Patents Issued in July 9, 2013
  • Patent number: 8479778
    Abstract: A weaving machine and a weaving method for direct three-dimensional weaving, wherein the weft thread (32) is imparted with its desired two-dimensional course already when the weft thread is being input. The position of the warp threads (12) is adapted to the weft thread path (23). The weft thread path (23) is defined by the lamellae (44) that extend into the shed (21) in between the warp threads (12). The lamellae (44) are arranged on a common bar (45) so that they can be individually adjusted, thus enabling the adjustment of the desired weft thread path (23) by positioning the lamellae (44). The lamellae (44) and the bar (45), at the same time, form the reed (43) that is used for casting on the weft thread (32) at the fabric edge (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Groz-Beckert KG
    Inventors: Thomas Kühl, Frank Durst, Eckhard Fehrenbacher
  • Patent number: 8479779
    Abstract: A filling method for filling a reservoir (10) of variable working volume with a fluid, the method being characterized in that the reservoir (10) is firstly emptied of any content, such that its working volume is substantially zero, and the fluid is then injected into the reservoir, thereby increasing the working volume of the reservoir (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Aptar France SAS
    Inventor: Alain Behar
  • Patent number: 8479780
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling top opening refuse bags including an upright bag supporting structure and a separate hopper supportable on the upright structure for directing refuse into a refuse bag. The upright support structure and hopper both have a collapsible design which permits folding from an open operative condition to a substantially flat condition for storage. The hopper is formed by a unique arrangement of trapezoidal panels which permit collapsing of the hopper to the substantially flat condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: Jesus Daniel Fernandez, David J. Fernandez, Jr., Nicolas G. Walters
  • Patent number: 8479781
    Abstract: A vacuum device for a material handling system includes a vacuum device body and a sealing element. The vacuum device body has a vacuum passageway in which a vacuum is generated in response to activation of a pressurized air supply that forces pressurized air through a venturi device. The sealing element moves to a sealing position to substantially seal the vacuum passageway when the air supply is activated, and is urged toward the sealing position via pressurized air that is diverted from an inlet of the vacuum device to the sealing element. The sealing element moves to substantially vent the vacuum passageway when the air supply is deactivated. The vacuum passageway may be in fluid communication with a vacuum cup, which seals against the object when the sealing element is at the sealing position and the vacuum generating device generates at least a partial vacuum in the vacuum passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Maurice Perlman, Keith S. Attee
  • Patent number: 8479782
    Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Stokely-Van Camp, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Mastio, Rei-Young Amos Wu, Michael F. McGowan, Subodh K. Raniwala, Gregory Schimmel, James D. Schuman, Richard O. Powell
  • Patent number: 8479783
    Abstract: A balloon tying article is provided with a first wall, a second wall and a cavity therebetween whereby a balloon is tied using each of the walls to knot the balloon neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Peter James Dellaquila
  • Patent number: 8479784
    Abstract: A filling line for filling a number of containers. The filing line may include a continuous conveyor, one or more micro-ingredient dosers positioned about the continuous conveyor, and one or more macro-ingredient stations positioned along the continuous conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: James E. Goldman, James LeSage, Donald E. Gruben, Kevin L. Reid, Jonathan Kirschner, Nilang Patel
  • Patent number: 8479785
    Abstract: A collar for a dispensing connector and a fitment assembly are disclosed. The connector collar engages a valved fitment for a container for holding and dispensing fluid. The fitment includes a spout connected to the container and a sliding internal valve body and an external valve body securely positioned within the spout. The connector collar has a fitment end mateable with the fitment so as to compress the top edge of the external valve body so as to form a seal between the external valve body and the dispensing connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Liqui-Box Corporation
    Inventor: James Johnson
  • Patent number: 8479786
    Abstract: A dump chute adaptor includes an adaptor housing having a housing interior and a conduit coupling carried by the adaptor housing and disposed in fluid communication with the housing interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Dennis Ford
  • Patent number: 8479787
    Abstract: A vehicle cover having a plurality of handles with tethers disposed along its longitudinal meridian for easy manipulation of said handles and attached cover so as to lift the cover and dislodge accumulated snow and/or ice. Additionally the present invention has a plurality of fastening clips for increased sustainment of the covers positioning against wind and environmental elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: Lakeram Sahadeo, George F. Mesiha
  • Patent number: 8479788
    Abstract: Tire comprising at least one carcass-type reinforcing structure anchored on each side of said tire in a bead whose base is intended to be mounted on a rim seat, each of said beads extending generally radially outwardly in the form of sidewalls, the sidewalls being connected radially towards the outside to a tread, the carcass-type reinforcing structure extending circumferentially from the bead towards said sidewall, a crown reinforcing structure, each of the beads also comprising an anchoring region for holding the reinforcing structure in place, wherein said tread comprises an inner layer of substantially incompressible rubbery material and an outer layer of compressible rubbery foam wherein: the foam expansion ratio is greater than 50%; the thickness of the layer is greater than 2.0 mm and preferably greater than 4 mm; and the outer layer has a Shore A hardness of less than 30 and preferably of between 10 and 20 Shore A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Establissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: José Merino Lopez, Pierre-Yves Jeanne
  • Patent number: 8479789
    Abstract: A solid rubber tire with a multiplicity of self-pumping vent holes formed into opposed spaced apart sidewalls of the solid rubber tire. The self-pumping vent holes each extend from the side walls into the solid rubber tire about one-half the spaced apart distance and parallel to the rotation axis of the tire. Each of the multiplicity of self-pumping vent holes has a maximum cross-sectional dimension of between 0.5% and 1.5% of the maximum tire diameter. Any and all parts of the solid rubber material in the tire are at a distance of less than 12% of the original maximum diameter of the tire from any one of the multiplicity of self-pumping vent holes so that heat that may result in the solid rubber tire from its use is dissipated and temperature of the rubber in the tire is reduced by pumping of air into and out of the multiplicity of self-pumping vent holes upon rolling contact with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: Giles A. Hill, III, Duane S. Birdsong
  • Patent number: 8479790
    Abstract: A central tire inflation system. The system includes a central tire inflation valve and a hub bore manifold. The hub bore manifold is connected to and surrounds the central tire inflation valve. The hub bore manifold defines first and second air passageways which are in communication with the central tire inflation valve. The hub bore manifold is configured for removable connection to a hub of a vehicle and is also configured to fit within a central opening of a wheel of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hutchinson, S.A.
    Inventors: Lars Johan Resare, Michael G. Hartman, Larry K. Rogers
  • Patent number: 8479791
    Abstract: This is an invention for a system and method of automatically inflating the wheels of a vehicle during driving operation. When air pressure in a wheel of the vehicle decreases below a pre-determined limit, a solenoid device is activated to extend a kick-rod. As the wheel rotates, a pump mounted on the wheel strikes the kick-rod of the solenoid device, thereby causing air to be injected into the wheel. The automatic tire inflation system works by employing the mechanical energy of the rotating wheel to drive the pump upon contact with the solenoid device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: The Brothers Company
    Inventors: Jeff Anthony Schulte, Curt Anthony Schulte, Anthony Joseph Schulte, Jill Schulte Slauson
  • Patent number: 8479792
    Abstract: A motorcycle tire comprises: a toroidal carcass comprising two carcass plies of cords arranged at an angle of from 20 to 80 degrees with respect to the tire circumferential direction; and a band comprising at least one ply of at least one helically wound cord disposed radially outside the carcass. The band cord is made of steel filaments of 0.08 to 0.20 mm diameter twisted together into a L×M×N structure. The band cord has a low tensile elastic modulus range and a high tensile elastic modulus range, wherein an inflection point between the low tensile elastic modulus range and the high tensile elastic modulus range lies between 2% elongation and 7% elongation of the cord, and a tensile force required to cause 2% elongation of the band cord is not more than 60 Newton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Fukumoto
  • Patent number: 8479793
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tire with a belt having relatively high durability by improving fatigue resistance of cords at end portions of a circumferential belt layer, in particular, and especially proposes a radial tire for heavy load, having a relatively small aspect ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Yoshikawa, Makoto Tsuruta
  • Patent number: 8479794
    Abstract: A tape dispenser adapted to dispense lengths of adhesive tape from a roll of adhesive tape wound upon a cylindrical tape core having a first sidewall, a second sidewall generally parallel to the first sidewall, a hub structure and a tape retaining tab extending inwardly from at least one of the first and second sidewalls. A rearwardly extending tongue is supported between the sidewall front portions, the tongue includes a rear edge approaching the tape retaining tab and defining therewith a gap. An unwound portion of the tape passes through the gap between the retaining tab and the tongue, and the tongue is movable between a first position for holding the unwound portion of the tape against the tape retaining tab and a second position allowing the unwound portion of the tape to separate from the retaining tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Shurtech Brands, LLC
    Inventor: Brian A. Vulpitta
  • Patent number: 8479795
    Abstract: A three-dimensional object fabrication apparatus is disclosed. A housing encloses a work area having at least two distinct zones including a fabrication zone and an assembly zone. Digital data defining geometry for a three-dimensional object to be fabricated is passed via an interface to a processor within the housing. A fabrication mechanism in the fabrication zone to fabricates sub-elements where each sub-element corresponds to a portion of the object substantially consistent with the digital data. An assembly mechanism in the assembly zone joins the sub-elements in relative alignment to form the object defined by the geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Synerdyne Corporation
    Inventor: Mark S. Knighton
  • Patent number: 8479796
    Abstract: The embodiment relates to a cover strip machine and process for removing a golf ball cover for recycling purposes. The cover strip machine may comprise four or more rotating gears. The process comprises heating a golf ball, distorting a golf ball, placing a golf ball in a cover strip machine to remove the cover, and separating gear pairs with a driver to remove the golf ball core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Takahisa Ono
  • Patent number: 8479797
    Abstract: The apparatus and method disclosed is for removing labels from surfaces, especially from pharmaceutical vials. Each vial is brought into a travel path where it is moved forward by a linear driver. The vial is first pushed through a circular array of slitter blades to create a series of longitudinal slits in the label. The vial is next pushed through a circular array of scraper blades that remove the label segments between each pair of slits. The label segment residue is discarded through a vacuum system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Richard F Hurst
  • Patent number: 8479798
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include movable partitions and devices, methods and systems that help to limit or prevent lateral displacement of movable partitions. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a movable partition includes two structures, each structure having a first plurality of panels, and each panel being hingedly coupled to an adjacent panel. The two panels are each supported from an overhead track at laterally spaced locations. One or more lateral restraint devices are supported from the overhead track at a location between the two laterally spaced structures. The lateral restraint device may include a trolley disposed in a channel of the overhead track and an elongated member coupled with the trolley and extending away from the trolley to a location proximate a lower edge of the first structure and a lower edge of the second structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventor: E. Carl Goodman
  • Patent number: 8479799
    Abstract: The invention relates to a louver blind having louvers (1) that can be pivoted about a vertical axis, displaceably held at both ends thereof by louver holders (2) extending beyond the louver width between an upper and a lower guide track (3). The louver holders (2) are hereby connected to each other by carriages (4) displaceable in the guide tracks (3) and aligned in parallel to each other, and can be pivoted by synchronously driven drive device disposed in the carriages (4). In order to make the installation of the louver blind—or optionally the removal thereof—easier, according to the invention, decoupleable permanent magnets (16, 18) are provided for connecting between the louver mounts (2) and the carriages (4). Said arrangement has the further advantage that the connections can automatically release when critical tension or rotational forces are exceeded, so that damage can be prevented in the connecting parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Trietex Antriebstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Hügin
  • Patent number: 8479800
    Abstract: A curtain system is described which includes a curtain having a plurality of rod engaging members attached thereto, a plurality of rods each having a first end, and a curtain release mechanism attached to each rod at the first end thereof. The rod engaging members each include a stem having a first end and a second end, the first end of the stem configured for engagement with the curtain release mechanism, and a keyway formed in the stem and proximate the first end of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: ICP Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph A. Graneto, III, William P. Peters
  • Patent number: 8479801
    Abstract: A fabric closure, and enclosure, are provided for cargo containers, including a fabric panel formed of high-strength yarns, and a selectively closeable opening formed in the fabric panel for access therethrough, the selectively closeable opening having a substantially vertical opening, and a slide fastener for closure thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Composite Structures, LLC
    Inventors: John E. Holland, Connie W. Holland, Daniel M. Nathan
  • Patent number: 8479802
    Abstract: Direct chill casting that allows for the continuous or serial introduction of an inert fluid into the coolant stream during casting while allowing for stoppage of the coolant flow and introduction of only inert fluid as the coolant in the event of a “bleed out” or “run out”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Almex USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravindra V. Tilak, Rodney W. Wirtz, Ronald M. Streigle
  • Patent number: 8479803
    Abstract: An evaporator includes a plurality of tubes stacked in a row and each of the tubes has a pair of plates coupled with each other. Each of the pair of plates includes a pair of refrigerant passages in an air flow direction at opposite sides thereof. The evaporator further has a cold reserving part between the refrigerant passages for storing a cold reserving material; a plurality of fins formed between the tubes; a tank including an upper tank respectively communicated with upper portions of the pair of refrigerant passages and a lower tank respectively communicated with lower portions of the pair of refrigerant passages; and an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe formed at the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Halla Climate Control Corp.
    Inventors: Hong-Young Lim, Dae Bok Keon, Tae Young Park
  • Patent number: 8479804
    Abstract: An exemplary heat dissipation device includes a fan having fixing cylinders, a heat sink having a supporting board, and fasteners fixing the fan to the heat sink. Each fastener includes a screwing pole, a first elastic member and a second elastic member encircling the screwing pole, and a fastening cylinder engaging with the screwing pole. Each screwing pole includes a head, a shaft extending coaxially downwardly from the head, and a post extending coaxially downwardly from the shaft. For each fastener, the screwing pole extends through a corresponding fixing cylinder of the fan, the first elastic member is compressed between the head and the corresponding fixing cylinder, the second elastic member is compressed between the corresponding fixing cylinder and the fastening cylinder, and the post protrudes from the fastening cylinder and is engaged with the supporting board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jian Liu
  • Patent number: 8479805
    Abstract: A heat-dissipating assembly includes a body and a bottom plate. The body has a heat-absorbing portion. The interior of the heat-absorbing portion is provided with a chamber covered by the bottom plate. The chamber has an evaporating region for generating a high pressure, and a condensing region for generating a low pressure. The pressure gradient between the evaporating region and the condensing region is used to drive the circulation of liquid/vapor phase of a working fluid. With this structure, heat can be conducted rapidly without providing any wick structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Asia Vital Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shyy-Woei Chang, Kuei-Feng Chiang
  • Patent number: 8479806
    Abstract: An improved two-phase micro-channel heat sink has a plurality of flow micro-channels extending in parallel in a longitudinal direction for accommodating a flow of liquid coolant therein, and a plurality of cross-connected micro-channels extending in parallel in a transverse direction formed at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction for cross-connecting with the flow micro-channels. The cross-connected micro-channels enable a uniform pressure field to be maintained for two-phase flow boiling of liquid coolant in the heat sink. In a preferred embodiment, the heat sink contains flow micro-channels with width of 100 ?m, wall thickness of 100 ?m, and height of 600 ?m, and cross-connected micro-channels of similar width and height cut at 1 mm intervals along the flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: University of Hawaii
    Inventor: Weilin Qu
  • Patent number: 8479807
    Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive technology may provide a leaked fluid detection and response system in one aspect, and in another aspect, an environmental enclosure for at least a component of such leaked fluid detection system. Various embodiments of the leaked fluid detection and response system may provide wireless communication of detected leaks and a PLC that automates response and provides information regarding the presence of a leak. Enclosures may, in various embodiments, comprehensively surround enclosed components, thermally insulate enclosed components, include a leaked fluid capture basin, be aerodynamically streamlined, and/or be vermin-tight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: UR Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Short
  • Patent number: 8479808
    Abstract: Apparatuses for restricting fluid flow through a well conduit comprise a tubular member having a radially expandable seat member disposed within the tubular member. The radially expandable seat member comprises one or more arcuate members, each having first and second ends. The radially expandable seat member comprises a first position in which the first and second ends are disposed relative to each other to provide a first inner diameter opening through the radially expandable seat member for receiving a plug element, and a second position in which the first and second ends are moved radially outward relative to one another to provide a second inner diameter opening through the radially expandable seat member, the second inner diameter being greater than the first inner diameter thereby facilitating the plug element passing through the radially expandable seat member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Varun Gouthaman
  • Patent number: 8479809
    Abstract: An antiextrusion backup system includes an inner expandable backup ring having a first set of slots. An outer expandable backup ring having a second set of slots wherein the outer expandable back up ring is rotationally locked to the inner expandable backup ring to prevent an extrusion gap in an expanded condition of the backup rings. A method for operating within a tubular is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Graham E. Farquhar
  • Patent number: 8479810
    Abstract: Downhole apparatus comprises a base pipe and a plurality of non-concentric pressure deformable chambers mounted externally on the pipe. The chambers may be inflated to increase the diameter of the apparatus and engage and support a surrounding bore wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Paul David Metcalfe
  • Patent number: 8479811
    Abstract: The invention relates to base pipe with slots cut into the peripheral wall to form compaction absorber segments that are arranged to permit the base pipe to be compacted in length without buckling or transferring excessive compressive forces to other pipe sections when a poorly consolidated formation shrinks due to production from the formation. Over time, the slots close as the base pipe shrinks in length and production continues through conventional holes in the base pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Kenji Furui, Giin-Fa Fuh, Srinagesh K. Marti, Luke Forrester Eaton
  • Patent number: 8479812
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes a well bore extending from the surface to the subterranean zone, and a well bore pattern connected to the junction and operable to drain fluid from a region of the subterranean zone to the junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Vitruvian Exploration, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Alan Zupanich
  • Patent number: 8479813
    Abstract: Methods to enhance biogenic gas production in an anaerobic geologic formation containing carbonaceous material may include the steps of accessing the anaerobic formation, increasing a rate of production of the biogenic gases in the anaerobic formation, and flowing formation water within the anaerobic formation after the increase in the production of biogenic gases. Methods to redistribute formation water in an anaerobic geologic formation containing carbonaceous material may include the steps of locating a reservoir of the formation water within the anaerobic formation, forming at least one channel between the reservoir and at least a portion of the carbonaceous material, and transporting the formation water from the reservoir to the carbonaceous material through the channel. The methods may also include the accumulation of biogenic gas in an anaerobic geologic formation to enhance biogenic gas production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: LUCA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Verlin Dannar, Robert S. Pfeiffer, Roland P. DeBruyn, Shane Bower, Glenn A. Ulrich, Jeffrey L. Weber, David Brock, Jim Ford, Travis Meyers, Mark Finkelstein
  • Patent number: 8479814
    Abstract: An enhanced oil recovery method is provided. This method includes; introducing a first essentially pure oxygen stream into a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation traversed by at least one injection well and at least one production well, and initiating and sustaining in-situ combustion in the vicinity of the injection well. This method also includes introducing a second essentially pure oxygen stream and a hydrocarbon-containing fuel gas stream into the combustion device of a power generation system, wherein the combustion device produces an exhaust gas stream comprising water and carbon dioxide. This method also includes separating the exhaust gas stream into a stream of essentially pure water, and a stream of essentially pure carbon dioxide, and introducing at least a portion of the essentially pure carbon dioxide stream into the subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation prior to initiating the in-situ combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.
    Inventor: Errico De Francesco
  • Patent number: 8479815
    Abstract: A system for supplying water to a desalination plant from a subsurface feedwater supply using one or more slant or horizontally directionally drilled (“HDD”) wells, and for concentrate disposal (e.g., injection of brine). A method for constructing a slant or HDD well feedwater supply system for supplying water from a subsurface feedwater supply or to inject concentrate into a subsea aquifer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: GEOSCIENCE Support Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis E. Williams
  • Patent number: 8479816
    Abstract: The application is directed to a hydraulic fracturing method and can be used for enhancement of the well production. The method for enhancement of fracture conductivity comprises the chemical treatment of the fracture surface and the space between the proppant pillars over the protective mask formed by material precipitated out from the proppant pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy Michael Lesko
  • Patent number: 8479817
    Abstract: A system for curing lost circulation is made of fibers and a material able to stick fibers in a network when activated. Such activation can be temperature or pH change or both. The fibers can be metallic amorphous fibers, metallic non-amorphous fibers, glass fibers, carbon fibers, polymeric fibers and combinations thereof. The material can be a fiber coating or an additional material, for example polyvinyl alcohol, polyurethane and heat activated epoxy resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Nikhil Shindgikar, Jesse Lee
  • Patent number: 8479818
    Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus (40) comprising: a setting section (1) surrounded by a first sleeve (2), said first sleeve being expandable and impermeable to a material; an inflating means (1a, 3a) for inflating said first sleeve, said inflating means ensuring that the first sleeve can be in contact with a first zone (60a) of a tube (10) which is permeable to said material, so that said first zone of said tube becomes impermeable to said material; and further comprising a second sleeve portion (4) partially permeable to said material on a second zone (60A?) and attached to said first sleeve so that: a path (2a) is provided between said first sleeve and said second sleeve portion and so that, when the first sleeve is inflated the second zone can be in contact with said tube allowing the material to flow in the path and through the second zone. Also, the invention discloses the associated method for treatment of a near zone and/or a far zone of a well with the disclosed apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Christophe Rayssiguier, Denis Prost, Mickael Allouche
  • Patent number: 8479819
    Abstract: A method of consolidating a fracture in a formation comprises injecting a solution of an alkali metal silicate into the formation causing the solution to react with the surfaces of the calcium containing inorganic compound deposits, locking the fine material on these surfaces in place and preventing fines generation during production in a well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Simon James
  • Patent number: 8479820
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a heat dissipating apparatus includes a chassis positionable within a housing of a downhole tool. The heat dissipating apparatus also includes a heat sink coupled to the chassis and a displacement mechanism coupled to the heat sink. The displacement mechanism is actuatable to move the heat sink, with respect to the chassis, between a first position and a second position such that in the first position the heat sink is radially retracted toward the chassis to form a gap between the heat sink and the housing and such that in the second position the heat sink is radially extended from the chassis to contact the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Anmol Kaul, Lennox E. Reid, Jr., Bill Grant
  • Patent number: 8479821
    Abstract: A carrier assembly having at least one sealing cup, a fluid bypass and adjustable wash nozzles, as well as a spear assembly having a central through bore, are attached to the distal end of a length of continuous tubing and inserted in to the flow bore of a pipeline. Fluid is pumped through the annular space between the carrier assembly and the pipeline, providing motive force for advancing the carrier assembly within the pipeline. Fluid can bypass the carrier assembly, enter the central bore of the spear assembly, and return to the surface through the central bore of the continuous tubing. A stuck pig or other obstruction is speared, and thereafter retrieved from the pipeline on the continuous tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: James (Jim Bob) R. Crawford, Jamie B. Crawford, Joseph W. Elsbury, III
  • Patent number: 8479822
    Abstract: A downhole tool comprising a housing having at least one flow port disposed providing a communication path between the interior and exterior of the sleeve. A sleeve assembly has an expandable seat and an inner sleeve, and is moveable within the housing between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the sleeve assembly is radially positioned between the flow ports and the flowpath to substantially prevent fluid communication. Shearable port inserts are positioned within the flow ports, with each port insert having a shearable portion extending into the interior of the housing and engaging the sleeve assembly when the inner sleeve is in said first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: Raymond Hofman, Steve Jackson
  • Patent number: 8479823
    Abstract: A plug counter including a j-slot sleeve; a helix sleeve in operable communication with the j-slot sleeve such that axial movement of the j-slot sleeve causes rotational movement of the helix sleeve; an anti-rotation sleeve disposed about the helix sleeve and having a keyway therein; and a key disposed in the keyway and responsive to movement of the helix sleeve and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Hector H. Mireles
  • Patent number: 8479824
    Abstract: A power slip extends a joint from tubing disposed in casing at a well so that a casing head can install on the casing and the tubing can be packed-off from the casing. The joint attaches to an inner sleeve having collet members that fit onto the inner tubing so that the joint extends thereabove. An outer sleeve and interlocking collet assemble together and install onto the inner sleeve. The collet threads onto the inner sleeve and forces the outer sleeve downward onto the inner sleeve. Being forced, the outer sleeve causes the collet members to engage around the inner tubing. The casing head then installs on the casing with the joint extending up through the head's bowl. An H-plate installs in the open bowl around the extended joint, and another pack-off installs on the joint to pack it off from a spool attaching to the casing head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Travis, Elizabeth A. McClain, Paul Perez, Brandon M. Cain
  • Patent number: 8479825
    Abstract: Method, crane system and crane for moving a component of a device. The crane includes a supporting mechanism configured to be fixedly attached to the device, an arm mechanism connected to the supporting mechanism and configured to move in a horizontal plane, a sliding mechanism connected to the arm mechanism and configured to move substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and a grabbing mechanism configured to be removably attached to the sliding mechanism and configured to grab the component of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hydril USA Manufacturing LLC
    Inventors: Leonard Childers, John Millican
  • Patent number: 8479827
    Abstract: A disconnect device comprises a tubular member having a window for receiving an engagement member, and a sleeve having connected and disconnected positions. The engagement member engages with a component of a downhole string to connect the disconnect device to the rest of the string such as through a helically-shaped thread disposed on the engagement member and on the component. The window can comprise at least one wall that is outwardly tapered so as to prevent the engagement member from passing through the window when the tubular member is disconnected from the component of the string. The engagement member is maintained within the window by the sleeve when in its connected position to maintain the connection between the tubular member and the component. When moved to its disconnected position, the engagement member disengages the component by moving inwardly into the bore of the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: John P. Davis
  • Patent number: 8479828
    Abstract: Wellhead control line deployment involves replacing the seat/retainer plate of a master valve of the wellhead with a modified retainer plate. The retainer plate defines a first port communicating from a central opening of the plate to outside the plate. A modified bonnet installs on the master valve, and the bonnet has two ports, one communicating with the first port in the retainer plate and the second communicating with a needle valve port. The communication ports are linked by a tube with outside diameter seals that inserts between the retainer plate and the bonnet. A control line hanger can be retained by locking into an adapter sleeve or directly in the back-pressure valve threads of a tubing hanger. The adapter sleeve can be attached to the retainer plate or have a collet to snap into the back-pressure valve threads of the tubing hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Travis, Eric Calzoncinth