Patents Issued in November 18, 2008
  • Patent number: 7451818
    Abstract: A method is provided for the reduction of inflow of rock particles from an earth formation into a wellbore for the production of hydrocarbon fluid. The method comprises creating a zone of reduced compressive stiffness around the wellbore by removing rock material from the wall of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Addis, Chengho Abel Lee, Victor Arkady Dunayevsky, Daniel Frederick Fehler, Mohamad Fereydoon Khodaverdian
  • Patent number: 7451819
    Abstract: An underbalanced perforating system is disclosed for use in openhole completions to maximize the wellbore and matrix cleanup efficiency, to connect natural fracture patterns, and/or to enable application of new drilling fluid technology in difficult subsurface environments. The perforating system can be used for any hydrocarbon bearing formations with any lithology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Frank F. Chang, Lawrence A. Behrmann, Ian C. Walton, Keng Seng Chan
  • Patent number: 7451820
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for fracture stimulating well bores using gaseous nitrogen and/or liquid carbon dioxide combined with a partially dehydrated proppant. The method includes mixing proppant with a fracturing fluid to create a proppant-laden slurry, removing the majority of the fluid from the proppant using centrifugal forces, blending the proppant with gaseous nitrogen and/or liquid carbon dioxide, and thereafter utilizing that combination to fracture-stimulate well bores. The method also includes the use of monitoring and flow control equipment to regulate and/or automate the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Blair Albers, Bradley A. Rieb, Tim Leshchyshyn, James D. Thomson, Victor E. Fordyce
  • Patent number: 7451821
    Abstract: An offshore well drilling assembly includes a drilling facility or support platform for location at sea. A drilling platform connects to the support platform so the drilling platform is cantilevered from the support platform. The drilling platform extends from the support platform, for positioning over a subsea well. The well drilling assembly includes a staging platform for use in loading and unloading of wellhead equipment. The staging platform is mounted to the drilling platform. The staging platform moves along a side of the drilling platform in directions toward and away from the support platform to a distance over the sea. A method of conveying wellhead equipment uses the staging platform for conveying wellhead equipment between the support platform and a distance over the sea by moving the staging platform along the drilling platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Omar A. Rashid, Robert J. Rawls
  • Patent number: 7451822
    Abstract: A method for preparing to move a floating structure away from a wellbore drilled below the bottom of a body of water includes filling a riser extending from the bottom of the body of water to the floating structure with water. The water in the riser is displaced to a selected first depth below the water surface. The riser is sealed at a second selected depth shallower than the first selected depth. The portion of the riser above the second selected depth is withdrawn onto the floating structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Noble Drilling Services Inc.
    Inventor: Hans H. J. Deul
  • Patent number: 7451823
    Abstract: An apparatus incorporating a chemical seal and method for removing fluids from a well is disclosed. The chemical seal is created by a foaming agent which, when in the presence of gas and fluids present in the well, and when agitated by the apparatus, creates foam between the apparatus and the walls of the well in which it operates. The foam improves the seal between the apparatus and the inner wall of the well, improving the efficiency of the apparatus in lifting fluids from the well. Furthermore, the chemical seal improves the distribution of treatment chemicals within the well as it reduces liquid flowback. Automatic recharging or reapplication of the foaming agent and/or treatment chemicals to the apparatus can be accomplished with a chemical application assembly associated with the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventor: Dennis Ray Wilson
  • Patent number: 7451824
    Abstract: An apparatus for drawing down a fluid level in a wellbore. The apparatus comprises a first tubular disposed within the wellbore so that a wellbore annulus is formed. The apparatus further includes an annular nozzle operatively attached to the first tubular, and wherein the annular nozzle comprises: an annular adapter; and, a suction tube that extends from the annular member into an inner portion of the first tubular. The apparatus further comprises a second tubular concentrically disposed within the first tubular so that a micro annulus is formed therein. The apparatus may further contain a jetting device for delivering an injected medium injected from the micro annulus into the wellbore annulus, and a stabilizer that stabilizes the second tubular within the first tubular. A method of drawing down a fluid level is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Danny T. Williams
  • Patent number: 7451825
    Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a tubular member, an annular body and plugs. The tubular member includes a wall that defines a passageway to communicate a fluid, and an opening extends through the well. The annular body circumscribes the wall, and the annular body includes orifices that are adapted to communicate the fluid with the opening. The plugs are adapted to be moved to controlled positions relative to the orifices to regulate at least one of a flow rate of the fluid through the opening and a pressure differential across the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Jason K. Jonas
  • Patent number: 7451826
    Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive, said apparatus comprising a motor (4, 4?) for rotating a tool (30) for drivingly engaging a tubular, and means (3) for connecting said motor (4, 4?) to said top drive, the apparatus being such that, in use, said motor (4, 4?) can rotate one tubular with respect to another to connect said tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernd-Georg Pietras
  • Patent number: 7451827
    Abstract: A device for anchoring a casing into a well bore, the device comprising an anchor body mounted in a tool string and a plurality of radially expanding fingers that are mounted in a fingers assembly in a retracted position and they move to an extending position wherein the fingers extend radially from the tool string for anchor against the well bore wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Gustavo Ignacio Carro
  • Patent number: 7451828
    Abstract: An isolation system employing a containment zone within the casing or tubing of a wellbore. The containment zone can be isolated from the wellbore pressure and leak tested to ensure no leakage is occurring across the zone. The isolation system prevents wellbore pressure below the system from communicating with the surface, thereby allowing for safe egress of tools from within the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Roger J. Marsh
  • Patent number: 7451829
    Abstract: A composite reservoir for an onboard fire suppression system includes an outer wall of composite material, with the outer wall having a generally cylindrical section. An inner reinforcement has a section inserted into the generally cylindrical section of the outer wall. A closure plug is inserted into the generally cylindrical section of the outer wall. The closure plug has an inner surface in contact with the inner reinforcement. A circumferential groove circumscribes the closure plug, and a tension member displaces the outer wall into contact with the circumferential groove, so as to maintain the closure plug in contact with the outer wall and the inner reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Thompson
  • Patent number: 7451830
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a vehicle body and at least one reservoir containing a fire suppressant agent. A distribution system receives the fire suppression agent from the reservoir and conducts the agent to at least one location about the vehicle's body in response to the determination by a sensor system and controller that the vehicle has been subjected to a significant impact. The reservoir includes a structural foam core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Dierker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7451831
    Abstract: A soil aeration apparatus may include aeration tines that are actuated by a relatively compact gear system that reduces the size and weight of the apparatus. In addition, a soil aeration apparatus may operate without a centrally disposed support shaft, thus enabling the tine-holder shafts to be positioned closer to one another and reducing the size of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: PlanetAir Turf Products, LLC
    Inventors: Scott W. Bjorge, David R. Maas
  • Patent number: 7451832
    Abstract: A weed remover tool attachment for efficiently removing undesirable plants. The weed remover tool attachment includes a connecting member including a connecting aperture, wherein the connecting aperture is formed to receive a shaft of a weed trimmer, a first blade extending from the connecting member and a second blade extending from the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Douglas W. Delvo
  • Patent number: 7451833
    Abstract: A hammer drill includes a body, a motor; a centre of gravity, and a hammer mechanism driven by the motor in reciprocating movement along a hammer axis at a first distance from the centre of gravity. A counter mass is mounted within the body for sliding movement along a slide axis at a second further distance from the centre of gravity. A biasing member biases the counter mass to a mid-position along the slide axis. The biasing means may be a leaf spring or a helical spring. The counter mass may be slideably supported on rods and may be able to twist about a number of axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Norbert Hahn
  • Patent number: 7451834
    Abstract: An impact enhancer apparatus includes: a substantially tubular inner member, a substantially tubular outer member that is axially movable in relation to the inner member, a primary energy storage device adapted to store energy when the inner member is moved in either of first and second axial directions with respect to the outer member and a secondary energy storage device adapted to store energy when the inner member is moved in a first axial direction with respect to the outer member. The primary energy storage device may include a primary biasing device. The secondary energy storage device may include a secondary biasing device. The primary and/or secondary biasing devices may be a spring device such as a disk spring, a coiled spring, a fluid spring, a gas spring, etc. The impact enhancing devices may include tubular members that have double shoulder high torque connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Pedem Limited
    Inventors: Carl Shears, Sigurd Solem
  • Patent number: 7451835
    Abstract: In one aspect, a downhole assembly has a downhole tool string component with a bore adapted to accommodate drilling mud. A fluid barrier is disposed within the bore and has a cylindrical portion substantially aligned with the bore. A drive shaft is sealed within and substantially coaxial with the cylindrical portion and has a first magnet disposed on its outer surface. A turbine assembly is disposed around the cylindrical portion of the fluid barrier and has an inner diameter and outer surface. The outer surface of the turbine assembly has a plurality of turbine blades. The inner diameter of the turbine assembly has a second magnet disposed within a region defined by the turbine blades and is in magnetic communication with the first magnet of the drive shaft, wherein when the drilling mud engages the turbine blades the first and second magnets rotate the drive shaft with the turbine assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Daryl Wise, David Lundgreen, Nathan Nelson, Scott Dahlgren
  • Patent number: 7451836
    Abstract: An expandable reaming tool including at least two reamer pads connected to a tool body. The reamer pads are adapted to be displaced between a retracted position and an expanded position. At least one spiral blade is formed on at least one reamer pad. A plurality of cutting elements are disposed on the at least one spiral blade. An expandable reaming tool including at least two reamer pads connected to a tool body. The reamer pads are adapted to be displaced between a retracted position and an expanded position. At least one blade is formed on the at least two reamer pads. A plurality of cutting elements are disposed on the at least one blade and at least one gage protection element is disposed on a gage surface of the at least one blade. The plurality of cutting elements are arranged so as to enable the expandable reaming tool to backream a formation in a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl M. Hoffmaster, David K. Truax, Timothy P. Beaton
  • Patent number: 7451837
    Abstract: An expandable reaming tool including at least two reamer pads connected to a tool body. The reamer pads are adapted to be displaced between a retracted position and an expanded position. At least one spiral blade is formed on at least one reamer pad. A plurality of cutting elements are disposed on the at least one spiral blade. An expandable reaming tool including at least two reamer pads connected to a tool body. The reamer pads are adapted to be displaced between a retracted position and an expanded position. At least one spiral blade is formed on at least one reamer pad. A plurality of cutting elements are disposed on the at least one blade and at least one gage protection element is disposed on a gage surface of the at least one blade. The plurality of cutting elements are arranged so as to enable the expandable reaming tool to backream a formation in a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl M. Hoffmaster, David K. Truax, Timothy P. Beaton
  • Patent number: 7451838
    Abstract: High energy sheer cutting elements and bits incorporating the same are provided. The cutting elements have at least a portion of their cutting layers which will be exposed to high temperatures during drilling formed from a PCBN material capable of operating at temperatures of at least 1000° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Madapusi K. Keshavan
  • Patent number: 7451839
    Abstract: A system and method are described for powering a vehicle using radio frequency (“RF”) signals. For example, a method according to one embodiment of the invention comprises: positioning a plurality of RF generators beneath the road surface of a roadway, the RF generators configured to transmit RF signals in the direction of vehicles traveling over the roadway; coupling a rectenna on a vehicle, the rectenna configured to receive the RF signals transmitted from the RF generators and to generate power from the RF signals; and using the power generated by the rectenna to power the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Rearden, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen G. Perlman
  • Patent number: 7451840
    Abstract: An articulated loader has an articulated chassis, two A-frames, and four track assemblies. A narrow portion each of the A-frames faces a narrow portion of the other A-frame. The articulated chassis includes a front portion and a rear portion. Likewise, there is a front or first A-frame and a rear or second A-frame. The A-frames are connected to the overall chassis at points close to but offset from the point of vehicle articulation via ball joints and via hydraulic suspension cylinders toward the wider portions of the “A”s. The chassis of the vehicle is suspended above the first and second A-frames. The vehicle is propelled along the ground by tracks that are independently suspended. The bulk of the load from the blade, i.e., the blade load, is transferred directly to the tracks via the first and second Aframes; the first and second ball joints and pivot connections between the first and second A-frames and the track frames for each track assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Daniel Dean Radke, James Arthur Nagorcka, Lyal Douglas Allen
  • Patent number: 7451841
    Abstract: A trailer loading or hitching device for moving a trailer between a storage position and attachment of a tongue of the trailer to a tow vehicle, comprising a vertical lifting column selectively extendable and retractable by a mover and pivotally connected to a drive wheel chassis by a mount for a steering shaft operatively engaged to the lifting column, the drive wheel chassis having opposing drive wheels selectively operable for moving the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Larry Nelson
  • Patent number: 7451842
    Abstract: A control system for centrally controlling information related to an electric motor car and effectively using power for the electric motor car involves a VVVF inverter, a CVCF inverter, a fuel cell, a power storage unit, and a power management unit that centrally controls power of the electric motor car. When the electric motor car carries out a regenerative braking operation, the power management unit makes the VVVF inverter convert AC power regenerated by a motor into DC power and makes the power storage unit and CVCF inverter store and consume the converted DC power. When the electric motor car carries out a power running operation, the power management unit supplies power from the fuel cell and power storage unit and supplemental power from an overhead line to the VVVF inverter and CVCF inverter. When the electric motor car carries out a coasting operation, the power management unit supplies power from the fuel cell and power storage unit and supplemental power from the overhead line to the CVCF inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takuma Hemmi, Tetsu Tone
  • Patent number: 7451843
    Abstract: Engine noise of a construction machine is effectively reduced without reducing cooling performance and with an increase in the height of a body cover kept minimum. To achieve the above, an air-intake opening portion (10) and an air discharge opening portion (11) are arranged in a body cover (8) of an upper rotating body (1), and a cooling fan (5) in an engine room covered by the body cover (8) is driven, taking cooling air in from the air-intake opening portion (10) to cool a heat exchanger (7) in the body cover (8) and discharging the air from the air discharge opening portion (11). The air-intake opening portion (10) is laterally offset from a position facing to a ventilation surface of the heat exchanger (7). Alternatively, plural air-intake opening portions are located in a scattered manner such that the plural air-intake opening portions include the offset air-intake opening portion offset from the ventilation surface of the heat exchanger (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Nakashima, Kazuhiro Ueda, Yasumasa Kimura, Hideo Utsuno, Toshiyuki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7451844
    Abstract: A front end structure of a vehicle surrounding heat exchangers with ducts to thereby improve the heat exchangers in cooling ability, that is, a front end structure of a vehicle provided with heat exchangers positioned in an engine compartment in which an engine is mounted and exchanging heat between air and a heat medium, wherein the heat exchangers are surrounded by duct members sticking out to the vehicle front side, preventing hot air in the engine compartment from reaching the front end sides of the heat exchangers, and guiding air present at the vehicle front side to the heat exchangers and wherein among the duct members, a bottom duct positioned at the vehicle bottom side is formed with first through holes running through the vehicle in the up-down direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Yuhei Kunikata
  • Patent number: 7451845
    Abstract: A method relieves the burden of a driver of a motor vehicle in which the drive train is provided with a gearbox which can be operated in an automatic mode and a manual mode. The method comprises the following automatic steps: a) detection whether the speed of the vehicle should be adjusted, b) initiation of the adjustment if necessary, and c) the carrying out of the adjustment. During step b) and/or step c) it is determined on one or several occasions whether the gearbox is operating in an automatic mode or in a manual mode in order to trigger a change into the automatic mode of the gearbox if the gearbox is operated in the manual mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Lankes, Stephan Pindl
  • Patent number: 7451846
    Abstract: A snowmobile frame includes a tunnel, the tunnel includes a left structure having a front portion and a rear portion, a right side structure having a front portion and a rear portion, a radiator interconnecting the rear portion and the left side structure with the rear portion of the right side structure, and an engine cradle forward of the tunnel. The engine cradle includes a front wall connecting the front portion of the left side structure and the front portion of the right side structure, a rear wall interconnecting the left side structure and the right side structure, and a bottom plate intermediate the front wall and the rear wall and interconnecting the left side structure with the right side structure. A snowmobile including the snowmobile frame includes an engine and a fastener passing through a hole in one of the left side structure and the right side structure to fasten the engine thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome Wubbolts, Anne-Marie Dion
  • Patent number: 7451847
    Abstract: In response to detection of a slip occurring on left and right front wheels (62a, 62b) caused by spin of one of the left and right front wheels (62a, 62b), the control technique of the invention restricts a torque output from a motor (22)to a drive shaft (28), while activating a hydraulic brake (54a) or (54b) corresponding to the spinning wheel to output a brake torque, so as to distribute the output torque of the motor (22) practically equally into the left and right front wheels (62a, 62b). This arrangement desirably improves the starting performance and the accelerating performance of a vehicle with the left and right front wheels (62a, 62b) running on the road surface of different frictional coefficients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akira Hommi
  • Patent number: 7451848
    Abstract: A foldable personal mobility vehicle is disclosed comprising first and second units having first and second wheels being rotatable about first and second axles. A drive unit rotates the second wheel for moving the foldable personal mobility vehicle. A pivot disposed substantially parallel to the first and second axles pivotably connects the first unit to the second unit for folding the personal mobility vehicle. The foldable personal mobility vehicle may include a folding unit for automatically folding the foldable personal mobility vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventors: Michael J. Flowers, George G. Flowers, Stephen Jarema, III, Edward J. Dwyer, Jr., Lee Volpe, Alex He, Robert C. Hopely, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7451849
    Abstract: An exhaust gas pollution treatment device, having an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe with an exhaust path extending between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe. A gas permeable backbone member is positioned in the exhaust path and a substantially fibrous nonwoven refractory material is disposed on the backbone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: GEO2 Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bilal Zuberi, Robert G. Lachenauer
  • Patent number: 7451850
    Abstract: A drive control apparatus and method for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine driving main drive wheels, an electric motor driving auxiliary drive wheels, and a clutch disposed between the electric motor and the auxiliary drive wheels. The drive control apparatus includes a drag motion detection section configured to detect that the electric motor undergoes a drag motion due to idle torque of the clutch, and a reverse torque control section configured to control torque of the electric motor in a direction reverse to a direction of the drag motion of the electric motor when the drag motion of the electric motor is detected by the drag motion detection section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidemichi Tokunou
  • Patent number: 7451851
    Abstract: A readily transportable and rapidly deployed vehicle immobilization device is provided. The exhaust of an internal combustion engine is obstructed, resulting in choking off and stopping of the engine. In an aspect, a plug is provided having an extension fixed to the plug for human grasping, and facilitating insertion into an end of a vehicle exhaust pipe. In an aspect the plug expands upon being heated and is adhesive to the exhaust pipe for at least partially sealing the exhaust pipe. In another aspect, a length of adhesive material is attached to the front of a pursuing vehicle and engages an end of an exhaust pipe of a fleeing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey Wax
  • Patent number: 7451852
    Abstract: An interlock system for measuring the sobriety of a potential motorized apparatus operator is coupled to the starting mechanism of said motorized apparatus. The interlock system includes a microprocessor controlled handset, base unit and photographic device. The photographic device facilitates the identification process of the person taking the test by taking at least two consecutive pictures, one before and one during the test, which makes circumvention of the test a recordable event for later viewing by a monitoring person or facility. Further, rolling re-tests are used in the event the motorized apparatus was allowed to engage and operate and to once again verify the blood alcohol content of the person operating said apparatus and verify their identity during said test with said photographic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Sherman Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Stewart, James McClelland, Charles E. Smith
  • Patent number: 7451853
    Abstract: A security vehicle having a main frame suspended on four wheels. A first support deck positioned on said main frame. The wheels at one end of the main frame being driven and wheels at the front end of the main frame being steerable. A drive train is mounted on said main frame and connected to the driven wheels. The drive train is located along a central longitudinal axis of the frame and at the center of the length of the distance between a front and a rear axle. A platform is mounted to the main frame at a level substantially above the first deck and connected to the first deck. Two seats are mounted on the platform. Vehicle controls are mounted on the platform adjacent the seats. Stairs are mounted to the first deck and the platform to allow access to the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Gary Hartley
  • Patent number: 7451854
    Abstract: An exhaust flow rate control valve includes an on-off valve which is switched between a closed state in which a flow passage area of an exhaust pipe is decreased, and an opened state in which the flow passage area is increased. A notch is formed in the on-off valve, and a recess is formed in an inner pipe member of the exhaust pipe to correspond to the notch. A resilient member, for biasing the on-off valve in a closing direction, is disposed in a space formed between the recess and an outer pipe member of the exhaust pipe. Thus, the degree of freedom is improved in setting the operating characteristic of the on-off valve, without increasing the size of an exhaust structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hikaru Suzuki, Masaki Goto
  • Patent number: 7451855
    Abstract: An acoustic absorbing device includes a housing having a chamber formed by an outer peripheral wall and a bottom wall, a hood engaged into the housing, an absorbing member engaged into the hood, and a silencer engaged into the absorbing member, the silencer and the absorbing member may be selectively attached to the hood or may be easily replaced with the other ones or new or different ones according to different environment. The silencer may include an outer cap extended into or out of the absorbing member. The housing includes one or more couplers for selectively coupling the housing to the other coupling or supporting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Samw Hong Jen Wang
  • Patent number: 7451856
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to hydraulic systems for actuating a vehicle braking system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hydraulic system that uses the gravity-generated pressure in a load-bearing hydraulic cylinder to provide hydraulic pressure to a parking brake, emergency brakes, or service brake when properly modulated or other service. The present invention further relates to a system to reduce through dissipation or utilization the available gravity-generated hydraulic pressure so as to deploy a ground engaging drag-brake of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Miskin, Richard L. Sanders
  • Patent number: 7451857
    Abstract: A brake caliper support structure and a brake caliper structure for a saddle-ride type all terrain vehicle can attain a reduction in size and weight of a disc brake and can scrape off mud and snow accumulated within a wheel. A distance from a point which represents the center of a front wheel to each of points which represent the axes of bolts located at the same positions as the caliper support portions or the first and second mounting portions of the caliper bracket is set longer than the distance from the point to a point which represents the center of a piston. A brake hose is to be prevented from undergoing an excessively large deflection during steering or during vehicular vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosuke Hasegawa, Makoto Toda, Yuji Maki, Masahiro Inoue, Hiroaki Tomita, Akio Handa, Atsuko Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7451858
    Abstract: Disc brake for a heavy vehicle having a disc-shaped rotor consisting of a cast iron alloy and a calliper supporting a brake lining which is intended to be pressed against the said rotor during braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Johan Hultèn, Ingemar Dagh
  • Patent number: 7451859
    Abstract: A magnetic damping device comprises a frame, a load wheel, two magnetic means, and a damping adjusting mechanism, wherein these two magnetic means have two arched plates that coaxially couple with each other by a connection shaft for synchronously adjusting the magnetic damping force. The damping adjusting mechanism has the structure for providing multi-sectional adjustment and for fine adjusting the magnetic damping force so as to provide the product with stable and uniform quality. As a result, the product can be maintained and tested easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Yen-Piao Yin
  • Patent number: 7451860
    Abstract: For a device for the amplitude-dependent absorption of shocks, especially of the wheel of a vehicle, with at least one working piston (3), which is disposed within an absorbing housing (1) and connected with a piston rod (2) and divides the absorbing housing (1) into two absorbing spaces (4, 5) and interacts with a hydraulic element, which is disposed in parallel for affecting small amplitudes and has a space (15) with a dividing element, the space (15) being tied in with hydraulic tie-ins with the absorbing spaces (4, 5), the greatest possible absence of wear and a soft response of the working piston are to be achieved. For this purpose, it is proposed that the dividing element consists of a foamed, elastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Bilstein GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Nevoigt, Steffen Lang
  • Patent number: 7451861
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible utility bag which may, for example, be sized to fit within an athletic locker. The utility bag is generally rectangular in shape with a door that is hingedly attached to the front of the utility bag. Top and bottom rigid panels are provided, which are hinged or removable, and when in position support a top wall and a bottom wall. Removable side panels provide rigidity to side walls. Generally rectangular frames may be incorporated into the utility bag to provide further rigid support to the front and the rear of the bag. The utility bag can be collapsed for easy storage or shipping by removing the side panels, detaching the top and bottom panels, and collapsing the front of the bag towards the rear of the bag. A method for utilizing the present invention as a vehicle for advertising is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Sun Coast Merchandise Corporation
    Inventor: Dilip Bhavnani
  • Patent number: 7451862
    Abstract: An overrunning one-way clutch includes a cam plate formed with cam surfaces angularly spaced about a central axis, and a rocker plate including pockets angularly spaced about the axis, each pocket including a surface that closes the pocket at an axial end, an opening located at an axial end opposite the surface, and an aperture facing the cam surfaces. Each pocket contains a rocker supported for pivoting a portion of the rocker through the pocket aperture toward the cam surfaces. Springs supported on the rocker plate, urging each rocker toward an aperture and engagement with the cam surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Bernard J. Simon, Norman J. Bird
  • Patent number: 7451863
    Abstract: A hub driving assembly is adapted to uni-directionally transmit a driving force of a sprocket to rotate a hub, and includes a sprocket-mounting cylinder having retreat bores which respectively extend from a tubular end surface through an outer cylindrical surface, and positioning holes which extend axially from the tubular end surface. A plurality of pawls are disposed in the retreat bores, and are biased by biasing members in the retreat bores to be movable between a driving position, where the pawls extend radially and outwardly for engaging the hub, and an idle position, where the pawls retreat into the retreat bores. A barrier member includes a ring abutment and a plurality of inserts fitted into the positioning holes to bring the ring abutment into abutment against the tubular end surface so as to prevent removal of the pawls and the biasing members from the bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Kun Teng Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hubert Chen
  • Patent number: 7451864
    Abstract: A clutch actuator is provided to stabilize a state of clutch engagement. A rotating member is rotationally driven on a rotating shaft by a motor. A clutch operating member includes two ends. One end of the clutch operating member is pushed by a push force of a clutch spring and the other end is pivotally supported on the rotating member by a shaft. The clutch operating member disengages the clutch when moved in a direction against the force of the clutch spring. An auxiliary biasing mechanism also acts on the rotating member. One end of the auxiliary biasing member is supported on a vehicle side and the other end is pivotally supported on the rotating member by a shaft. The auxiliary biasing member can include a compressible coil spring. The rotating member rotates in a first direction to move the clutch operating member in a direction of clutch engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Kosugi
  • Patent number: 7451865
    Abstract: A ZTR lawnmower having first and second drive wheels and first and second control levers to control the direction and speed of rotation of the first and second drive wheels. The lawnmower further includes a park brake system operatively interconnected with at least one of the drive wheels, and an interlock mechanism interfacing with the parking system. The park brake interlock mechanism includes a parking brake handle movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position to cause the park brake system to respectively resist and not resist rotation of the at least one drive wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Commercial Turf Products, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jimmy N. Eavenson, Sr., Peter Buchanan
  • Patent number: 7451866
    Abstract: A portable conveying device comprising an inclining base having a conveyor belt, a plurality of articulating conveying elements having powered cargo rollers defining a conveying device transport plane, the conveying elements extendable from and retractable into the base by drive means. The drive means may include a pair of spaced-apart spur gears which have teeth that engage with rack teeth of the conveying elements. The conveying device may include a hollow universal joint having axes of rotation lying substantially in the same plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: NMC-Wollard, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Canapa
  • Patent number: 7451867
    Abstract: An escalator and moving walk shaft mounting construction and method utilizes a truss, a shaft and a shaft-bearing to hold the shaft in the truss. The shaft bearing has a hub and a socket. The hub is affixed to the truss, while the socket interfits with the hub to hold the shaft. The hub-socket connection can be severed to release the shaft from the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Michael Berger, Robert Ulrich