Patents Issued in May 4, 2010
  • Patent number: 7708062
    Abstract: A retrievable packer assembly for use in operations into wellbores is provided. The packer assembly comprises a continuous mandrel with a valve body including seal cups to seal against an inner surface of a casing, and a gap defined between the valve body and the mandrel to permit or prevent circulation of fluid between the interior of the mandrel and a section of the casing above the seal cups in response to the movement of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Gustavo Ignacio Carro
  • Patent number: 7708063
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for centralizing a downhole component. The method includes, delivering a tubular member with a plurality of lines of weakness therein to a site requiring a centralizer, and actuating the tubular member by causing a portion of the tubular member to deform radially from an unactuated position. The actuated portion contacting a downhole tubular structure, while maintaining at least two separate fluid passages. A first fluid passage between the portion of the tubular member and an outside surface of the tubular member in the unactuated position and a second fluid passage at a dimension smaller than that of the outside surface of the tubular member in the unactuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry T. Palmer
  • Patent number: 7708064
    Abstract: A centralizer includes two stop collars configured to be affixed to an exterior surface of a pipe. A plurality of circumferentially spaced apart spacers is each coupled at each end to one of the stop collars, a first plurality of circumferentially spaced apart bow springs is each coupled at one end thereof to the first stop collar and at an opposite end thereof to a first floating collar disposed between the first and second stop collars. A second plurality of circumferentially spaced apart bow springs is each coupled at one end thereof to the second stop collar and at an opposite end thereof to a second floating collar disposed between the first and second stop collars. A shape of the bow springs is selected to cooperatively engage the spacers and the floating collars such that when compressed the centralizer provides a substantially fluid-tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Ossama Ramzi Sehsah
  • Patent number: 7708065
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to isolation, identification and application of Thauera strain AL9:8 which grows on crude oil as the sole carbon source under denitrifying anaerobic conditions Thauera strain AL9:8 can be used alone or in concert with other microorganisms to improve oil recovery, bioremediation of oil or hydrocarbons in contaminated soil, ground water or bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers or oceans and/or applying to method for promoting oil pipeline maintenance, removing a build up hydrocarbon on the intersurfaces of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Edwin R. Hendrickson, Raymond E. Jackson, Sharon Jo Keeler, Abigail K. Luckring, Michael P. Perry, Sheryl Wolstenholme
  • Patent number: 7708066
    Abstract: Downhole tools and methods for producing hydrocarbons from a wellbore. A downhole tool can include a body having a bore formed therethrough and at least one end adapted to threadably engage one or more tubulars. A sliding sleeve, adapted to move between a first position and a second position within the body, can be at least partially disposed within the body. A valve assembly including a valve member having an arcuate cross section wherein the valve member is adapted to pivot between an open and closed position within the body can be disposed within the body. A valve seat, having an arcuate cross-section adapted to provide a fluid tight seal with the valve member assembly can be disposed within the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Patent number: 7708067
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one aspect includes a drilling assembly configured for use in drilling the wellbore, a liner disposed outside a portion of the drilling assembly that includes a feature at a selected location of the liner, and a liner orientation sensor for providing signals representative of the displacement or movement of the feature relative to the drilling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Joachim Treviranus, Sven Krueger
  • Patent number: 7708068
    Abstract: A gravel packing screen with an inflow control device and a bypass. A well screen includes a flow restricting device for restricting inward flow through the screen, and a bypass device for increasing a proportion of the inward flow which passes through the flow restricting device, the bypass device including a material which swells in response to contact between the material and fluid in a well. A method of gravel packing a well includes installing a screen in the well, the screen including a flow restricting device which restricts flow through the screen, and a bypass device for selectively permitting relatively unrestricted flow through the screen; and actuating the bypass device in response to contact between a material of the bypass device and fluid in the well, thereby increasingly restricting flow through the screen. Flow through the flow restricting device and flow through the bypass device may be in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Travis T. Hailey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7708069
    Abstract: A method of mitigating proppant settling in a hydraulic fracture in order to better suspend the proppant as well as ensure a more uniform pack, by mixing a pre-determined volume percent of low density additive, such as glass beads or other suitable material, such as polylactic acid particles, into the fracturing slurry along with the standard high-density proppant, it is anticipated that density gradients can be induced inside the fracture. Upward movement of low density additive due to them having density lower than the carrier fluid will interfere with downward movement of high-density proppant and vice versa. This mutual interference between the two proppants confined in the narrow fracture will significantly hinder the settling/segregation of the high-density proppant. The low density material has a specific gravity of about 0.3, particle size distribution similar to that of standard proppant, and sufficient mechanical strength to survive fracture closure stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Superior Energy Services, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Thomas Watters, Mahadev Ammachathram, Larry Thomas Watters
  • Patent number: 7708070
    Abstract: A shaft plug for a mine shaft, the shaft plug comprising an inflatable bladder adapted to be inflated by pressurised gas, the bladder being adapted to be positioned within a shaft prior to inflation and to be inflated to contact the walls of the shaft to thereby seal the shaft and provide support to the shaft wall. A plurality of shaft plugs are adapted to by linked together in a manner to provide gas communication between the shaft plugs to provide a shaft plug to enable the shaft to be substantially filled by the shaft plug when inflated. Also defined is a method of sealing a mine shaft and supporting the shaft wall by use of a shaft plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Tagfilm Pty Limited
    Inventor: Heinrich Jan Roelofs
  • Patent number: 7708071
    Abstract: Methods and compositions including, in one embodiment, a method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprising introducing a cement composition into the subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises cement; a strength-enhancing additive consisting essentially of aluminum chloride and a metal halide; and water; and allowing the cement composition to set. Another method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprises preparing a cement composition that comprises cement, a strength-enhancing additive consisting essentially of aluminum chloride and a metal halide, and water, wherein the aluminum chloride and metal halide are not combined prior to preparing the cement composition; introducing the cement composition into the subterranean formation; and allowing the cement composition to set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig W. Roddy, Ricky L. Covington, Jiten Chatterji, Bobby J. King, D. Chad Brenneis
  • Patent number: 7708072
    Abstract: Withdrawing a hollow stem auger string from a well includes a retractor having C-shaped inter-coil insertions and a hoist having tong-arms, one which terminates in an inwardly disposed pin. The retractor connects to a drilling rig's hydraulic cylinder vertical drive system, the hoist to a winch system thereof. The retractor engages the string by the C-shaped inter-coil insertion disposed between one coil of the helical flight of the topmost section of the string. The hoist engaged the top collar of the topmost section by the at least one pin inserting into a pin hole thereof. The string is lifted about the height of one section by the retractor, which is promptly disengaged. The topmost section is detached, and carried by the hoist to elsewhere to be dropped. The method repeats by re-engaging the retractor and hoist and then returning to the activity of lifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: David G. Hunziker
  • Patent number: 7708073
    Abstract: A screen assembly has a material that conforms to the borehole shape after insertion. The assembly comprises a compliant layer that takes the borehole shape on expansion. The outer layer is formed having holes to permit production flow. The selected conforming material swells with heat, and in one non-limiting embodiment comprises a shape memory foam that is thermoset or thermoplastic. Heat is provided by supplying a fuel (including an oxidant) to a catalyst in close proximity to the compliant layer so that the product from the catalytic reaction is heated steam which contacts and deploys the conforming material. The base pipe can have a screen over it to act as an underlayment for support of the conforming layer or alternatively for screening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Bennett M. Richard, Paul M. McElfresh
  • Patent number: 7708074
    Abstract: A flow control valve for use in a downhole completion tubing string, where the control valve prevents cross flow between producing zones. The control valve comprises a housing forming a plenum therein, a tubular member having a perforated end disposed in the housing, and a plug assembly disposed in the end of the tubular member having perforations. The plug assembly comprises a shaft reciprocatingly disposed in the tubular member. Produced fluids flow within the tubular member, through the perforations to the plenum, and outside of the control valve through corresponding perforations formed in the disk and housing. When pressure in the completion tubing string exceeds produced fluid pressure, the plug will close thereby preventing fluid flow from the completion tubing to the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Saeed Mohammed AlMubarak
  • Patent number: 7708075
    Abstract: A chemical injection system includes a TRSV; a communication nipple in operable communication with the TRSV and positioned relative to the TRSV to be downhole of a flapper closure mechanism thereof when installed in a wellbore; a chemical injection line in fluid communication with the communication nipple; and a capillary sleeve receivable at the communication nipple and configured to sealingly convey fluid from the communication nipple to a remote location without affecting operation of the TRSV and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gary B. Lake, Kerry J. Broussard, Richard Patterson, Keith M. Lalumia, Richard W. Whalen, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7708076
    Abstract: A liner rotates a bit to make more hole. The liner has openings with inserts in them to lend torque resistance to the liner. The inserts have a passage with a send control media in the passage and a seal so that the liner can hold pressure for run in to get proper circulation through the bit. When sufficient hole is made, the liner is hung off an existing cemented tubular and the seal for the passages with the sand control media is removed by a variety of techniques so that the formation can be produced in a single trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Bennett M. Richard, Michael H. Johnson, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 7708077
    Abstract: A bottom hole assembly in a casing-while-drilling operation is retrieved attaching a wireline to the bottom hole assembly. The density of the fluid in the casing string is lightened to a lesser density than the fluid in the annulus, thereby creating a pressure differential between fluid above the bottom hole assembly and fluid below the bottom hole assembly to exert an upward force on the bottom hole assembly. The operator pulls upward on the wireline to assist the upward force in moving the bottom hole assembly up the casing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Tesco Corporation
    Inventors: Erik P. Eriksen, Michael E. Moffitt, Tommy M. Warren
  • Patent number: 7708078
    Abstract: A conductor delivery arrangement includes a length of feedable tubing; a landing tool in operable communication with the feedable tubing; and a conductor in operable communication with the landing tool and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Carl W. Stoesz
  • Patent number: 7708079
    Abstract: A multi-lock adapter used to inject high-pressure well stimulation fluids through an independent screwed wellhead includes an adapter pin having a central passageway with an internal diameter at least as large as a passageway through the wellhead. A lockdown flange secures the adapter pin to a casing mandrel of the wellhead. The lockdown flange ensures that stress on connection points to the screwed independent wellhead due to elevated fluid pressures used for well stimulation procedures does not exceed engineered specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob McGuire, L. Murray Dallas
  • Patent number: 7708080
    Abstract: A packer includes a sealing element, a gage and a plurality of foldback rings. The rings are located between the gage and the sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Seth Conaway, Karen Grosser, James D. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 7708081
    Abstract: A wellbore system is provided including a wellbore formed in an earth formation, the wellbore extending into a salt layer of the earth formation. The wellbore system comprises a tubular conduit arranged in the wellbore whereby at least a portion of the tubular conduit is surrounded by the salt layer whereby an annular space is formed between said portion of the tubular conduit and the wellbore wall. The wellbore system further comprises an annular body of a- resilient material arranged in said annular space and extending substantially the length of said portion of the tubular conduit surrounded by the salt layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Martin Gerard Rene Bosma, Erik Kerst Cornelissen
  • Patent number: 7708082
    Abstract: Firefighting bucket (11) suspended from an aircraft by lines (15), has open top (12A) and a valve at base (13). The valve is attachable to the aircraft by remotely actuatable line (16) and independent movement of lines (15-16) may utilise the weight of the water to facilitate opening and closing of the valve. Dynamic sensing of a bucket attribute, e.g. weight, enables bucket (11) to be filled or discharged by a pre-determined volume by the pilot. Chemical fire retardant may be added by entraining it with water discharging from the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Absolute Fire Solutions Limited
    Inventors: Geoff Hall, Mark Robertson
  • Patent number: 7708083
    Abstract: A hand power tool has a percussion mechanism; a drive motor that drives the percussion mechanism; a conversion element for converting a movement of the drive motor into an axial movement; and an operating unit that adjusts a rotary movement of the conversion element within a percussion period depending on at least one optimization criterium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Friedmar Dresig, Joachim Hecht
  • Patent number: 7708084
    Abstract: A portable power drill or hammer drill having a housing (12) which consists in particular of half shells (13, 14) and accommodates a manual gearbox (26), wherein a shift element (59) that can be rotated by hand converts its rotary movement into a shift movement, can be produced cost-effectively and can be easily operated, without lubricant escaping from the housing (12), by the shift element (59) consisting of a shell-like handle part (100) which can be joined together with a further, shell-like shift part (102) in a sealing manner from outside and inside relative to a housing shell (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Duesselberg, Andre Ullrich, Kurt Sieber, Thomas Brinkmann
  • Patent number: 7708085
    Abstract: A power tool includes an optical speed control switch for controlling the variable speed of an electrical motor in the tool. The tool includes a moveable member having a reflective surface and the moveable member traversing a distance between a stop position and a full speed position, a biasing member operatively coupled to the moveable member to bias the moveable member toward the stop position, an optical signal generator for generating an optical signal, the optical signal generator being oriented so that the optical signal is directed toward the reflective surface of the moveable member, and a speed control signal generator for generating a speed control signal that corresponds to a reflection of the generated optical signal reflected by the reflective surface of the moveable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: John DeCicco, Illya Kovarik, David Pozgay
  • Patent number: 7708086
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for conveying power and/or data signal along a wellbore bottomhole assembly (BHA) having a steering unit, a bidirectional data communication and power (“BCPM”) unit, a sensor sub, a formation evaluation sub, stabilizers. A power and/or data transmission line enables power transfer and two-way data exchange among these BHA components. In one embodiment, a drilling motor includes a transmission unit that transmits power and/or data between modules adjacent the motor via conductive elements in the rotor and/or the stator. A power/data transfer device is adapted to transfer power and/or data between the rotating and non-rotating sections of the transmission unit. The tooling and equipment making up the BHA can be formed as interchangeable modules. Each module can include electrical and data communication connectors at each of their respective ends so that power and data can be transferred between adjacent modules via modular threaded connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Johannas Witte
  • Patent number: 7708087
    Abstract: A roof bit drill has a central shaft with a front end and a back end. The drill also has a base secured about the central shaft proximate to the front end, wherein the base has clearance channels extending axially therethrough. At least one cutting element is arranged on the base in a convex cutting pattern to permit loosened material to be evacuated. The roof bit drill may further include a drill depth locator to identify when the drill has been advanced within a mine roof to a predetermined depth. A method for using the roof drill bit is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignees: Kennametal, Inc., Jennmar Corporation
    Inventors: Brandon S. Stables, Douglas E. Bise, John G. Oldsen, Donald E. Keller, David Scott Rife, John C. Stankus, Chad A. Swope
  • Patent number: 7708088
    Abstract: A vibrating downhole tool comprising a housing, an inner mandrel disposed within the housing and configured to receive a drilling fluid, a mass coupled to the inner mandrel, and a plurality of turbine blades configured to receive the drilling fluid and to rotate the inner mandrel and the mass, thereby causing the vibrating downhole tool to vibrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Allahar, Jose Mercado, Charles Grigor
  • Patent number: 7708089
    Abstract: An upper stripper rubber canister apparatus has a canister body and a canister body lid. An upper end portion of the canister body includes a breech lock structure exposed within the canister body central passage. A lower end portion of the canister body lid is configured for fitting within the central passage of the canister body. The canister body lid includes a breech lock structure that is configured for allowing the canister body lid to be fixedly engaged with the canister body by inserting a lower end portion of the canister body lid into a canister body central passage and rotating the canister body lid with respect to the canister body such that at least a portion of the canister body breech lock structure become at least partially overlapped with a respective one of the canister body lid breech lock structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventors: John R. Williams, Theresa J. Williams, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7708090
    Abstract: An elastomeric seal ring is located between each bearing pin and each cone of an earth-boring bit. An excluder ring or band is imbedded within the inner diameter of the seal ring. A portion of the inner diameter of the seal ring as well as the excluder ring are in dynamic sealing contact with the bearing pin. The excluder ring may be harder and more wear resistant than the seal ring. The excluder ring may have lubricating properties. An outer excluder ring may be located on the outer diameter of the seal ring for engaging the cone to resist rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Anton Zahradnik, Gregory L. Ricks, Gregory W. Peterson, Don Quy Nguyen, Chih C. Lin, Terry J. Koltermann
  • Patent number: 7708091
    Abstract: Steering control apparatuses and methods for a vehicle are provided. A steering control apparatus can include a steering shaft drivingly linked to a pair of front wheels of a vehicle. A movable steering handle can also be provided and disposed about the steering shaft, with the steering handle being capable of selectively turning the pair of front wheels to direct the movement of the vehicle. A first and second brake clutch mechanism for engaging and disengaging first and second drive wheels, respectively, can be provided. First and second brake clutch control levers can selectively control the first and second brake clutch mechanism, respectively, to engage and disengage the first and second drive wheels. The steering handle can include a coupling base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher M. Osborne
  • Patent number: 7708092
    Abstract: An endless track suspension is comprised of a suspension support beam having an idler wheel assembly connected to a respective one of opposed ends thereof. At least one of the idler wheel assemblies has an endless track binding mechanism. Support wheels are secured to the suspension support beam and project from a lower face thereof. A drive sprocket is secured elevated above the suspension support beam by a support arm. The drive sprocket is secured to a vehicle drive axle by a coupling ring. The drive sprocket, the support wheels and idler wheels constitute an endless track support assembly for supporting an endless track in drivable engagement thereabout. A flexible connection of the drive sprocket support arm and the support wheels absorbs shocks and vibrations transmitted to the vehicle drive axle by the displacement of the endless track over a rough ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Jean Després
  • Patent number: 7708093
    Abstract: A motorized wheelchair machine with stand-up support capability having independent front drive motors and wheels, drive wheels with axle centerline in vicinity of arches of user's feet, allowing more instinctive and natural maneuvering, simplified lift system using a linear actuator and collapsing parallelogram lifting frame design, for reduced cost and greater comfort. A preferred embodiment includes an onboard electrical cell charger, extendable and retractable charger cord compatible with standard household electrical outlets and an interlock switch that prevents use of the drive motors while charger is plugged into an electrical power receptacle and a novel leg-brace device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Russell Marvin Baker
  • Patent number: 7708094
    Abstract: A user input for controlling acceleration of a vehicle. The user input has a movable member capable of deflection by a user such that a degree of deflection corresponds to a specified velocity commanded by the user. The correspondence between the degree of deflection and the specified velocity may include a plurality of zones, each zone characterized by a distinct sensitivity that may be capable of customization for a specific user. The user input may also include a neutral position of the movable member, wherein a substantially sudden motion of the movable member to the neutral position causes a slewed slowing of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean L. Kamen, Robert R. Ambrogi, John D. Heinzmann, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, David Herr, John B. Morrell
  • Patent number: 7708095
    Abstract: A control apparatus and method for a hybrid vehicle having a first engagement element between an engine and a motor-generator and a second engagement element between the motor-generator and a drive wheel. During EV drive mode, the first engagement element disengages and the second engagement element engages to drive the vehicle using the motor-generator. During HEV drive mode, the first and second engagement elements engage to drive the vehicle using both power sources. During a third drive mode, the first engagement element engages and the second engagement element slip-engages to drive the vehicle by both power sources. When a detected temperature of the second engagement element is too high during low-speed driving, the EV drive mode is selected to enhance durability of the second engagement element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Takeshi Hirata
  • Patent number: 7708096
    Abstract: A snowmobile footrest has a top surface, a first foot gripping element extending upwardly and forwardly from the top surface, and a second foot gripping element extending upwardly and rearwardly from the top surface. A snowmobile frame and a snowmobile having the footrest are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventor: Sébastien Vezina
  • Patent number: 7708097
    Abstract: An electrical center for a vehicle is disclosed. The electrical center may be positioned generally proximate to a continuously variable transmission. The electrical center may be covered with a cover. The cover may include a holder to hold a vehicle replacement component and/or a tool for use with a vehicle replacement component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Tharaldson, Jason A. Eichenberger
  • Patent number: 7708098
    Abstract: A brake support structure for effectively utilizes a space is disposed so as to be hardly visible in appearance. In addition, the brake support structure protects the pipes. A brake support structure includes a vehicle frame having rear frames extending from main frames with a swing arm having a front end pivotally supported on the rear frames and a rear end for rotatably supporting a rear wheel. Brake pipes are connected to a brake caliper for braking the rear wheel. An upper cross member interconnects the rear frames and is disposed near the swing arm. The brake pipes extend between the upper cross member and the swing arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidetoshi Toyoda
  • Patent number: 7708099
    Abstract: A motorcycle that secures engine cooling efficiency while reducing exposure of a radiator. A reserve tank disposed below the seat and inward of an exhaust pipe in the vehicle width direction exchanges cooling water with the radiator. A first heat blocking cover is disposed between the exhaust pipe and the reserve tank. The first heat blocking cover has an access hole formed therein. A second heat blocking cover covers the access hole of the first heat blocking cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Oodachi, Shigeto Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 7708100
    Abstract: After a remote control valve has been brought into a non-working state, a stop signal is to be sent from an engine controller in a controller to a governor controller in an engine to stop the engine automatically, under the condition that an illuminating lamp is turned off, after a preset allowance time has passed and when a gate lever provided at a gateway for an operator is opened (the operator gets off the machine). Further, before the engine is stopped, the operator is to be notified of the coming engine stop, and when the engine is stopped, a power supply is to be cut off automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiko Asakage, Norihiko Hayashi, Hideki Kinugawa
  • Patent number: 7708101
    Abstract: A seat for a motor vehicle is provided with an occupant detector (02) for recognizing the occupancy status of the seat (01). A foamed cushion element (05), into which the occupant detector (02) is foamed, is provided as part of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: F.S. FEHRER Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Hofmann
  • Patent number: 7708102
    Abstract: A collision detecting system for a vehicle has a pressure detecting member for detecting a pressure in a substantially closed space which is arranged at a periphery portion of the vehicle, and a vibration detecting member for detecting a vibration of the vehicle. The pressure in the space is calculated for a detection of a vehicle collision, based on pressure signals detected by the pressure detecting member and vibration signals detected by the vibration detecting member. Therefore, the influence of the vehicle vibration on the detection of the pressure in the space can be restricted, thus improving the detection of the vehicle collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Takehara, Shingo Wanami, Toshihito Nonaka, Yu Obara
  • Patent number: 7708103
    Abstract: A power unit support structure to minimize vibration of a vehicle body frame. A mount bracket disposed on a vehicle body frame supports a power unit that includes a longitudinal engine. Specifically, the mount bracket is disposed substantially at a center in a vehicle width direction between a pair of right and left center side frames that form part of the vehicle body frame and extend in a vehicle fore-aft direction. The center side frames are connected together with cross members. The mount bracket is mounted to the cross members via a connection member as a vibration damping material. The power unit is then mounted to the mount bracket via a subframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Okuyama, Kazuo Yamamoto, Masashi Koyanagi, Hiroaki Kase, Takeshi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7708104
    Abstract: There is provided a working vehicle having first and second hydraulic pump units operatively driven by a driving source and arranged away to each other in a width direction of the vehicle. In the working vehicle, each of the first and second hydraulic pump units includes a pump body; a port block formed with an oil passage for supplying/discharging an operating fluid to/from said pump body; a pump case connected to the port block so as to define a pump body accommodating space for surrounding the pump body; and a pump shaft for rotatably driving the pump body, the pump shaft having an input end operatively connected to said driving source. A drain port for opening the pump body accommodating space outward and a charge suction port for drawing in an oil from an oil tank in order to supply a charge oil to a hydraulic circuit fluidly connecting with the corresponding hydraulic motor unit are provided respectively in first and second assemblies formed by the corresponding pump case and port block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryota Ohashi, Manabu Kawakami, Shigenori Sakikawa
  • Patent number: 7708105
    Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) includes a straddle-type seat mounted on a frame of the vehicle generally above and between left and right rear wheels. A left rear fender of the ATV is disposed over the left rear wheel and includes a left surface extending alongside a left side of the seat, the left fender surface may be disposed flush with or above a seating area of the seat. A right rear fender is disposed over the right rear wheel and includes a right fender surface extending alongside a right side of the seat, the right fender surface may be disposed flush with or above the seating area of the seat. The left and right rear fenders may each further provide a resilient interface for an operator shifting over the left and right sides of the seat, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Norman O. Berg
  • Patent number: 7708106
    Abstract: A vehicle having a rear suspension according to the present teachings may include one or more of the following features: (a) a chassis carrying a seat, (b) at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel coupled to the chassis, (c) a steering member for steering the at least one front wheel, (d) an engine carried by the chassis for powering the vehicle, (e) a swing arm having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to a rear axle coupled to the rear wheel, (f) the second swing arm end coupled to the chassis at a point forward of a vertical centerline bisecting the vehicle, and (g) a suspension system operably coupled to the axle and the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: James Bergman, Larry G. Holter
  • Patent number: 7708107
    Abstract: A suspension system structure is provided which permits a suspension arm to be disposed without being affected by a driven sprocket or a brake disc. A final drive case is supported on rear portions of left and right vehicle body subframes. A driven sprocket and a brake disc are coaxially disposed on the left and right of the final drive case. The driven sprocket and the brake disc are disposed on the inside of the vehicle body frame. An upper arm and a lower arm are disposed on the outside of the vehicle body frame. Support portions of the upper arm and the lower arm relative to the vehicle body frame are overlapped partly with the driven sprocket and the brake disc in a side view to provide a guard therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bunzo Seki, Tomoaki Yamagata, Shigeto Inami
  • Patent number: 7708108
    Abstract: A vehicle steering control apparatus has a steering wheel, a steering mechanism mechanically separate from the steering wheel for steering the left and right front wheels and a reaction force motor for imparting an operation reaction force against the steering wheel. A steering motor is provided to impart a turning force to the steering mechanism, while a clutch is provided to mechanically connect and disconnect the steering wheel to and from the steering mechanism. A drive torque detector is provided to detect a drive torque imparted to the steering reaction force actuator. A torque sensor is provided to detect an operating torque imparted to the steering wheel. A clutch connection determiner determines that the clutch is in a connected state when a drive torque direction detected by the drive torque detector and an operating torque direction detected by the operating torque detector are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shogo Miyasaka, Noriki Kubokawa, Takaaki Eguchi
  • Patent number: 7708109
    Abstract: An ECU determines whether the orientation of the vehicle is deflecting at the time of braking. In addition, in a case where it is determined that the orientation of the vehicle is deflecting, the ECU controls operation of an EPS actuator in order to reduce the assist force provided to the steering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignees: JTEKT Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Suzuki, Terutaka Tamaizumi, Hirozumi Eki, Kenji Nishimura
  • Patent number: 7708110
    Abstract: A hearing protection device and method for a human ear. A plug member caps or enters ear canal, and may be shaped to conform to the external auditory meatus. The device is biased at least in part by a pressure pad to provide some force against the plug member. An optional handle may be provided to assist with temporarily pulling the plug member away from the ear canal or providing adjustment. An optional bow member clips about the pinna. The device may be adapted for use as an ear phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Waihong Leong, Steven Craig Gehling, Scott M. Belliveau, Sean S. Corbin, Keith Grider, Anne Clare Moser, Aleksey Pirkhalo, Abby Elizabeth Sturges, James Wolford
  • Patent number: 7708111
    Abstract: There is provided an acoustic diaphragm which includes a diaphragm base material composed of a paper article comprised of fine mica flakes, pulp fibers, and polyvinyl alcohol fibers and formed to be a multi-cellular structure; and a sheet material combined with the paper article or the diaphragm base material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Uryu, Kunihiko Tokura, Takahisa Tagami, Emiko Ikeda