling ground such as in rotary drilling for explorative geophysics and associated methods and systems are disclosed and described. A protective coating can be coated over at least a portion of an exterior or interior surface of the drill pipe. The protective coating can include a polyurea such as an aromatic polyurea, a silicone modified polyurea, or an aluminized polyurea. Drill pipes can be shielded by coating a drill pipe with a polyurea composition such as by spray coating. In connection with suitable systems and coated or uncoated well casings, these coated drill pipes can perform for dramatically extended periods of time over conventional drill pipes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: Michael D. Kipp, Michael Ridges, William McCarville
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Publication number: 20080135297Abstract: A rotary drag bit exhibiting enhanced cutting efficiency and extended life is provided. The rotary drag bit comprises a bit body having a face surface, and a plurality of cutters coupled to the face surface of the bit body. The plurality of cutters comprises at least one pilot cutter and a rotationally trailing larger, primary cutter at substantially the same radius and, optionally of slightly less exposure. The pilot cutter is sized and positioned to pre-fracture the formation and perform an initial cut, while the primary cutter removes weakened, remaining formation material along the same rotational path. A method to pre-fracture subterranean formations using a rotary drag bit having a pilot cutter configuration is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: David Gavia
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Publication number: 20080135298Abstract: A bit retainer system includes a bit having a head and a shank, a driver sub disposed around the shank of the bit and adapted to engage a hammer case, a bit retainer including a segmented retainer ring configured with a circumferential groove on an outside diameter of the segmented ring, the bit retainer disposed around the shank of the bit and abutting an upper end of the driver sub. The bit retainer system further includes a secondary retainer disposed around the bit retainer, wherein the secondary retainer includes a plurality of webs disposed at selected locations along the secondary retainer configured to engage the circumferential groove of the segmented retainer ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2008Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventor: Lance D. Underwood
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Publication number: 20080135299Abstract: An apparatus and method for characterizing a subsurface formation is provided. The apparatus includes a tool body, a probe assembly carried by the tool body for sealing off a region of the borehole wall, an actuator for moving the probe assembly between a retracted position for conveyance of the tool body and a deployed position for sealing off a region of the borehole wall and a perforator extending through the probe assembly for penetrating a portion of the sealed-off region of the borehole wall. The tool may be provided with first and second drilling shafts with bits for penetrating various surfaces. The method involves sealing off a region of a wall of an open borehole penetrating the formation, creating a perforation through a portion of the sealed-off region of the borehole wall and testing the formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2008Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Troy Fields, Oivind Brockmeier, Edward Harrigan, Bunker Hill, Charles Fensky, Ali Eghbali, Christopher Del Campo
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Publication number: 20080135300Abstract: A drill cuttings handling system apparatus for use on an oil and gas drilling rig located on a drilling platform where the platform has drilling equipment that includes a system for circulating drilling mud through the borehole created by the drilling equipment that includes a drill cuttings shaker for removing drill cuttings from the circulating drilling mud and a drill cuttings collection trough. The drill cuttings handling system is comprised of a cyclone cuttings hopper, a vacuum pump, an engine and a solids pump. Conduit is attached to the cyclone cuttings hopper for delivering by vacuum flow a quantity of drill cuttings from the drill cuttings collection trough of the drilling mud system of the drilling rig to the cyclone cuttings hopper. Discharge conduit is connected to the solids pump to dispense drill cuttings from the solids pump to a desired location such as a cuttings box.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2005Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: Michael H. James
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Publication number: 20080135301Abstract: A method for sucking dust in connection with a rock drilling rig, and a rock drilling rig. The rock drilling rig (1) comprises a dust collection system provided with a suction device (11) to produce suction for sucking dust from a drill hole (8) through a first suction channel (12). The rock drilling rig further comprises a second suction channel (17) allowing the suction effect of the dust collection system to be utilized for sucking dust from a location other than the drill hole, for example from the control cabin (15). Exhaust suction is controlled by means of a control unit (26, 48).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2005Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: Pasi Julkunen, Tapani Sormunen, Juha Koivula, Seppo Renko