Patents Issued in April 20, 2010
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Patent number: 7699065Abstract: A concrete wash-out bin includes a primary receptacle having a rim positioned at an elevation that exceeds the elevation of a discharge port of certain items of concrete-handling equipment. An auxiliary receptacle is positioned in leading relation to the primary receptacle and is hingedly mounted to the primary receptacle. The auxiliary receptacle has a position of repose where it is horizontally disposed at an elevation lower than the discharge port of the concrete-handling equipment and a discharge position where it is disposed in elevated and angled relation to the position of repose. The discharge position is effective to discharge the contents of the auxiliary receptacle into the primary receptacle. The auxiliary receptacle is repeatedly lifted and lowered as needed until the concrete-handling equipment is free of residual concrete or until the primary bin is full.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Ecocrete, Inc.Inventors: Roy F. Fitzgerald, Charles B. Kleinmetz
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Patent number: 7699066Abstract: Device for cleaning of surfaces under water, such as ship hulls, includes a rotary disc furnished with nozzles for discharge of pressurized liquid against the surface to be cleaned. The nozzles are mounted obliquely in relation to the rotational axis of the rotary disc and are arranged to be supplied with pressurized liquid through a hollow spindle that is concentric with the rotational axis. The nozzles have an inclination that have an orientation involving that the velocity component (Vp) of the liquid jet from each nozzle that is not perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned, has a tangential velocity component (Vt) that has the same direction as the direction of rotation (R) of the rotary disc and optionally a radial velocity component that is positive, i.e. that is directed outwards in relation to the center of the disc.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2004Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Cleanhull Norway ASInventors: Robert Andersen, Thor Olay E. Sperre
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Patent number: 7699067Abstract: An exemplary clamping apparatus (10) for optical members (50) includes a base (11) and a positioning frame (13). The base has a plurality of receiving grooves (122) defined therein. Each receiving groove is configured for receiving one optical member therein. The positioning frame is mounted on the base. The positioning frame has a cavity (132) defined therein for receiving the optical members.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hsin-Ho Lee
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Patent number: 7699068Abstract: An improved tent covers a hammock suspended from a pair of upright members by suspending means at each end of the hammock. The tent is formed from top and bottom portions that interact to provide a tent opening that prevents the entry of atmospheric precipitation when the tent opening is open. The tent also provides improved visibility from inside the tent, by enabling a horizontal field of view.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Inventor: David Helsdon
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Patent number: 7699069Abstract: A valve apparatus has a valve (1), an actuator (2) and a leakage sensor (3). A body (4) of the valve has first and second valve chambers (6, 8) connected to respective valve ports (10 & 12, 14 & 16) and joined by an intermediate passage (18). The valve can be set by the actuator to any one of three valve configurations. In an ‘open’ configuration the intermediate passage is open to interconnect the first and second chambers. In a ‘closed’ configuration, the intermediate passage is closed by first and second seals (24, 26) seated at respective locations in the passage to seal respectively between the first and second chambers and a leakage chamber (28) at the portion of the intermediate passage between the two seals. In a ‘cleaning’ configuration one of the seals is unseated to connect a respective one of the first and second chambers to the leakage chamber, while the other seal remains seated.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2005Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Tyco Flow Control Keystone Hygenic Valve DivisionInventor: Shane Michael Mason
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Patent number: 7699070Abstract: Shutoff valve apparatus comprising: a valve block having a valve chest on which gas collects temporarily, an inlet flow path which makes gas flow into a valve chest, an outlet flow path into which gas is made to flow out of a valve chest, a valve seat located in the inlet port of an inlet flow path, or the outlet port, a diaphragm valve element located in the opposed position of the valve seat and closes the valve port by contacting with the valve seat, pressing means for pressing diaphragm valve element, an actuator plate disposed at the opposite side of the valve chest so that the diaphragm valve element may be opposed, an operation chamber divided with the actuator plate, and an operation gas supply exhaust mechanism in which operation gas is made to supply or exhaust into the operation chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.Inventors: Shigehiro Suzuki, Ryu Sasaki
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Patent number: 7699071Abstract: A method of controlling one or more operating pressures within a subterranean borehole that includes a choke assembly is disclosed. The choke assembly may include a housing having an inlet passage, an axial bore, and a chamber, wherein a portion of the axial bore forms an outlet passage, and a choke member adapted for movement in the housing to control the flow of a fluid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage. The method may include applying a closing force to move the choke member toward a closed position, and applying a bias force to the choke member when in the closed position to reduce an overpressure required to initiate movement of the choke member from the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: M-I L.L.C.Inventors: Alan Wayne Burkhard, Nicolas Christopher Wade Thiessen
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Patent number: 7699072Abstract: A device for regulating the delivery pressure of gases includes a valve unit having at least one valve seat and a respective closure element displaceable along an axis with respect to the valve seat which is controlled by a diaphragm. The device further includes a first spring which acts on the diaphragm in order to subject it to a preselected resilient load. A second spring is selectively activated to exert an additional resilient load on the diaphragm. The device includes a handle associated with the first and second springs in order to impose selectively the desired delivery pressure value, between a minimum value and a maximum value of pre-calibration, the pressure value being proportionally correlated with a predetermined resilient load exerted on the diaphragm.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2005Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: SIT La Precisa S.p.A.Inventor: Michele Benvenuto
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Patent number: 7699073Abstract: A soft start device for compressed air systems comprises a primary inlet at which compressed air at a primary pressure may be supplied, the primary inlet being connected with a secondary outlet able to be coupled with a load, by a valve circuit, at which compressed air is taken at the secondary pressure lower than or equal to the primary pressure, a principal valve placed between the primary and secondary outlet, said principal valve being able to be shunted by a bypass, a choke device being placed in the bypass, the principal valve and the choke device together with further valves of the valve circuit being connected together in a circuit and the valve circuit placed in a standard venting switching setting that the secondary outlet is vented.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2005Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Festo AG & Co. KGInventors: Andreas Decker, Karl Messerschmidt, Günter Gebauer
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Patent number: 7699074Abstract: A double block and bleed valve assembly having a valve body with a bore. The bore has an opened and closed position by two valve arrangements to control fluid flow along a pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2004Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Xamol Ltd.Inventor: Stuart Andrew Lomax
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Patent number: 7699075Abstract: A choke valve for use in reverse flow when mounted on a wellhead or manifold. The choke valve includes a valve body forming a T-shaped bore to provide a vertically extending bottom opening and a horizontally extending side opening. Flow trim is positioned in the T-shaped bore, optionally in a tubular sleeve or removable cartridge. The flow trim includes a tubular cage having a side wall forming an internal bore aligned with the body bottom opening, and a single flow port or a plurality of flow ports, each of the single flow port or plurality of flow ports being positioned for alignment with the body side opening. In reverse flow mode in the valve body, fluid from the bottom opening enters the cage and exits through the single flow port or plurality of flow ports directly into the body side opening.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Master Flo Valve Inc.Inventor: Larry J. Bohaychuk
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Patent number: 7699076Abstract: A valve assembly for plumbing installations. The valve assembly has a unitary valve body with three interconnected ports and a fluid control mechanism. Connector portions are formed about each port of the unitary valve body to thereby enable connection of the valve assembly into a fluid supply line and for connecting an appliance and various devices and fluid lines to the valve assembly. The fluid control mechanism of the valve assembly is constructed to direct fluid through the valve body and to enable the fluid flow to be shut off.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Oatey, Co.Inventor: Michael W. Minnick
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Patent number: 7699077Abstract: A transport system for dry nanoparticles (18b). According to the invention, the nanoparticles (18b) are magnetized or electrically charged for transportation, a magnetic or electrical field is produced by a field generator (20a, 20) in the transport channel, and the nanoparticles (18b) migrate through the transport channel (12). The nanoparticles can be discharged through a discharge opening (13) which enables dosing to take place. In order to agglomerate the nanoparticles (18b) or to prevent attachment onto the inner wall (26), a coating (27) of the wall can be offset in oscillations by piezo electric actuators (28), the oscillations being transferred to the nanoparticles (18b). The dry nanoparticles can be handled in an advantageous manner due to the transport system, such that the dry nanoparticles need not be treated as a suspension.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2005Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jens Dahl Jensen, Ursus Kruger, Volkmar Luthen, Heike Schiewe
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Patent number: 7699078Abstract: A method for manufacturing an insulated duct segment includes the step of forming an inner duct that has an inner duct cross-sectional area and an inner duct length. An outer duct with an outer duct cross-sectional area and an outer duct length is also formed. The method further includes the step of placing the inner duct inside the outer duct such that an annular space is formed between the inner duct and the outer duct. Finally, fluidized insulating material is injected into the annular space.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Inventor: Jackie Husmann, Jr.
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Patent number: 7699079Abstract: A flexible bulk container capable of transporting a first material and introducing a second material for mixing therewithin is disclosed wherein 1) said container can comprise a component of a bulk transport system further comprising a container assembly, and 2) said container includes a body defining a cavity, at least one opening, at least one vent, and a material delivery system assembly wherein a) the body is flexible and capable of positioning within the container assembly, b) the opening provides communication with the cavity, and c) the material delivery system assembly comprises at least one manifold, a portion of which is positioned within the cavity of the flexible bulk container, and said manifold includes a shell, an interior region, an inlet accessible from outside of the cavity of the flexible bulk container and at least one passageway extending from the internal region, through the shell, to, in turn, place the interior of the manifold in communication with the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2008Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventors: Kirk Matthew Schall, James David Allison, Mark Alan Jones, Malcolm Lindsay Felmingham
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Patent number: 7699080Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a medium to containers may include a distribution chamber which is arranged with respect to a rotation axis and which has a plurality of openings through which the medium can be guided out of the distribution chamber. A sleeve may be arranged on the distribution chamber, wherein the sleeve extends in the direction of the rotation axis of the distribution chamber. According to the invention, the apparatus has a supply tube for supplying the medium to the distribution chamber. Furthermore, the supply tube extends at least partially in the direction of the rotation axis of the distribution chamber, and the sleeve is designed such that it can rotate with respect to the supply tube. A gap through which the medium can pass is formed between the sleeve and the supply tube and extends in a circumferential direction around the rotation axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2008Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Berthold Burgmeier, Manfred Schmid
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Patent number: 7699081Abstract: An accumulator arm for a felling head has inner and outer arms which are hydraulically driven open and closed. The inner and outer sides of the outer arm are curved away from an accumulation pocket and toward a harvesting arm, wherein the accumulator arm can be pulled around a newly cut tree to add the tree to the accumulation pocket with a lesser amount of hydraulic force and with lesser damage to the trees.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Timberjack, Inc.Inventor: Leslie Mauchlen
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Patent number: 7699082Abstract: An electric multi-pencil sharpener includes an entering pencil vase, a sending mechanism, a hustling mechanism, a sharpening mechanism, and an exit pencil vase. The entering pencil vase includes a pushing mechanism for pushing pencils. The hustling mechanism is for clamping pencils to take the pencils into or out of the sharpening mechanism. The sharpening mechanism is for sharpening the pencils. The exit pencil vase has an exit mechanism. The sending mechanism connects the pushing mechanism, the hustling mechanism, and the exit mechanism, to move the pencils from the pushing mechanism to the hustling mechanism and move the pencils sharpened by the sharpening mechanism to the exit mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Yurisheng Electronic (Shenzhen) Co., LtdInventor: Yuhua Andy Peng
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Patent number: 7699083Abstract: A golf club head cover is provided with an essentially flexible, non-rigid material construction forming a cavity therein. An elongate opening is provided to the cavity, wherein the opening has a non-linear configuration when the opening is in either the open position, closed position, or both. A seam extends adjacent both edges of the opening forming piping edges next to the opening. A flexible magnetic strip is positioned within the entire length of each of the piping edges adjacent the opening. The flexible magnetic strips are a continuous flat or cylindrical strip that curve around the non-linear configuration of the opening. The strips having magnetic properties along the entire length of the strips.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Inventor: Hoseong Kim
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Patent number: 7699084Abstract: A system for fabricating a corrugated board sheet fabricated includes warp status information obtaining means (6, 6A-6H, 7, 7A, 7B, 8, 8A-8H, 240a, 240b, 241a, 241b) for obtaining warp status information concerning status of the warp of the corrugated board sheet fabricated by a corrugated-board fabrication machine (1); running-state information obtaining means (5, 5A-5H) for obtaining running state information concerning a running state of the corrugated-board fabrication machine (1); control variable calculating means (4, 4A-4H) for calculating a control variable of a particular control factor that affects the warp of the corrugated board sheet and that is one among control factors used to control the corrugated-board fabrication machine (1) based on the warp status information of the corrugated board sheet and the running state information of the corrugated-board fabrication machine (1); and control means (5, 5A-5H) for controlling the particular control factor using the control variable calculated by theType: GrantFiled: May 22, 2008Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Ishibuchi, Junichi Kawase, Yukuharu Seki
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Patent number: 7699085Abstract: There is provided a laminating apparatus laminating an object to be laminated in a laminating part which has a diaphragm on an upper side and a heater panel on a lower side, by melting a filler in the object to be laminated and pressing the object to be laminated sandwiched between the diaphragm and the heater panel, the apparatus including: a sheet conveying the object to be laminated placed thereon to/out of the laminating part; and a lift mechanism lifting up/down a support part capable of supporting the sheet from the lower side.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: NPC IncorporatedInventor: Yoshiro Chikaki
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Patent number: 7699086Abstract: An apparatus for arranging a spacer includes a substrate, a roller, and an adhesion unit. The substrate includes a recessed portion. A spacer, which maintains a cell gap of a display panel and has an adhesive member formed thereon, is received in the recessed portion. The roller corresponds to the spacer. The roller makes contact with an exposed portion of the adhesive member. The adhesion unit provides for an adhesive strength between the exposed portion of the adhesive member and the roller that exceeds an adhesive strength between the received portion of the adhesive member and the recessed portion of the substrate so that the spacer may be printed on the roller. Therefore, a cell gap uniformity of a display device may be improved.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Duck-Jong Suh, Yong-Kuk Yun, Baek-Kyun Jeon
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Patent number: 7699087Abstract: Method for mounting a pneumatic tire on a well base rim of a motor vehicle wheel, in which the pneumatic tire is grasped by means of a manipulator, brought up to a rim held in a clamping device and slipped with at least the one tire bead facing the rim over a rim flange by controlled movement of the manipulator.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Schenck RoTec GmbHInventors: Martin Rogalla, Matthias Lemser, Andreas Peinelt, Georg Lipponer
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Patent number: 7699088Abstract: The invention relates to a set of doors for closing off a bay (6) in a wall (4), comprising a first flexible door (1) and a second door (2) having at least a rigid bottom edge (17), it being possible to impart an upward movement and a downward movement to each of these doors (1, 2) respectively into an open position and a closed position, the second door (2) being disposed so as to create a slit (31) between the wall (4) and the rigid bottom edge (17) of this second door (2) as it is moved upwards into the open position. The flexible door (1) is disposed at least partially between said second door (2) and said wall (4) and can be displaced through said slit (31) between its closed position and its open position when the second door (2) is in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2003Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Dynaco International S.A.Inventor: Benoit Coenraets
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Patent number: 7699089Abstract: Two or more panels of a power-operated folding door are supported by a novel articulated arm assembly that ensures that the door closes tightly against a wall-mounted seal and easily opens. The articulated arm assembly includes a connector with two spaced-apart pivot points about which two adjoining arms of the assembly can rotate as the door opens and closes. The two pivot points allow the panels to readily fold up and store more compactly when the door is open. To provide an airtight seal where two leading panels come together at the center of the doorway, one or more control mechanisms coupled to the articulated arm assembly ensure that the leading panels overlap when the door is closed.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Perry Knutson, Mike Lamey, Mark Ungs, Rodney Kern, Bill Hoerner
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Patent number: 7699090Abstract: A disengageable master carrier assembly for a motor driven drapery is provided, having a master carrier block section and a locking block section. The locking block section has entrance ramps and a detent pocket sized to receive an engagement member mounted to the master carrier block section. The master carrier block assembly has a support arm for supporting a leading edge of drapery fabric, the support arm being supported by a first resilient member. The engagement member is sized for fitting into the detent pocket of the locking block member and is resiliently urged by a second resilient member disposed between a movable portion of the support arm and the engagement member such that the engagement member will be displaced into its engaged position in the detent pocket when the engagement member is aligned with the detent pocket and will be moved to its disengaged position when the support arm is moved to its disengaged position.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Inventor: Gerrit Jan Vrielink
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Patent number: 7699091Abstract: An improved staple-in fabric awning system is provided. The awing has a frame made of ribs with outwardly exposed longitudinally extending staple slots. A fabric canopy covers the frame and is tucked into and secured within the staple slots. A vinyl strip is configured to snap into the staple slots of the awning atop the canopy to span and hide the tucked in portions and cover the staples therein. The vinyl strip is covered at least on its exposed top portion with fabric that may visually blend into the fabric of the canopy or that may visually contrast with the fabric of the canopy. The system includes snap-in and snap-on plastic perimeter flanges and out rod flanges that are mounted on the perimeter ribs and out rods that form a grid on the underside of the awning. The plastic flanges form inwardly projecting lips around the openings of the underside grids that support egg crate ceiling panels to form an aesthetically pleasing underside ceiling of the awning.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2008Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Steel Stitch CorporationInventors: Larry Fisher, Sr., Larry Fisher, Jr., West Fisher
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Patent number: 7699092Abstract: Disclosed is: (i) a metal injection-molding system, (ii) a metal injection-molding system including a combining chamber, (iii) a metal injection-molding system including a first injection mechanism and a second injection mechanism, (iv) a metal injection-molding system including a first injection mechanism being co-operable with a second injection mechanism, (v) a mold of a metal injection-molding system, and (vi) a method of a metal injection-molding system.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.Inventor: Frank Czerwinski
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Patent number: 7699093Abstract: A tube support device for a tube bundle having a plurality of elongated tubes with a U-shaped bend portion is disclosed. The tube support device includes an elongated longitudinally extending strip having a pair of opposing faces. A plurality of tube engaging members extend from the pair of opposing faces. The tube support device includes an engagement assembly formed on one end of the tube support device. The engagement assembly is adapted to engage the anchor assembly positioned within the tube bundle, whereby the tube support device can be rotated into the desired orientation between the tubes to prevent vibration damage.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Amar S. Wanni, Thomas M. Rudy
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Patent number: 7699094Abstract: A vapor chamber heat sink attached to a heat-generating electronic component includes a base (10) defining an opening therein. A plurality of fins (20) is mounted on the base. A heat pipe (30) thermally connects the electronic component and the fins. The heat pipe comprises a plate-type lower portion (32) contacting a bottom surface of the base and a bottom surface (22) of the fins and overlaying a top surface of the electronic component, a plate-type upper portion (34) parallel to the lower portion contacting a top surface (24) of the fins, and a connecting portion (36) interconnecting opposite two ends of the lower and upper portions. The heat pipe is configured in such a manner so as to enhance contact area and thermal conductivity between the heat pipe and the electronic component and between the heat pipe and the fins.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Xue-Wen Peng, Bing Chen, Jun-Hai Li
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Patent number: 7699095Abstract: A core unit for a heat exchanger comprises a pair of headers spaced from one another each defining a fluid space for receiving a fluid therein and each defining a plurality of apertures. A first region comprising a plurality of first tubes extends between the headers and a first fin is disposed between adjacent pairs of the first tubes. A second region comprising a plurality of second tubes extends between the headers and a second fin is disposed between adjacent pairs of the second tubes. A crushable center different than the first and second regions is disposed parallelly between the first and second regions for controllably crushing when the headers are bent.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Henry Earl Beamer, Steve C. Brick, Christopher Alfred Fuller, Robert Michael Runk
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Patent number: 7699096Abstract: The first cold air flow door 26 and the first hot air flow door 24 for adjusting the blowout air temperature are arranged in the first air passage, and the second cold air flow door 27 and the second hot air flow door 25 for adjusting the blowout air temperature are arranged in the second air passage. When a larger target air flow volume between the target air flow volume on the first air passage side and the target air flow volume on the second air passage side is selected so as to determine an air flow volume of the blower, in an air passage to which the smaller target air flow volume is applied, while the ratio of the cold air flow volume to the hot air flow volume is being maintained constant, the passage opening area is throttled by the cold air flow door and the hot air flow door.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2005Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Shinji Naruse, Yoshihiko Okumura
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Mover stabilizing and stator cooling arrangement of a 3-phase linear motor of a submersible oil pump
Patent number: 7699097Abstract: A mover stabilizing and stator cooling arrangement includes an upper sleeve surrounding the mover of the linear motor, a lower sleeve, a thermoconducting sleeve surrounding the stator and axially connected between the upper sleeve and the lower sleeve. The arrangement further includes a thermal grease filled in the space defined between the upper sleeve and the mover, the space defined between the thermoconducting sleeve and the stator, and the space defined between the lower sleeve and the outer tube for quick dissipation of waste heat. A stabilizer ring is set between the upper sleeve and the mover to stabilize axial movement of the mover. A piston and multiple one-way valve sets are mounted in the space between the lower sleeve and the outer tube for allowing adjustment of the volume in the thermoconducting sleeve responsive to expansion/contraction of the thermal grease due to temperature changes.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2008Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Digitek Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kuei-Hsien Shen, Chinn-Chann Chiang -
Patent number: 7699098Abstract: Drilling apparatus for receiving, moving and aligning pipe sections as they are added to a string of pipe on a drilling rig when using an iron roughneck. After the iron roughneck is moved to well centerline and engaged with the box connection of the pipe suspended in the well bore, a hydraulically controlled pipe engagement mechanism is extended radially away from the iron roughneck and in the general direction of the pipe rack. The pipe engaging mechanism receives the lower end of the next stand of pipe to be added and is hydraulically retracted to lock around the pipe stand and bring the pipe stand into alignment with the pipe string suspended in the well bore.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Blohm & Voss Oil Tools, LLCInventor: William R. Hamilton
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Patent number: 7699099Abstract: A Christmas tree is used between production tubing elevation and flow line elevation. The tree has a lower portion, an intermediate portion, and an upper portion. The intermediate portion is positioned between the production tubing elevation and the flow line elevation and has an axial dimension configured to substantially maintain the axial dimension between the elevations. The intermediate portion has first and second shut-off valves for closing fluid communication of the axial bore. A hanger is positioned in the axial bore of the intermediate portion between the first and second shut-off valves. The hanger defines a bore and a port. The port communicates a side of the hanger with the lower end of the hanger. The coil tubing attaches to the port at the lower end of the hanger, and the port at the side of the hanger communicates with the feed line of the intermediate portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: B.J. Services Company, U.S.A.Inventors: Jeff Bolding, Thomas G. Hill, Jr.
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Patent number: 7699100Abstract: In one embodiment a method and apparatus for an improved loading sub method and apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment the method and apparatus can be used to pump various pump down means into the well bore from the rig.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.Inventors: Terry P. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet
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Patent number: 7699101Abstract: A well system having a galvanic time release plug. A well system includes a flow passage and a flow blocking device which selectively obstructs flow through the passage, the device including an electrode in a galvanic cell. A flow blocking device for use in conjunction with a subterranean well includes a portion which delays an electrochemical reaction in a galvanic cell. A method of controlling fluid flow in a well system includes the steps of: obstructing flow through a passage using a flow blocking device which includes an electrode of a galvanic cell; and increasing flow through the passage by operation of the galvanic cell.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Haoyue Zhang, Luke W. Holderman, Deborah Fripp, Ashok K. Santra, Anindya Ghosh
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Patent number: 7699102Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a tool for a downhole operation. The tool includes an electrical component. The tool includes a rechargeable energy storage device to supply power to the electrical component. The tool also includes a generator to supply power to the electrical component.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2005Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Bruce H Storm, Roger L. Schultz, Michael L. Fripp
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Patent number: 7699103Abstract: A fiber optical sensing cable is inserted into an underwater well by: connecting a housing (12A) comprising a coiled or spooled U-shaped fiber optical sensing cable (21) to the wellhead (2) of the well (1) such that an opening (14) in the wall of the housing (12A) is connected to a guide tube (15) extending into the underwater well (1); —inserting the U-shaped nose section (21A) of the fiber optical sensing cable (21) via the opening (14) into the guide tube (15), thereby uncoiling at least part of a pair of substantially parallel sections of the fiber optical sensing cable of which the lower ends are interconnected by the U-shaped nose section; and connecting the upper ends (21B) of the substantially parallel sections of the fiber optical sensing cable to an optical signal transmission and/or receiving unit via e.g. a pair of wet mateable connectors that are connected to a pair of underwater fiber optical transmission cables (14).Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2005Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Johannis Josephus Den Boer, Kari-Mikko Jääskeläinen
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Patent number: 7699104Abstract: A process for producing steam for extracting heavy bitumen includes the steps of mixing carbon or hydrocarbon fuel, the fuel being crude oil, vacuum residue, Asphaltin, or coke with an oxidation gas, the gas being oxygen, oxygen enriched air or air-combusting the mixture under high pressure and high temperature and mixing low quality contaminated water containing organics and inorganic with the combusted mixture so as to control combustion temperature and to generate steam. The liquid phase is transferred to a gas phase so as to contain steam and carbon dioxide. The solids are separated from the gas phase. The super heated dry steam and gas mixture is ejected into an underground reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Inventor: Maoz Betzer Tsilevich
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Patent number: 7699105Abstract: Methods, systems, and tools for provide for delivering a particulate-laden slurry to a subterranean portion of a well for operations including gravel packing and/or frac packing.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2008Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Samuel Martinez
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Patent number: 7699106Abstract: A low viscosity fluid for reducing fluid loss in a relatively low permeability formation has a viscosity of less that 10 CP and contains a low molecular weight viscosifying agent The aqueous medium may be fresh water, salt water, brine or slickwater. The invention has particular applicability when an ultra lightweight (ULW) proppant or sand control particulate is employed. The fluid may be used in reservoirs having a relative permeability less than 10 mD.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: BJ Services CompanyInventors: Harold Dean Brannon, D. V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Roger R. Myers, Brian Benedict Beall
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Patent number: 7699107Abstract: A device useful for conducting lateral or transverse excavating operations within a wellbore comprising a rotating drill bit with jet nozzles on a flexible arm. The arm can retract within the housing of the device during deployment within the wellbore, and can be extended from within the housing in order to conduct excavation operations. A fluid pressure source for providing ultra high pressure to the jet nozzles can be included with the device within the wellbore. The device includes a launch mechanism that supports the arm during the extended position and a positioning gear to aid during the extension and retraction phases of operation of the device.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Tom Butler, Daniel Alberts, Jeff Honekamp, Martin Craighead
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Patent number: 7699108Abstract: Piston bore distortions in a sub-surface safety valve are reduced or eliminated when valve body is subjected to high working pressures. In one embodiment, a piston is disposed in a sleeve that is disposed in a piston bore. The bore can distort but the sleeve within will not distort to the point of losing sealing pressure around the piston. In another approach additional bore or bores are provided adjacent the piston bore to make the pin end of the connection for the valve housing more uniform in the region of the piston bore so that pressure loading does not result in sufficient distortion of the piston bore to lose the piston sealing relation in its bore.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Darren E. Bane, David Z. Anderson, Alan N. Wagner, Clifford H. Beall, Gary B. Lake
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Patent number: 7699109Abstract: A riser assembly includes a rotating control housing connected between an upper portion and a lower portion of a riser assembly, and a packing element rotatable with respect to the rotating control housing, wherein the packing element is configured to isolate an annulus of the lower portion from the upper portion when a drillstring is engaged through the packing element, and wherein the packing element is configured to be retrieved and replaced through the upper portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Smith InternationalInventors: James May, Jaye Shelton
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Patent number: 7699110Abstract: A flow diverter tool assembly is employed for flushing debris from a portion of the bore of a subsea production tree. The flow diverter tool assembly has a housing having a passageway there-through and a seal disposed on an exterior surface of the housing. The seal contacts the inner wall surface of the bore of the production tree, dividing a lower portion of the bore below the seal from an upper portion of the bore above the seal. One or more outlets from the passageway through the exterior surface are disposed along the housing below the seal. A bypass device such as a slip-joint is disposed above the seal to facilitate removal of the flow diverter tool assembly from the bore of the production tree after its use.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Neil Anderson, David Duncan, Roy E. Swanson, John Pickett
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Patent number: 7699111Abstract: A float collar 10 includes a housing 12 and a generally sleeve-shaped elastomer 20. The lower plate 30 and an upper plate 32 are each supported on an elongate rod 22, and at least one of the plates is axially fixed relative to the tubular housing. The plate intended for exposure to fluid pressure includes a plurality of arcuate flow ports 34 for communication with the annulus between the tubular housing and the elastomer prior to swelling of the elastomer.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2008Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: TAM International, Inc.Inventors: Robert T. Brooks, Frank V. De Lucia
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Patent number: 7699112Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus and methods of forming a lateral wellbore wherein the monobore characteristic is maintained. In one embodiment, a method of completing a lateral wellbore comprises inserting a first tubular into a main wellbore; forming one or more oversized portions on the first tubular; and intersecting the lateral wellbore with the main wellbore. The method further includes inserting a second tubular into the lateral wellbore, wherein a portion of the second tubular is positioned adjacent the one or more oversized portions and expanding the portion of the second tubular adjacent the one or more oversized portions.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Gregory Guy Galloway
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Patent number: 7699113Abstract: An apparatus for running a liner into a wellbore may include an inner string, a device coupled to the inner string that is operable to engage the interior of the liner and facilitates running of the liner into the wellbore, and a control mechanism operable to control fluid communication between the interior of the liner and the wellbore. A method of running a liner into a wellbore may include the steps of positioning an inner string into the liner, wherein the inner string includes a device operable to engage the interior of the liner, engaging the interior of the liner, and supplying a fluid pressure to move the liner relative to the inner string to advance the liner into the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2008Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Lev Ring
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Patent number: 7699114Abstract: An oil and gas well assembly is provided that includes a wireline cable having at least one optical fiber; a downhole tool having at least one optical fiber; and a cablehead having a first end connected to the wireline cable, a second end connected to the downhole tool. The cablehead further includes at least one optical fiber which transmits data between the at least one downhole tool optical fiber and the at least one wireline cable optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Kalim Ullah, Montie W. Morrison, Daniel Hogan