Patents Issued in April 6, 2010
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Patent number: 7690413Abstract: A tape dispensing system uses a handle section that has a plate member with a handle thereon and a receiver which removably receives a J-shaped guide bar such that its minor leg has a rounded cross-section and its major leg, used to guide, has a triangular cross-section. A drum section has a ring with upwardly facing scalloped indents and downwardly depending resilient tabs that receive the core of the roll and bias against the roll. A circumferential lip of the handle section is removably and rotatably received within an annular lip on an inner edge of the ring member.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Inventor: William B. Morgan, III
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Patent number: 7690414Abstract: A window assembly that includes a motorized window shade mechanism. The window assembly includes two reversible motors that are disposed in, and at the top of, the window assembly. The window assembly further includes an opaque shade and a translucent shade. Each shade is independently raised and lowered with the motors by a separate gear and belt system positioned at the sidewalls of the window assembly, which are coupled to each other by rotatable shafts journalled into the bottom of the window. Each gear and belt system is driven by one of the reversible motors.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Aerospace Technologies Group, Inc.Inventor: Byron R. Knowles
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Patent number: 7690415Abstract: A window covering lifting control apparatus includes a holding unit, a locating set and a pushbutton. The holding unit has a first spacer and a second spacer formed thereon that are spaced from each other. The spacers have two slots inclining downwards. The first spacer has a strut on one side to be coupled with a spring on an outer side. The locating set includes two gears, two locating rods, two locating heads and a spring assembly to hold the two gears between the spacers. The pushbutton is movably coupled on the strut of the holding unit to control movement of the two gears in the slots. The window lifting control apparatus can be installed in a lower elongated member to control retraction upward or extension downward of the window covering. The two gears of the locating set can engage with and latch a lift cord assembly to provide improved locating effect.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Inventor: Li-Ming Cheng
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Patent number: 7690416Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention is a die casting apparatus and method evidencing increased apparatus output including the ability of using multiple die tools. The invention includes an indexing assembly removably engaged with at least one die block assembly for transporting between four stations, including an injection station, a cooling station, an ejection station, and a recovery station. The injection station includes a frame, a clamp assembly attached to the frame for clamping and releasing the die block assembly, a shot sleeve assembly engaged with the die block assembly for receiving molten material, such as metal, from a furnace means and injecting the molten material into the die block assembly, and a shot cylinder releasably coupled with the shot sleeve assembly for controlling the injection of molten material.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Efficient Manufacturing Systems, LLCInventors: Dave L Graves, Gerard M Hellebusch, Patrick Robert Meyer, John A Yegge, Sr., Todd Rio
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Patent number: 7690417Abstract: A method for making a thin cast strip with reduced meniscus marks includes assembling a pair of casting rolls laterally positioned to form a nip therebetween, preparing molten steel having a carbon content in the range of 0.01 to 0.3% by weight, a manganese content between 0.1 and 0.8% by weight, a silicon content between 0.05 and 0.5% by weight, a calcium content between 0.0008 and 0.004% by weight, an aluminum content between 2 and 500 ppm by weight, having a free oxygen content below about 50 ppm at 1600° C., forming a casting pool of the molten steel supported on casting surfaces of the casting rolls above the nip, and counter-rotating the casting rolls cause thin strip to be casted downwardly from the nip.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Nucor CorporationInventors: Rama Ballav Mahapatra, David J. Sosinsky
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Patent number: 7690418Abstract: A heat sink for dissipating heat from an electronic element comprises a base with a plurality of first fins extending upwardly therefrom, a conducting member thermally contacting the base with a plurality of second fins extending from two opposite lateral face of the conducting member toward different directions and perpendicular to the first fins, a heat pipe connecting the base and the conducting member to transfer heat from the base to the conducting member.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chun-Chi Chen, Shih-Hsun Wung, Guang Yu, Da-Yuan Zhou, Jin-Biao Liu
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Patent number: 7690419Abstract: A heat exchanger for cooling a heat generating device including a base having a recess with a base coolant inlet opening and a base coolant outlet opening. A porous core is positioned within the recess of the base, and has a core coolant inlet opening and a core coolant outlet opening that are arranged in corresponding relation with base coolant inlet opening and a base coolant outlet opening so as to be in fluid communication. A porous gasket is pinched between the porous core and the base.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Thermal Corp.Inventors: John G. Thayer, Kevin L. Wert, Mark T. North, C. Scott Schaeffer
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Patent number: 7690420Abstract: A plate heat exchanger includes a number of first heat exchanger plates (A) and second heat exchanger plates (B). The plates include a first plate interspace (1) between each pair of adjacent plates (A) and (B), and a second plate interspace (2) between each pair of adjacent plates (B) and (A). The first and second plate interspaces are separated from each other and provided beside each other in an alternating order. The heat exchanger plates have a porthole, which forms an inlet channel (6) to the first plate interspaces. The plate heat exchanger includes a separate space (11) for each plate interspace. The space (11) is closed to the second plate interspaces. The space (11) communicates with the inlet channel via an inlet nozzle (13), which forms a throttling, and with the respective first plate interspace via an outlet nozzle (14), which forms a throttling.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate ABInventor: Tobias Hörte
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Patent number: 7690421Abstract: A system and method for detecting low levels of humidity (i.e. less than 10%) inside an automotive vehicle is provided whereby the total absolute humidity inside the vehicle is determined by multiplying the number of occupants in the vehicle by an absolute humidity factor to obtain a total absolute humidity expelled by the vehicle occupants. The absolute humidity outside the vehicle is added to the total absolute humidity expelled by the vehicle occupants to arrive at a total vehicle cabin absolute humidity.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Trevor Burns, Junichi Kanemaru
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Patent number: 7690422Abstract: A connector (10) which provides a fluid tight connection between a fluid supply and a drill-string (4), the connector (10) comprising a piston-rod (20) and a cylinder (15), the piston-rod (20) having a seal at or towards its free end which is adapted to sealingly engage the drill-string (4) when the piston-rod (20) is at least partially extended from the cylinder (15).Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Pilot Drilling Control LimitedInventors: George Swietlik, Robert Large
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Patent number: 7690423Abstract: An extendable component for use in a downhole tool for traversing subsurface formations includes a drive element that defines an axis and has a distal end, and an abutment that is spaced radially from a distal end of the drive element. A driven element defines a driven element axis, is flexibly coupled to the drive element, and includes a proximal end disposed adjacent to the drive element and a distal end. A tilt arm is coupled to the driven element, is disposed at an angle with respect to the driven element axis, and is configured to engage the abutment. The driven element is moveable between a normal position and a tilted position. A contact head is coupled to the driven element distal end and is adapted to engage the wellbore wall.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Christopher S. Del Campo, Alexander F. Zazovsky, Stephane Briquet, Steve Ervin
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Patent number: 7690424Abstract: A formation engaging member for use in an open hole anchor (10) is described. The formation engaging member has at least one first open hole surface engaging element (20) for penetrating a surface of an open hole, and at least one second open hole surface engaging element (22) for fractionally interacting with a surface of the open hole to form an interference engagement. A method of anchoring to a formation surface of an open hole and an anchor are also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Petrowell LimitedInventors: Iain McLeod, Steve Reid
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Patent number: 7690425Abstract: A downhole plunger for oil and gas wells comprises an electronic ambient environmental sensor via a cargo bay. Although the sensor is preferably a downhole time, temperature, pressure and flow sensor, the device contemplates the use of any appropriate cargo to ascertain well conditions. The device can also be used to sample fluid. The sensor has a measured data memory.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Production Control Services, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey L. Giacomino
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Patent number: 7690426Abstract: The invention is directed to controlling sand production in an oil and/or gas well. A preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to repairing a downhole screen by pumping neutrally buoyant resin coated material into a damaged portion of a gravel pack screen and also into any void behind the damaged portion of the screen. The neutrally buoyant resin provides for the repair of a portion of the screen even if the damaged portion is located on the uphole side of a deviated well. Any excess resin coated material may subsequently be removed from the central passageway of the screen and then circulated to the surface because the resin coated material is neutrally buoyant. Neutrally buoyant resin may be pumped into a well that does not have a sand control system. The porous neutrally buoyant resin allows production of hydrocarbons, but prevents production of sand into the well.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: BJ Services CompanyInventor: John Misselbrook
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Patent number: 7690427Abstract: Methods of isolating portions of a subterranean formation adjacent to a highly deviated well bore having a downstream end and an upstream end and substantially filling a first zone with a sand plug comprising lightweight particulates having a specific gravity of below about 1.25 so as to substantially isolate the first zone from the second zone wherein the first zone is located closer to the downstream end of the wellbore than the second zone.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Keith A. Rispler
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Patent number: 7690428Abstract: In cutting a downhole pipe in proximity to a closure in the pipe, the pipe is first perforated. A perforating torch is positioned with a pipe in proximity to the closure. The perforating torch produces cutting fluids in a first radial direction and produces an opening in the pipe, which cutting fluids produce a reaction force opposite to the first radial direction. This reaction force drives the perforating torch into contact with the pipe, anchoring it against any pressure wave produced by the cutting fluids and reflected off of the closure. Once the pipe is opened, a cutting torch is operated to sever the pipe. Any pressure wave generated by the cutting torch is vented through the opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Robertson Intellectual Properties, LLCInventor: Michael C. Robertson
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Patent number: 7690429Abstract: In an embodiment, a sealant composition comprising a swelling agent is displaced into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation to maintain isolation of the formation. The sealant composition may be displaced into a permeable zone through which fluid can undesirably migrate. In another embodiment, the sealant composition comprising the swelling agent is displaced into the wellbore to reduce a loss of a fluid to the formation during circulation of the fluid in the wellbore. The fluid may be, for example, a drilling fluid, a secondary sealant composition, a fracturing fluid, or combinations thereof. The sealant composition may be displaced into a flow pathway through which fluid can undesirably migrate into the formation. In both embodiments, the swelling agent contacts water such that it swells and thereby reduces fluid flow through the permeable zone/flow pathway. The swelling agent may comprise a crosslinked co-polymer.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Prentice G. Creel, B. Raghava Reddy, Edlon D. Dalrymple
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Patent number: 7690430Abstract: A tool for extracting well pipe casings resembles an enlarged pipe-thread tap. The tool is designed to be suspended under and driven by the traveling rotary table and hydraulic vertical drive system of a conventional drilling rig. By this means, well pipe casings are withdrawn from wells by engaging the tops of such well pipe casings, and unlike the prior art, which grapples well pipe casings at their very bottom, and at the end of a cable. Unlike withdrawing casing by a cable pull, wherein cables stretch and unstuck casings might launch like projectiles, the extractor tool manages to withdraw well pipe casing in a recoilless manner, which is more controlled, and safer.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Inventor: David G. Hunziker
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Patent number: 7690431Abstract: Methods comprising: providing a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore wherein the well bore comprises perforated casing that comprises a plurality of perforations, providing an acidic treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and an acid composition, placing the acidic treatment fluid in the well bore in a manner that allows the acidic treatment fluid to reduce debris present in the perforations, providing a consolidating agent, and placing the consolidating agent in a near well bore region.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Mauricio Gutierrez
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Patent number: 7690432Abstract: Methods and apparatus for utilizing a downhole deployment valve (DDV) to isolate a pressure in a portion of a bore are disclosed. The DDV system can include fail safe features such as selectively extendable attenuation members for decreasing a falling object's impact, a normally open back-up valve member for actuation upon failure of a primary valve member, or a locking member to lock a valve member closed and enable disposal of a shock attenuating material on the valve member. Actuation of the DDV system can be electrically operated and can be self contained to operate automatically downhole without requiring control lines to the surface. Additionally, the actuation of the DDV can be based on a pressure supplied to an annulus.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Joe Noske, David J. Brunnert, David Pavel, Ramkumar K. Bansal, David Haugen, Mike A. Luke
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Patent number: 7690433Abstract: A distributed function control module adapted for use in a modular blowout preventer (BOP) stack for use subsea comprises a housing, adapted to be manipulated by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) with a stab portion adapted to be received into a BOP stack control module receiver. Control electronics, adapted to control a predetermined function with respect to the BOP stack, are disposed within the housing and connected to one or more controllable devices by a wet mateable connector interface.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Oceeaneering International, Inc.Inventor: Graeme E. Reynolds
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Patent number: 7690434Abstract: There is disclosed an offshore vessel mooring and riser inboarding system (12) for a vessel (10) such as an FPSO or FSO. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first mooring element (16) adapted to be located in an offshore environment (18); a riser (20) adapted to be coupled to the first mooring element; a connector assembly (22) 11 adapted to be mounted on the vessel, the connector assembly comprising a second mooring element (28); and a transfer line (32) adapted to be coupled to the riser; wherein the first and second mooring elements are adapted to be connected to facilitate coupling of the riser and the transfer line; and wherein the connector assembly is adapted to permit relative rotation between the vessel and the first mooring element about three mutually perpendicular axes of rotation. This facilitates weathervaning of the vessel relative to the first mooring element, as well as pitch, roll, heave and surge, under applied wind, wave and/or tidal forces.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Stanwell Consulting LimitedInventors: John Stephen Baross, Robin Stuart Colquhoun
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Patent number: 7690435Abstract: An apparatus (100) and method for removably mounting a lubricator assembly (106) to a component of the wellhead stack. The component of the wellhead stack is an annular blowout preventer (BOP) (50). Tool and communication conduit lubrication and access to the wellbore without requiring activation of the packing element of the BOP (50).Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Specialty Rental Tools & Supply, L.P.Inventors: Bill D. Jones, Mark D. Robson
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Patent number: 7690436Abstract: A wellbore pressure isolation apparatus is deployed in a wellbore and has a sealing element that can be activated to seal against an interior surface of a surrounding tubular. Once set, a ball valve in the apparatus restricts upward fluid communication through the apparatus, and another ball valve in the apparatus can restrict downward fluid communication through the apparatus. These ball valve can have disintegratable balls intended to disintegrate in wellbore conditions after different periods of time. To facilitate deployment of the apparatus in a horizontal section of the well bore, the apparatus has a plurality of rollers positioned on a distal end. In addition, the apparatus has a ring disposed about the body between the distal body portion and an adjacent body portion. The ring has an outside diameter at least greater than that of the adjacent body portion to facilitate pumping of the apparatus in the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb Inc.Inventors: Rocky Turley, John McKeanchnie
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Patent number: 7690437Abstract: A method of constructing a well comprising a borehole drilled through underground formations, comprises: positioning at least one device on the outside of the tubular string (e.g. a drill string or casing string), the device being operable to move between first and second configurations; positioning a tubular string in the borehole with the device positioned in the annular space between the tubular string and the borehole wall in its first configuration so as to interact with the tubular string and the borehole while allowing borehole fluid to flow along the annular space and around the device; and operating the device so as to move it from its first configuration to expand into its second configuration in which it substantially fills at least part of the annular space so as to inhibit flow of fluids along the borehole in the space.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Dominique Guillot, Geoffrey Maitland, Iain Cooper
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Patent number: 7690438Abstract: Characterized in that in a first stage are loaded or produced on board in a mother aircraft at least a product or mixed of products to act on forest fires, pests or atmospheric phenomena; in a second stage the said product is stored in a glider container with gliding flight ability and equipped with a precision guidance system; in a third stage the glider container is dropped from the mother aircraft and guided towards the release point of the load; in a fourth stage the glider container releases of its interior the load of product on the release point, and in a fifth stage the glider container is recovered for a following reusing.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Inventor: Luís María Bordallo Álvarez
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Patent number: 7690439Abstract: An automatically actuating apparatus for engaging an implement to an ASAE S278.6 three-point hitch quick coupler utilizing a pivoting motion about an upper hitch point and an automatic latching mechanism to engage and retain lower hitch pins that simplifies connection of an implement. The mechanism also includes a mechanism for automatically engaging the PTO driveline between a tractor and a powered implement as the implement is engaged with the hitch.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Edward H. Priepke, Douglas S. Fitzkee
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Patent number: 7690440Abstract: An agricultural seeder or fertilizer having a meter device which dispenses seed or fertilizer to a plurality of ground-engaging members. The supply of metered seed or fertilizer to each of the ground-engaging members is controlled via input from a GPS/GNSS satellite navigation system to prevent the meter device delivering seed or fertilizer to selected of the ground-engaging members which would otherwise pass over soil which has been previously seeded or fertilized. Raising means, responsive to input from said GPS/GNSS satellite navigation system detecting that the device is travelling or is about to travel over areas of soil that has been previously seeded or fertilized, is further is provided to raise the selected ground-engaging members to which delivery of seed/fertilizer has been prevented in order to prevent soil which has been previously seeded or fertilized from being disturbed. A method of operating a seeder/fertilizer implement to achieve the aforesaid is further disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: One Pass Implements Inc.Inventors: Brian F. Dean, Patrick M. Beaujot, David R. Duke, Bruce W. Wilton, Barry K. Melanson, Justin C. Varjassy, Ward J. Hepting, Dave Hundeby
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Patent number: 7690441Abstract: Concave front face surfaces of a blade device having ratios and configurations continuing from an upper end to a lower end of the blade device, and having a central face coupling front faces and end front faces on the right and left thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Norihisa Matsumoto, Tatsuo Wada
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Patent number: 7690442Abstract: A rolling cone drill bit comprises a plurality of bottomhole cutter elements positioned in a first circumferential row, wherein at least one of the cutter elements comprises a cutting portion extending from a base portion to a point furthermost from the base portion, defining an extension height. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the cutter element at a point equal to ninety-four percent of the extension height to the cross-sectional area of the cutter element base is greater than 0.2. Moreover, the ratio of the extension height to the base diameter is not greater than 0.75.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: Gary Portwood, Peter Wilson, Luca Tedeschi, Bryce Baker, Daniel W. Brietzke
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Patent number: 7690443Abstract: The present application is directed to an apparatus for forming one or more holes in a wellbore casing, the apparatus comprising a deflector assembly and a drive assembly to drive said deflector assembly, wherein the deflector assembly may be optionally assembled at a surface of the wellbore prior to casing hole formation, and to methods employing the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Inventors: Charles Brunet, Michel Bouchard
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Patent number: 7690444Abstract: A method of completing a lateral channel in a coal seam using a flexible hose with a waterjet that may be directed down a well casing and into a guide shoe. The guide shoe defines a window configured to open into the coal seam and allow the waterjet to engage the coal seam in a substantially horizontal direction. High pressure fluid is then pumped into the waterjet to make a lateral channel therein, and the flexible hose is rigid enough to allow an operator to manually-move the flexible hose.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: ACT Operating CompanyInventors: Marshall Charles Watson, Donald W. Raymond
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Patent number: 7690445Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating for disposal oil contaminated substrates, such as drill cuttings from drilling with an oil-based mud, by steam distillation. If necessary, the contaminated substrate 10 can be pretreated with an emulsion breaker 14. The contaminated substrate 10 can be treated with steam 16 in a first mixing still 12. The substrate can be optionally treated with a second steam source 20 in a second mixing still 18. The steam provides heat to vaporize the oil, moisture to treat the substrate and water to the reaction mixture. Recoverable constituents in the vapor can be condensed in a vapor collection system 24. The treated substrate 22 is essentially free of oil and can have a controlled water content. The process exhibits low energy consumption, rapid treatment, compact equipment and a high degree of process control.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Racional Energy & Environment Co.Inventor: Ramon Perez-Cordova
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Patent number: 7690446Abstract: A roller cone drill bit is disclosed which includes a bit body adapted to be coupled to a drill string. A bearing journal depends from the bit body. A single roller cone is rotatably attached to the bearing journal. The roller cone has a plurality of inserts disposed at selected positions about the cone. The journal defines a rotation angle with respect to an axis of rotation of the bit such that the roller cone includes a wall contact zone and a bottom contact zone. At least one of the inserts disposed in the wall contact zone has an extension portion terminating in a substantially planar upper surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: George B. Witman, Peter Wilson, Scott D. McDonough, Michael A. Siracki
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Patent number: 7690447Abstract: A device for transporting a human subject over a surface. The device is a dynamically balancing vehicle having a control loop for providing balance. The device includes a platform defining a fore-aft plane. The platform supports a payload including the human subject. A ground contacting module is included which may include one or more wheels. A ground-contacting member is movably coupled to the platform. The platform and the ground-contacting module form an assembly having a center of gravity that is defined with respect to the ground-contacting member and which includes any loads on the device. The device further includes a support. The support may be a seat for supporting the subject and the support is coupled to the platform in such a manner as to permit variation of the position of the center of gravity in the fore-aft plane by translation and rotation of at least a portion of the support. In one embodiment, translation and rotation of the seat of the device are mechanically coupled together.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean L. Kamen, Robert R. Ambrogi, Robert J. Duggan, J. Douglas Field, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, William Lambrechts, Matt McCambridge, Christopher Perry, Mark E. Tellam
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Patent number: 7690448Abstract: A car includes a car body having a bottom portion, a wheel that is rotatable, and a supporting member for supporting the wheel, the supporting member being provided to the bottom portion. At least eight pairs of the wheel and the supporting member are provided. The supporting member has a first supporting portion for supporting the wheel rotatably, a second supporting portion for supporting the first supporting portion so that a direction of the wheel supported by the first supporting portion can be changed, and a turning portion that is rotatable about a rotation axis with its axial direction along a direction orthogonal to the bottom portion, the turning portion being provided to the bottom portion. The turning portion supports the second supporting portion so that a distance between the wheel and the bottom portion can be changed, and a position of the wheel can be moved by a rotation of the turning portion in a state that the distance is maintained.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignees: Chiba Institute of Technology, Leading Edge Design Corp.Inventors: Shunji Yamanaka, Takayuki Furuta, Masaharu Shimizu, Hideaki Yamato, Yu Okumura, Tetsuo Tawara, Masaki Shimomura, Ken Endo
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Patent number: 7690449Abstract: A drive axle assembly is provided with a reduced part count and improved alignment. The assembly includes a drive axle housing with input and output shafts and an inter-axle differential that is driven by the input shaft. The inter-axle differential is drivingly coupled to the output shaft and divides power between first and second axles. The output shaft is a unitary member and defines a yoke at one end disposed outside of the drive axle housing and restrained against axial movement within the drive axle housing. A bearing set is disposed between the output shaft and the drive axle housing and includes first and second bearing cones and a unitary bearing cup. The bearing cup includes threads that engage corresponding threads in the drive axle housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLCInventors: Steve Slesinski, Leo Wenstrup, Gary Turner
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Patent number: 7690450Abstract: A system for operating a hydraulically actuated device that is provided on a vehicle includes a power take-off unit that is adapted to be driven by a vehicle and a hydraulic pump that is driven by the power take-off unit. The system also includes an accumulator and a hydraulically actuated device. Lastly, the system includes a controller that causes the hydraulic pump to supply pressurized fluid to the hydraulically actuated device when the vehicle is moving. When the vehicle is not moving, however, the controller causes the accumulator to supply pressurized fluid to the hydraulically actuated device.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Parker-Hannifin CorporationInventors: Nathan Knestrick, Wallace Smith
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Patent number: 7690451Abstract: A heavy-duty vehicle accessory assembly includes a vehicle accessory having an input shaft; an electric accessory motor having an output shaft, the electric accessory motor configured to supply power to the vehicle accessory; and a mechanical coupling configured to couple the electric accessory motor with the vehicle accessory, the mechanical coupling including a first pulley affixed to the output shaft of the electric accessory motor, a second pulley affixed to the input shaft of the vehicle accessory, and one or more belts that mechanically couple the first pulley with the second pulley.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: ISE CorporationInventor: Sheng Chiao
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Patent number: 7690452Abstract: A method for fore-aft stabilization of a vehicle for motion in a specified direction over an underlying surface. The vehicle has at least one forward wheel and at least one aft wheel, and the forward wheel is characterized by a force normal to the instantaneous direction of motion of the vehicle. A motor actuator drives each aft wheel, and a controller governs the motor actuator or motor actuators in such a manner as to dynamically stabilize the vehicle, according to a uniform control law, when the forward wheel is in contact with the underlying surface or not. A torque is applied to the aft wheel on the basis of vehicle pitch or the force on the forward wheel normal to the direction of motion. Additionally, a periodic rotational modulation may be applied to the aft wheel, and a stabilizing torque provided based on a detected response, either of vehicle pitch or of normal force on the front wheel.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Robert R. Ambrogi, Catharine N. Flynn, John M. Kerwin
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Patent number: 7690453Abstract: An electric vehicle including a high-voltage power source at least including a first power source is provided. The electric vehicle further includes a low-voltage battery that is supplied with electric power from the high-voltage power source through a converter; an auxiliary vehicle controller for controlling a high-voltage contactor with electric power supplied from the high-voltage power source through the converter and/or with electric power supplied from the low-voltage; and an electric motor driving with electric power supplied from the high-voltage power source. The high-voltage contactor is connectedly provided between the high-voltage power source and the auxiliary vehicle controller, and the auxiliary vehicle controller controls the high-voltage contactor in such a manner that the electric power supply from the high-voltage power source is shut off if the electric power supply from the low-voltage battery to the auxiliary vehicle controller is cut off.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoki Kinoshita, Hidetoshi Imaizumi
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Patent number: 7690454Abstract: A hybrid drive, in particular, for a motor vehicle, includes: an internal combustion engine and a transmission disposed on the output side of the internal combustion engine, which transmission is drivable by the internal combustion engine; and an electric motor associated with the transmission having an electrically driven rotor through which the transmission is additionally drivable. The transmission includes an input shaft that is driven by the internal combustion engine and runs in the longitudinal direction of the transmission, an output shaft to drive a machine disposed on the output side of the transmission, or drive wheels in the case of a vehicle, and a plurality of manually or automatically shiftable gear stages to set the various gear ratios between the input shaft and the output shaft. The electric motor at its longitudinal axis and/or rotational axis of its rotor is attached to the output shaft in parallel or essentially parallel fashion laterally externally to the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Voith Patent GmbHInventor: Peter Rose
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Patent number: 7690455Abstract: A hybrid driving unit (7) is mounted to a vehicle by coupling a coupling section (14d) at the front end of a casing member (14) with an internal combustion engine (5) and by mounting a mounting section (14c) at the rear end of the casing member (14) to a part (4a) of a body (4). Still more, a second electric motor (23), i.e., a heavy device, is disposed in the rearmost part among a first electric motor (20), a power splitting planetary gear (21), the second electric motor (23) and a transmission disposed on an axis (13) in the casing member (14). Thereby, the vibration occurring in the casing member (14) is suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seigo Kano, Kenji Omote, Satoru Wakuta, Tomochika Inagaki, Masatoshi Adachi, Masahiro Kojima
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Patent number: 7690456Abstract: A switch/power conditioning module may be added to a hybrid vehicle to selectively supply power from an AC power bus to a load, providing on-vehicle standby power generating capability with a minimum of added hardware and/or when the vehicle is stationary.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.Inventors: Duo Deng, Kent M. Harmon, John D. Franklin
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Patent number: 7690457Abstract: A hybrid vehicle control apparatus includes an engine, a motor, first and second engaging elements, an input rotational speed and a controller. The first engaging element is arranged between the engine and the motor to selectively connect and disconnect the engine and the motor. The second engaging element is arranged between the motor and a drive wheel to selectively connect and disconnect the motor and the drive wheel. The input rotational speed detecting section is configured to detect an input rotational speed of the second engaging element corresponding to a rotational speed of the motor. The controller is configured to determine whether the second engaging element is seized based on the input rotational speed when a disengagement command or a slip engagement command has been issued to the second engaging element and a drive force of at least one of the engine and the motor has been changed.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jun Nakanowatari
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Patent number: 7690458Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle-mounted fuel cell power generation system in accordance with the invention predicts a possibility of collision of a vehicle. If determining that the possibility of collision is high (YES at S12), the control apparatus stops the fuel cell power generation system. By stopping the power generation before a collision occurs, the safety of the fuel cell power generation system can be improved. If after the system stops, a collision does not occur (NO at S16), the system is restarted. If a collision occurs (YES at S16), high-voltage relays are switched off to stop the supply of electric power from an electricity storage to various loads of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Akihiro Ueda
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Patent number: 7690459Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle and powertrain include an engine operable to output torque in only one direction, and further includes a power transfer arrangement configured to provide output torque in two rotational directions. In one embodiment, the power transfer arrangement includes three gears and a single clutch, the configuration of which provides a simple mechanism for driving the vehicle in reverse using torque produced by the engine.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Steven Schondorf, Brandon Masterson
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Patent number: 7690460Abstract: An upper surface part of an engine guard forming an engine room is formed by a bonnet for opening and closing a maintenance port and a fixed hood. On the lower surface side of the bonnet is disposed a movable duct in a state that when the bonnet is opened the movable duct is moved integrally with the bonnet so as to open the maintenance port. On the lower surface side of the fixed hood, is disposed a fixed duct in a state that when the bonnet is closed one end of the fixed duct is connected to one end of the movable duct in the air flow direction. An exhaust duct is formed by both the movable duct and the fixed duct.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shintaro Sakitani, Koji Yonezawa
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Patent number: 7690461Abstract: An all terrain vehicle is constructed to prevent rainwater or the like from entering an inner portion of an air cleaner without complicating the structure of the vehicle or making the assembly work difficult, while improving the external appearance of the vehicle. An air cleaner is provided below a seat, and the air cleaner is positioned between left and right rail main bodies when viewed from above. Left, right, bottom and rear surfaces of the air cleaner are covered with an undercover, which is separate from the air cleaner.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takashi Isoda
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Patent number: 7690462Abstract: An off-road vehicle includes a frame and a plurality of wheels. An engine powers the wheels. An air intake system supplies air to the engine. The air intake system has an air inlet through which ambient air enters the intake system. The air inlet is positioned higher than the wheels. An air intake duct extends rearward to the engine from the air inlet. At least a portion of the air intake duct is positioned lower than the tops of the wheels.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignees: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha, Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of AmericaInventors: Eiji Kato, Kazuhiko Izumi, Akira Inui, Norihiko Tanaka, Colby Nash