Patents Issued in August 14, 2012
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Patent number: 8240369Abstract: A slot-perforating system for an abrasive-hydro-slotting of a near well-bore zone for establishing an inflow path between a borehole and a formation has an adaptor connectable to a tubing; a hydraulic block connected to the adaptor for regulating a speed of operation; a perforator providing a hydro-slotting, and a return block located between the hydraulic block and the perforator and returning the perforator an initial upper position.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Go Energy, Inc.Inventors: Anatoli Nikouline, Nikolai Korvet
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Patent number: 8240370Abstract: Reformer and method for producing hydrogen and steam where steam is used for steam-assisted extraction of heavy hydrocarbons. Steam is injected into a hydrocarbon-containing reservoir. Hydrocarbons are extracted from the reservoir along with produced water. Hydrogen is produced in a catalytic steam hydrocarbon reformer. Combustion product gas from the reformer is used to generate wet steam in a once-through steam generator from produced water recycled from the reservoir. The wet steam is used for the steam-assisted extraction of heavy hydrocarbons. The reformer has a heat exchanger section where a heat exchanger is suitable for processing the produced water by once-through steam generation and is suitable for mechanical cleaning.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: John Eugene Palamara, David Anthony Zagnoli, William Frederick Baade
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Patent number: 8240371Abstract: A multi-function sub is connected between a top drive of a drilling rig and a casing gripper. The sub has telescoping upper and lower members that rotate with each other. A sleeve is mounted to one of the members. That sleeve is prevented from rotation with the upper and lower members by an anti-rotation device. A piston is located on the other member and reciprocally carried within the sleeve. An external pump is connected to the sleeve for supplying pressurized fluid into the sleeve to act against the piston. This fluid provides compensation for thread makeup when a new joint of casing is being secured to a string of casing.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Tesco CorporationInventors: Radovan Tepavac, Milo Markovic
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Patent number: 8240372Abstract: A casing running tool capable of handling pipe and tubing has fluid power conducting channels leading from stationary to rotating components, through a swivel. The swivel has a plurality of fluid channels, each confined by dynamic seals that rub peripherally on mating seal surfaces. The seals are carried on at least one piston that is movable, on command, to carry the seals out of contact with the peripherally rubbing surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Premiere, Inc.Inventors: Lee J. Matherne, Jr., Kris Henderson, Joseph L. Hawkins, Lee M. Robichaux
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Patent number: 8240373Abstract: An apparatus and method for retrieving debris from the well bore of an oil or gas well. The apparatus comprises a junk basket with a flow passage that allows fluid to be jetted out end of the tool while the tubing string is advanced to stir up the debris in the well fluids and facilitate capture of the debris in the strainer basket. Importantly, upon encountering a plug of sand or other debris in the well bore, fluid flow through the tool can be increased to work on the plug until it breaks apart. Advancement of the tubing string can be halted and resumed, as needed, in combination with control of the fluid flow through the tool until the junk basket is full or the targeted debris is collected, whereupon the junk basket is withdrawn. The junk basket may be deployed on coiled tubing or a string of drill pipe.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Britton, Raymond C. Hamilton
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Patent number: 8240374Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus for assisting in reducing flowback of debris from an earthen formation into an underground fluid injection system includes a screen member disposed around and longitudinally moveable relative to a base pipe and shielded from direct contact with fluid as it is ejected from the base pipe.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Superior Energy Services, L.L.C.Inventors: Daniel James Turick, James Raymond Macias
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Patent number: 8240375Abstract: A field joint for connecting a plurality of downhole tool modules is disclosed. The modules include a housing and an electrical line. A bulkhead is coupled to a first module that includes a first conduit aperture for receiving an electrical connector assembly. The first electrical connector assembly is releasably coupled to the exterior portion of the first module and includes a first connector having a first end adapted for electrical coupling to an electrical line. A connector block is coupled to the second module that includes a second conduit aperture positioned to substantially face the first conduit aperture when the first and second modules are joined. A second electrical connector is disposed in the second conduit aperture and is electrically coupled to an electrical line such that an electrical contact is established with a second end of the first connector when the first and second modules are joined.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Stephane Briquet, Steve Ervin, Kevin William Hayes, Christopher S. Del Campo, Joe Nahas
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Patent number: 8240376Abstract: An electronic actuation system for a pressure equalizing device in a downhole apparatus such as a wellbore plug is described. The system includes a pressure sensor for measuring pressure in the wellbore, and means for setting a reference pressure value using a measurement from the pressure sensor. In a method of use, an applied pressure value is determined using a measurement from the pressure sensor and the reference pressure value, and the device is actuated, or opened, when the applied pressure meets a pre-determined condition, such as falling within a pressure window for certain time period. The invention allows natural changes in wellbore pressure to be accounted for when detecting a pressure actuation event.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Red Spider Technology LimitedInventors: Stuart Gordon, Irvine Cardno Brown, Michael Adam Reid
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Patent number: 8240377Abstract: A method of cementing involves introducing a pipe string into a well bore such that an annulus is defined between the pipe string and a wall of the well bore, and introducing a cement composition into the annulus. The cement composition includes cement, water, and an auto-sealing component. An annular structure, coupled to the pipe string, comprises an expandable material.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.Inventors: David S. Kulakofsky, Ronnie Faul, William Hunter, Krishna M. Ravi, Anthony Badalamenti
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Patent number: 8240378Abstract: A fluid analysis tool, and related method, comprising means for selectively varying a temperature of fluid received in a tool from a subterranean formation, means for measuring a temperature and a thermophysical property of the fluid received in the tool, and means for determining a relationship between the measured temperature and the measured thermophysical property of the fluid received in the tool.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Carsten Sonne, Anthony R. H. Goodwin
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Patent number: 8240379Abstract: A well treatment composition is formed from a fluid mixture of a viscoelastic surfactant and a liquid carrier fluid. The fluid mixture has rheological properties wherein the mixture exhibits shear-thickening behavior when the shear rate is increased from a first shear rate to a second higher shear rate. The fluid mixture may further include a shear activation additive that interacts with the viscoelastic surfactant to facilitate the shear-thickening behavior. The method is accomplished by introducing the fluid mixture into a wellbore formed in a subterranean formation. In certain applications, the fluid mixture may be recycled by bringing the fluid mixture to the surface and reintroducing the fluid into the same or a different wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Yiyan Chen, Oscar Bustos, Philip F. Sullivan
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Patent number: 8240380Abstract: Compositions having shear-gelling and shear-thickening properties are based on an amphiphilic polymer combined with hydrophilic particles and polyethyleneoxide. The hydrophilic particles preferably consist of a hydrous sodium lithium magnesium silicate. The amphiphilic polymer may be a synthetic polymer, a hydrophobically modified biopolymer, or both. The compositions may be employed in enhanced oil recovery operations.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2007Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Jean-Philippe Caritey, Mélanie Cady
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Patent number: 8240381Abstract: Methods and systems relate to recovering hydrocarbons from within formations in which hydrocarbon bearing reservoirs are separated from one another by a fluid flow obstructing natural stratum. Relative to the reservoirs, the stratum inhibits or blocks vertical fluid flow within the formation. Drilled bores arranged to intersect the stratum provide an array of fluid flow paths through the stratum. Fluid communication established by the drilled bores enables production utilizing a producer borehole deviated from vertical and processes that rely on techniques such as gravity drainage through the fluid flow paths and/or injection through the fluid flow paths.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: Wendell Peter Menard, Wayne Reid Dreher, Jr., John L. Stalder
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Patent number: 8240382Abstract: A system for conveying fluid into a wellbore, including a tubular member, a packer, a hydrodynamic flow device, and a seal device. The tubular member is disposed in the wellbore through a first zone, a second zone, and a hydrocarbon producing zone of the wellbore. The packer is disposed adjacent to the tubular member, and is configured to at least partially isolate the hydrocarbon producing zone from at least one of the first and second zones. The hydrodynamic flow device is disposed around the tubular member and comprises a pump fluidly connected to a discharge in fluid communication with the first zone and an inlet in fluid communication with the second zone. The seal device is disposed around the hydrodynamic flow device to isolate a first annulus of the first zone from a second annulus of the second zone.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Robert Krush
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Patent number: 8240383Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of making free flowing coated particles and low temperature including a step of curing the coating with UV light or electron beam. Each particle has a precured coating disposed upon a substrate. Methods of using the particles are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc.Inventors: Liang Xu, Avis Lloyd McCrary, John W. Green
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Patent number: 8240384Abstract: Structures can be formed downhole by accumulating already existing materials and/or materials introduced into a well to perform a specified function. The formed structures may be used to obstruct fluid flow of production or injection fluids, carry mechanical loads, control electrical or magnetic properties of components, mechanically actuate a component, as well as others. The materials may be induced to form the specified structure, such as by application of a potential downhole. For example, electrical, magnetic, sonic, biological potentials, or a combination thereof may be established downhole to form specified structures in specified locations to perform specified functions.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Todd B. Miller, Syed Hamid, Juanita M. Cassidy, Donald G. Kyle, Pete Clement Dagenais, Michael L. Fripp, Ashok Santra
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Patent number: 8240385Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation, comprising preparing a cement composition comprising water and a cementitious material, wherein the cementitious material further comprises blast furnace slag, vitrified shale, calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate or combinations thereof, and placing the cement composition in the wellbore. A cement composition comprising water and a cementitious material, wherein the cementitious material further comprises blast furnace slag, vitrified shale, calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate or combinations thereof. A cement composition comprising water and a cementitious material, wherein the cementitious material further comprises blast furnace slag.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2006Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.Inventors: Lance E. Brothers, Anthony V. Palmer
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Patent number: 8240386Abstract: A method comprising providing a composition with at least one isocyanate including a blocking group able to be unblocked at or above a deblocking temperature, contacting the composition with an inactivated catalyst and at least one active hydrogen compound, exposing the composition to a trigger to activate the catalyst, creating an elastomeric gel composition, and exposing the composition to a temperature above the deblocking temperature with a second downhole tool, wherein the second downhole tool is able to generate microwaves is provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Bruce A. MacKay
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Patent number: 8240387Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a casing tester for plugging and abandoning a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method of testing an annulus defined between a first tubular string and a second tubular string includes engaging a first annular packer with an outer surface of the first tubular string and engaging a second annular packer with an outer surface of the second tubular string. The tubular strings extend into a wellbore. The method further includes injecting a test fluid between the packers until a predetermined pressure is exerted on the annulus.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Wild Well Control, Inc.Inventors: Corey Eugene Hoffman, Dolphus C. Green, III
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Patent number: 8240388Abstract: An oil well sealing device that is submergible for sealing under water oil wells and a method for sealing underwater oil wells are described. The device comprises a housing having at least one lower opening at a lower end of the housing and at least one upper opening at an upper end of the housing; a pump sucking oil through the lower opening into the housing and pushing the oil through the upper opening out of the housing; and a closing element movable to close or open the upper opening.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventor: Alan D. Brite
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Patent number: 8240389Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly provided over a wellbore, the assembly having a wellhead housing, a tubing hanger in the housing, a production tree on the wellhead housing above the tubing hanger, and a control circuit that passes axially downward from the production tree and through the tubing hanger. A tree stab assembly may be included that is set between the tubing hanger and production tree. The wellhead assembly can also include a casing hanger landed in the housing, casing attached to the casing hanger, and tubing attached to the tubing hanger.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventor: David S. Christie
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Patent number: 8240390Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for releasing a releasable packer. The apparatus may include shear screws, a mechanism for isolating the shear screw from a shearing force. The mechanism for isolating the shear screw from a shearing force is selectively unlockable to expose the shear screw to the shearing force. The methods may include unlocking a mechanism protecting at least one shear screw, applying a shearing force to the at least one shear screw, and shearing the at least one shear screw.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: James D. Hendrickson, Baozhong Yang
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Patent number: 8240391Abstract: Single joint elevator and method for releasably securing a tubular segment. A generally horseshoe-shaped body has a slot for receiving a tubular segment, and an actuator assembly that selectively moves opposing jaws from a removed position to a deployed position to grip and retain the tubular segment within the slot of the body while hoisting the body. The deployable jaws are either rotatably or translatably moved from the removed position to the deployed position and may be pneumatically, hydraulically, and/or electrically actuated. The actuator assembly may include wedges operatively coupled to actuators for selectively biasing the wedges against the jaws, or a cam ring rotationally coupled to the body and rotated by an actuator coupled between the body and the cam ring, wherein the cam ring has an inner cam surface for inwardly biasing the opposing jaws.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2007Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.Inventors: Vernon Joseph Bouligny, Jr., Scott Joseph Arceneaux
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Patent number: 8240392Abstract: An embodiment provides a device that includes a shape memory member having a sealed outer surface and a permeable inner mass and a selected fluid placed and sealed within the inner mass at a first temperature. The selected fluid is released from the inner mass when the shape memory member is heated to a second temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Jason J. Barnard, Allen D. Gabrysch
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Patent number: 8240393Abstract: An electric power tool has an electric drive motor whose speed is adjusted by means of an adjusting device. The adjusting device includes an adjusting element movably supported on the housing of the power tool. The adjusting element is associated with a strain measuring device that produces a measurement signal that is used to adjust the drive motor in response to a movement of the adjusting element.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Florian Schmehl
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Patent number: 8240394Abstract: A power-driven hammer including a body including a tubular housing and a barrel assembly received in the housing. The barrel assembly has an at-rest position relative to the housing. The barrel assembly includes a barrel having a forward end adapted to hold a tool, an opening, and a rearward end. The barrel assembly includes a mass received in the opening of the barrel. The mass moves in the barrel opening when the hammer is operating through a power stroke and a return stroke. The barrel assembly moves forward and rearward from its at-rest position relative to the housing when the hammer is operating. The hammer includes a vibration reducing mechanism connecting the barrel assembly to the body reducing shock transmitted to the housing as the mass moves forward and rearward in the barrel.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: SP Air Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shigeki Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8240395Abstract: Improving vibration reduction of a handle in a hand-held power tool by performing a predetermined operation on a workpiece by linear movement of a tool bit in an axial direction. The power tool includes a power tool body, a handle and a vibration-proofing part. The vibration-proofing part includes an elastic element that is disposed between the power tool body and the handle and reduces transmission of vibration from the power tool body to the handle, and also includes a body-side receiving part and a handle-side receiving part which are opposed to each other so as to hold the elastic element. The vibration-proofing part is designed such that deformation of the elastic element is shearing deformation in each of the direction of a z-axis defined along the axial direction of the tool bit and the directions of a y-axis and an x-axis which intersect with the z-axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Makita CorporationInventors: Hikaru Kamegai, Takuo Arakawa
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Patent number: 8240396Abstract: The invention relates to a tool that includes a tool holder, which has on its first end a tool holder recess that is adapted to the contours of a rotating spindle driver and a tool recess on a second end that lies opposite the first end. The tool holder also includes a tool head that can be inserted into the tool recess. For the optimal machining of a workpiece, attempts were previously made to provide an oscillating unit in the spindle of the machine, to initiate oscillations in the tool head. The disadvantage of said known constructions is that all available tools have to be synchronized with the oscillation unit. The invention overcomes said disadvantage by equipping the tool holder with an oscillating motor.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2004Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Sauer GmbHInventor: Hermann Sauer
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Patent number: 8240397Abstract: The method of controlling the load on a drill bit drilling a hole by providing differential pressure across a seal area on a drilling assembly to increase the bit load and providing a relief valve from the annular area above the seal to the bore returning fluid to the surface to limit the maximum differential pressure to limit the maximum load allowed.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventors: James R. Crawford, Benton Frederick Baugh
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Patent number: 8240398Abstract: A method of controlling pressure in a wellbore can include determining a real time wellbore pressure PwbRT1 at a pressure sensor in the wellbore, calculating hydrostatic pressure Ph1 at the pressure sensor, determining a real time annulus pressure PaRT, calculating friction pressure Pf due at least to circulation of the fluid through the wellbore and depth in the wellbore, calculating a friction pressure correction factor CFPf1 equal to (PwbRT1?Ph1?PaRT)/Pf, and controlling operation of a pressure control device, based on the friction pressure correction factor CFPf1. The method can further include determining a desired wellbore pressure PwbD1 at the pressure sensor, calculating an annulus pressure setpoint PaSP1 equal to PwbD1?Ph1?(Pf*CFPf1), and adjusting the pressure control device as needed to maintain PaRT equal to PaSP1.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: James R. Lovorn, Saad Saeed, Nancy Davis
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Patent number: 8240399Abstract: A drill bit is provided that includes a force application device on a body of the drill bit. The force application device includes a floating member and a force application member configured to extend from the floating member to apply a force on a wellbore wall when the drill bit is used to drill a wellbore and an actuator configured to actuate the force application member to apply the force to a wellbore wall during drilling of the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Ajay V. Kulkarni, David K. Luce, John F. Bradford
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Patent number: 8240400Abstract: The invention relates to a shield structure of a rock drilling apparatus for dampening noise, the rock drilling apparatus comprising a feed beam whose one end is a drilling end, whereby the drilling end of the feed beam comprises a first shield part mounted immovably relative to the feed beam, and a second shield part mounted movably relative to the feed beam. A tubular shield flexible at least in its longitudinal direction is mounted between the shield parts, the shield being tightly attached by its ends to the first and the second shield part.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction OyInventors: Seppo Peltola, Ari Haavisto
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Patent number: 8240401Abstract: A system for damping vibration in a drill string can include a valve assembly having a supply of a fluid, a first member, and a second member capable of moving in relation to first member in response to vibration of the drill bit. The first and second members define a first and a second chamber for holding the fluid. Fluid can flow between the first and second chambers in response to the movement of the second member in relation to the first member. The valve assembly can also include a coil or a valve for varying a resistance of the fluid to flow between the first and second chambers.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: APS Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mark Ellsworth Wassell, William Evans Turner, Daniel E. Burgess, Carl Allison Perry
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Patent number: 8240402Abstract: Earth-boring drill bits include a bit body including a blockage-resistant internal fluid passageway. The blockage-resistant internal fluid passageway includes at least one internal fluid passageway formed in the bit body and a cuttings filtering feature formed in the at least one internal fluid passageway configured to prevent at least some cuttings from flowing through the at least one internal fluid passageway. In one embodiment, the cuttings filtering feature includes at least one lateral member extending transversely across the at least one internal fluid passageway. In another embodiment, the cuttings filtering feature includes forming a central portion of the at least one internal fluid passageway with a width along a lateral axis thereof less than an average width of a fluid path extending through a nozzle disposed at least partially within the at least one internal fluid passageway. Methods of forming the blockage-resistant internal fluid passageway are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: David L. Rickabaugh, Rudolf Carl Pessier, Mark E. Anderson, William A. Moss, Redd H. Smith
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Patent number: 8240403Abstract: A rock bit is formed with pockets for enhanced cutting element retention and support of cutting elements during operation of the rock bit. Portions of the pockets are carburized to increase a yield strength of the pockets, which also increases the retention of the cutting elements. The pockets are formed at a diameter that is slightly smaller than an outer diameter of the cutting elements. Portions of the pockets are then carburized. The pockets are heated until the diameter of the pockets is equal to the outer diameter of the cutting elements. After the rock bit has been cooled and cleaned, a material is placed in each pocket prior to installing the cutting elements. The material homogenizes support for the cutting elements during operation of the rock bit.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Tu Tien Trinh, Eric C. Sullivan
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Patent number: 8240404Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a roof bolt drill bit for use in underground mines comprises a bit body with a shank adapted for attachment to a driving mechanism. A working face disposed opposite the shank comprises a plurality of polycrystalline diamond cutting elements. Carbide bolsters are disposed intermediate the plurality of cutting elements and the bit body.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventors: David R. Hall, Ronald B. Crockett, Andrew Gerla
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Patent number: 8240405Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond abrasive element, particularly a cutting element, comprises a table of polycrystalline diamond bonded to a substrate, particularly a cemented carbide substrate, along a non-planar interface. The polycrystalline diamond abrasive element is characterized by the nonplanar interface having a cruciform configuration, the polycrystalline diamond having a high wear-resistance, and the polycrystalline diamond having a region adjacent the working surface lean in catalysing material and a region rich in catalysing material. The polycrystalline diamond cutters have improved wear resistance, impact strength and cutter life than prior art cutters.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Onesteel Trading Pty Ltd.Inventors: Brett Lancaster, Bronwyn Annette Roberts, Imraan Parker, Roy Derrick Achilles
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Patent number: 8240406Abstract: A system and method for powering of a vehicle is disclosed. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a powering assembly may include an axle, a wheel coupled to the axle, and at least one secondary coil winding affixed to the wheel. The wheel may be configured to rotate about the axle in a plane substantially perpendicular to an axis of the axle. The at least one secondary coil may be configured such that when the wheel is proximate to an embedded conductor embedded in a roadway and carrying a first electrical current, a magnetic field induced by the first electrical current induces a second electrical current in the at least one secondary coil winding.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Blue Wheel Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Laurian Stoicoviciu, Spencer Sharp
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Patent number: 8240407Abstract: Provided is a vehicle that can make tight turns without significantly changing an attitude of a rider, and is highly convenient in narrow places. A omni-directional one-wheeled vehicle comprises a vehicle body (7) and a secondary wheel (35) configured to contact a ground surface at a point displaced from a contact point of a driven road wheel (2).Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toru Takenaka, Makoto Hirano, Hideharu Izumi, Kazuya Kuwabara, Taiji Koyama, Shinichiro Kobashi
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Patent number: 8240408Abstract: The hybrid vehicle is mounted from a kit which includes a vehicle body that has a chassis, a first actuator assembly carried by the chassis and a motor carried by the chassis; a wheel kit including a second actuator assembly and a number of ground-engaging wheels; and a track kit that has track guide wheels, track driving wheels and a pair of ground-engaging tracks. The vehicle body can be interchangeably coupled to either one of the wheel kit thus defining a wheel mode hybrid vehicle and the track kit thus defining a track mode hybrid vehicle. In the wheel mode, the second actuator assembly is removably carried by the chassis, the ground-engaging wheels are operatively and removably coupled to the first and second actuator assemblies and the motor powers the first and second actuator assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: RPM Tech Inc.Inventors: Pierre Bernard, Guy Gaudreau
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Patent number: 8240409Abstract: A self-propelled high-clearance vehicle includes a front half-chassis and a rear half-chassis placed one behind the other and assembled together by a pivot connection, the front and rear half-chassis respectively including firstly a front wheel set and a rear wheel set disposed in line one behind the other along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and secondly a first stabilizer wheel set on the left and a second stabilizer wheel set on the right located on either side of the longitudinal axis of the high-clearance vehicle; a driver's cab mounted on one and/or the other of the half-chassis; and an engine unit for driving the vehicle, mounted on one and/or the other of the half-chassis.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: SARL Grosjean Rene ViticoleInventor: Rene Grosjean
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Patent number: 8240410Abstract: A patient support apparatus has a first frame and a second frame supported above the first frame and movable relative to the first frame. A plurality of casters are coupled to the first frame. A wheel is movable relative to the first frame between a lowered position engaging the floor and a raised position spaced from the floor. A drive assembly is coupled to the wheel and is operable to drive the wheel to propel the patient support apparatus along the floor. A foot pedal is coupled to the first frame and is movable to raise and lower the wheel relative to the floor.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Richard H. Heimbrock, John D. Vogel, Thomas M. Webster
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Patent number: 8240411Abstract: The metallic case of a power conversion apparatus includes a casing having a side wall, as well as an upper case and a lower case, a first area being formed between a cooling jacket provided at the inner periphery of the side wall and the lower case, the metal base plate dividing the first area between the cooling jacket and the upper case into a lower side second area and an upper side third area, first and second power modules being fastened to a top surface and a capacitor module being provided in the first area, driving circuits that drive inverter circuits of the power modules respectively being provided in the second area, and a control circuit that controls the driver circuits being provided in the third area.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Kinya Nakatsu, Hideyo Suzuki, Fusanori Nishikimi, Takeshi Matsuo, Toshiya Satou
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Patent number: 8240412Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid vehicle propulsion system includes selectively operating the engine to consume fuel stored on-board the vehicle based on a residence time of the fuel stored on-board the vehicle and further based on a profile of ambient conditions over the residence time.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Michael Jon Andri
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Patent number: 8240413Abstract: A method and a device control a hybrid vehicle drive. The device contains a multiplicity of control parameter sets having different recovery torques for a conversion control device which sets a recovery torque of the electric motor in an overrun phase, which recovery torques are assigned a respective driving mode indicator. A definition device is provided for defining a current driving mode indicator, as a result of which a control parameter set corresponding to the defined current driving mode indicator can be used to control the conversion control device in an overrun phase of the hybrid vehicle drive.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2007Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Marco Fleckner, Markus Göhring, Dieter Kraxner, Nils Sauvlet
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Patent number: 8240414Abstract: An electric lawn mower includes a main frame, a mower deck supported by the main frame, a castor supported by the main frame, a sub frame, a pair of transaxles, and a pair of motor drivers. Each of the transaxles includes a transaxle housing, an electric motor disposed in the transaxle housing, a single axle supported by the transaxle housing, and a drive wheel fixed on the axle outside of the transaxle housing. The motor drivers supply electric power to the respective motors of the respective transaxles. The sub frame, supporting the transaxles and the motor drivers, is connected to the main frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignees: Yanmar Co., Ltd., Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kengo Sasahara, Tomoyuki Ebihara, Mitsuhiro Nakagaki, Kazuma Moriguchi, Keiji Matsumoto
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Patent number: 8240415Abstract: An intermediate plate member (22) having a plate thickness equal to or less than that of a door body (19) is provided between the door body (19) and a reinforcing member (24) constituting a right side door (18). The door body (19) and the intermediate plate member (22) are jointed by spot welding, and the intermediate plate member (22) and the reinforcing member (24) are jointed by fillet welding, thereby jointing the reinforcing member (24) through the intermediate plate member (22) on the inner side surface (19A) of the door body (19). Through the use of the intermediate plate member (22), the generation of distortion in the door body (19) is reduced and the outer appearance of the right side door (18) is maintained in good condition.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazumasa Okada, Masao Nakamura, Makoto Matsushita
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Patent number: 8240416Abstract: A wind-powered pneumatic engine including one or more impeller chambers and one or more impellers disposed in the impeller chambers is provided. One or more air inlets for receiving external wind resistance airflow are disposed on the impeller chambers, and the external wind resistance airflow entering the air inlets drives the impellers to operate to generate power output. The wind-powered pneumatic engine further includes an air-jet system for jetting HPCA into the impeller chambers, and the internal high-pressure compressed air jetted by the air-jet system in conjunction with the external wind resistance airflow entering the air inlets drives the impellers to operate to generate power output. In the present invention, the external resistance airflow around a motor vehicle moving at a speed is converted into power for use, which greatly reduces energy consumption and improves the moving speed of a motor vehicle. A motor vehicle equipped with wind-powered pneumatic engine is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Yang CongInventor: Yang Cong
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Patent number: 8240417Abstract: A snowmobile includes a body, a steering mechanism provided in the body, a steering shaft connected with the steering mechanism for associated operation with the steering mechanism, a power steering device provided in the steering shaft, a pair of skis, and a connecting section arranged to connect the skis with the body. Each of the skis includes, in its lower surface, a straight portion extending straightly; an approach portion ahead of the straight portion and curving upward; and a keel portion protruding downward to a lower position than the straight portion and the approach portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazunari Takata
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Patent number: 8240418Abstract: A pivot-steered vehicle, in particular a pivot-steered construction vehicle or machine, is provided. The vehicle includes a front frame and a rear frame which are connected to each other via a pivot steering gear and a steering drive. The pivot steering gear has a first and a second vertical pivot axis which are arranged opposing each other with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle in a neutral position, the pivot steering gear being embodied in a first steering range for relative swiveling of the front frame and the rear frame about the first pivot axis and in a second steering range for relative swiveling of the front frame and the rear frame about the second pivot axis, the first and the second steering ranges being separated from each other via the neutral position.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Bomag GmbHInventor: Joachim Ponstein