Patents Issued in December 17, 2013
  • Patent number: 8607831
    Abstract: A cup conveyor and holder device (1) for a beverage dispensing machine comprises a body (2) into which cups (C1-C3) are vertically dropped for filling with a drink and/or being delivered to the user; the internal surface of the body (2) is provided with at least two steps (3, 4, 8) transversal to the cup dropping direction (X), at different heights of said body (2) with respect to the same direction (X), for vertically supporting said cups (C1, C2, C3) at different diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Rhea Vendors, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luca Doglioni Majer
  • Patent number: 8607832
    Abstract: A vacuum seal valve is applied to a lid for the air-tight closing of a container for the packaging of products, particularly food products, including a closing body arranged for sealing a hole for evacuating air from the container, from which at least one punching member stems that is adapted to pierce the lid closing the container so as to form such evacuating hole. A reciprocating mechanical vacuum pump, with manual actuation, evacuates air from a container arranged for the vacuum packaging of products, for example food products, via application of the vacuum sealing valve. The pump has, at its base, a recess adapted to form a housing for retaining the valve, whereby the lowering movement of the plunger allows driving the valve in a lid of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: F.A.C.E.M. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Ferlito, Davide Demartini, Davide Adriano, Gabriele Adriano
  • Patent number: 8607833
    Abstract: A routing machine comprises a plunge post, an electric motor, and a motor housing slideably connected to the plunge post. The motor housing defines an upper surface. A lockpiece selectively engages the plunge post between a locked position and an unlocked position. The lockpiece is allowed to slide relative to the plunge post along with the electric motor and motor housing when the lockpiece is in an unlocked position. The lockpiece is configured to lock in place relative to the plunge post and limit the extent to which the electric motor and motor housing may slide relative to the plunge post when the lockpiece is in the locked position. A fine adjustment mechanism is moveably connected to the lockpiece. The fine adjustment mechanism is configured to move the electric motor and motor housing relative to the plunge post when the lockpiece is in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: David Pozgay, Tim Truesdale
  • Patent number: 8607834
    Abstract: A production layout for an LCD is provided. The production layout for an LCD includes a bonding part operable to bond a pair of substrates for the LCD with a sealant and a hardening part operable to harden the sealant. The hardening part includes an ion provider operable to supply ions to the substrates during a hardening process of the sealant. The production layout further includes a transfer unit that loads and unloads the bonded substrates. Footprint and tact time for manufacturing the LCD may be reduced. Electrostatic removal effect of the bonded substrates may improve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae Ho Shin
  • Patent number: 8607835
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing. A fiber layer and a first porous bonding layer are formed to form a unidirectional lay-up of fibers. The unidirectional lay-up of fibers is heated under pressure to form a unidirectional composite tape. A first plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape is laid down to build a first layer from the unidirectional composite tape. A second plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape is laid down to build a second layer from the unidirectional composite tape on the first layer at a predetermined angle from the first layer. At least one of the first and second plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape are slit while laying down the first and second plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape. A composite fabric is formed from the first and second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Thomas Karl Tsotsis
  • Patent number: 8607836
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to converting lines for manufacturing absorbent articles, and more particularly, to converting lines having modular process equipment modules and converting mechanisms reconfigurable for making different absorbent articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Patrick John Healey, Stoyan Lokar, Daniel Jon Amundson, James Jay Benner, Jose Mauricio Berrizbeitia
  • Patent number: 8607837
    Abstract: An apparatus for stripping metal from a cathode plate, the apparatus comprising stripping means adapted for positioning between the metal and the cathode plate in order to separate the metal from the cathode plate, and wherein movement of the stripping means is achieved through movement of a robotic arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Xstrata Technology Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Anthony John Ruddell, Per Ola Eriksson, Jason Cameron Schulte, Gavin Jeffery Tang Sue Yek
  • Patent number: 8607838
    Abstract: A retractable cover for architectural openings having collapsible vanes includes a support structure in the form of a sheet of material, monofilaments, tapes, ribbons, cords, or the like, supporting an upper edge of a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally extending vanes with the lower edges of the vanes in most embodiments of the invention being connected to operating elements adapted to raise the lower edges of each vane toward the upper edges to define openings or gaps between the vanes through which vision and light can pass in an open condition of the covering. Variations of the covering do not require movement of a lower edge of a vane relative to an upper edge but simply movement of some vanes relative to other vanes. The vanes can be made of materials having different flexibilities and where more rigid materials are used, creased fold lines can be established for desired operability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Marjorie G. Harper, Daniel M. Fogarty, David P. Hartman, Ralph G. Jelic, Kristi K. Kopecky
  • Patent number: 8607839
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a window blind within a multi-pane window. A window blind disposed between first and second panes includes a plurality of slats. Raise/lower and tilt lines are coupled to the slats. A carriage housing is disposed between the panes proximate a side edge thereof. A tilt strip is disposed within the carriage housing and coupled to the tilt lines. An inner carriage disposed within the carriage housing includes an upper portion coupled to the raise/lower lines to actuate raising and lowering the slats, and a lower portion coupled to the tilt strip to actuate tilting the slats. An external carriage is adjacent the exterior surface and aligned with and magnetically coupled to the inner carriage. The external carriage is linearly movable to move the inner carriage. A method of adjusting a window blind within a multi-pane window is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventor: David Barry Berger
  • Patent number: 8607840
    Abstract: A roller shutter comprises a series of links (2), each of which has a link plate (7) which determines two main surfaces (10, 11), two opposite longitudinal edges (8, 9) and two opposite transverse edges (12, 13), as well as eccentric hinge parts (4-6) which are situated near the longitudinal edges (8, 9), in each case two links (7) being hingedly connected to one another by means of the hinge parts (4-6), which series of links (2) can be brought into a rolled-up state, in which the links (2) are rotated with respect to one another, and an unrolled state in which the links (2) determine a substantially flat plane. Closure means (18) are provided on the longitudinal edges (8, 9), by means of which the link plates (7) are closed off with respect to one another in the unrolled, flat state of the series of link plates (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Stayl GmbH
    Inventor: Allegonda Petronella Gerarda Beulen
  • Patent number: 8607841
    Abstract: In a roll screen device, inner rails are embedded inside fixed guide rails which guide protrusions at side edges of a screen which is wound via a take-up shaft. Each inner rail has a guide groove in which the guide protrusion is inserted, and inward flanges are provided at an opening of the guide groove. Rail members have outer side protrusions and inner side protrusion of different heights at both side edges of a rail base plate. The higher outer side protrusions are confronting. A micro gap extends between the lower inner side protrusions into the guide groove such that the micro gap is opposed to a guide gap formed between the opposed inward flanges. The guide protrusion is slid and guided in a come-off preventing state by the inner side protrusion, so that an extremely thin fastener element can be used as the guide protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hayashiguchi Mfg Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Norio Hayashiguchi
  • Patent number: 8607842
    Abstract: A door assembly having a flexible door panel wound and unwound on a drum or the like to selectively block or permit access through an opening, the flexible door panel having a stiffness, a width, and a length. The door assembly further includes vertically extending side columns disposed on opposite sides of the opening, the side columns being configured to engage a marginal edge of the flexible panel to vertically guide the panel while opening or closing. Attached to a leading edge of the door panel is a bottom bar having a greater stiffness than the door panel and a narrower width than a distance between the vertical panel guide assemblies. Bottom bar guides are disposed proximate a lower portion of the opening and are configured to engage a portion of the bottom bar only when the bottom bar is located in at least a partially closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Rytec Corporation
    Inventor: Brian Norbert Drifka
  • Patent number: 8607843
    Abstract: A sunshade device including: a sunshade; a stay to which one edge of the sunshade is fixed; a windup shaft to which the other edge of the sunshade is fixed; a first support member supporting one end of the windup shaft to rotate relative thereto and move relative thereto in a longitudinal direction of the windup shaft, and mounted at a vehicle; a second support member supporting the other end of the windup shaft to rotate relative thereto and move relative thereto in the longitudinal direction of the windup shaft, and mounted at the vehicle; and a biasing member configured to pivotally bias the windup shaft against the second support member. The windup shaft includes a restricted portion at the other end thereof, and the second support member includes a rotation restricting portion and a rotation releasing portion formed to be adjacent to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeaki Oya
  • Patent number: 8607844
    Abstract: A screening for separating a protected area from a more accessible area includes a plurality of vertical supports with panels retained between the supports. The upper or lower ends of the panel are retained on pivot pins while the end of the panel opposite the pivot pins is removably locked to the support. The locking structure includes a latch that can be released from a position outside the enclosure and a lock that is lockable and unlockable from inside the enclosure. When the lock is actuated, the latch cannot be unlatched until the lock is subsequently unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Sergio Meza, Matthew Johnson, Mark Douglas Wynne
  • Patent number: 8607845
    Abstract: A vehicle awning framework comprises a base stand (1), above which a pair of driving axles (2) is parallelly arranged from the front to the rear. A pair of driving axle supports (3) is sleeved on each driving axle(2). Two shaft gears(4) are sleeved respectively at the two ends of said driving axle(2), and respectively fixedly connected with a driving axle supports(3). The two ends of the driving axle (2) are respectively fixedly connected with a gear connection connectors (5) through which a laterally-turning axle (6) rotated around the gear connecting connectors (5) is arranged. The laterally-turning axle (6) rotates around itself when it turns outward, so that laterally-turning shafts (8) on the laterally-turning axle (6) are spread to the left and right sides, and the awning can be closed and folded entirely along with the turning of the laterally-turning shafts (8). Therefore the vehicle awning framework can be operated automatically and easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Meizhong Wu
  • Patent number: 8607846
    Abstract: A mold includes a first groove part and a second groove part. The first groove part extends with a constant length or a constant width from a center part to an outer circumferential part of the mold. The second groove part extends from a terminal end of the first groove part on an outer circumferential part side of the first groove and merges with any portion of the first groove part. A molding manufacturing method includes manufacturing a preform by semimolten die casting or semisolid die casting using the mold. The method may also include removing a portion of the preform corresponding to the second groove part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignees: Daikin Industries, Ltd., Kogi Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Yamamoto, Mikio Kajiwara, Ryohei Deguchi, Toshio Ohkado, Shuichi Shikai, Susumu Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 8607847
    Abstract: A method of continuously casting thin strip dynamically controlling roll casting surface configuation by controlling the temperature of water flowing through the longitudinal water flow passages in a cyclindrical tube thickness of no more than 80 millimeters of counter rotated casting rolls, and varying the speed of the casting rolls with attenuation of the ends of the casting rolls with a casting roll drive system responsive to electrical signals received from sensors during a casting campaign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Nucor Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Schlichting, Walter N. Blejde, Mike Schueren, Rama Ballav Mahapatra
  • Patent number: 8607848
    Abstract: A method of continuously casting thin strip dynamically controlling roll casting surface configuration by controlling the temperature of water flowing through the longitudinal water flow passages in a cylindrical tube thickness of no more than 80 millimeters of counter rotated casting rolls, and varying the speed of the casting rolls with attenuation of the ends of the casting rolls with a casting roll drive system responsive to electrical signals received from sensors during a casting campaign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Nucor Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Schlichting, Walter N. Blejde, Mike Schueren, Rama Ballav Mahapatra
  • Patent number: 8607849
    Abstract: A heat radiating fin includes a flat body having a front side and a rear side, a plurality of protruded portions formed on the front side of the flat body, and a plurality of recessed portions correspondingly formed on the rear side of the flat body behind the protruded portions. The protruded portions on the flat body of a first heat radiating fin are partially extendable into corresponding recessed portions on the flat body of a second heat radiating fin located before the first one, allowing the first and the second heat radiating fins to be easily and stably stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Asia Vital Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Sheng Lin
  • Patent number: 8607850
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a heat-exchange section including a first group of tubes and a second group of tubes alternating with the first group of tubes. The first and second groups of tubes are in contact with a heat-conductive medium. In one structure, a first inlet manifold at a first end of the heat-exchange section is fluidly coupled to first ends of the first group of tubes. A first outlet manifold is isolated from the first inlet manifold and is fluidly coupled to first ends of the second group of tubes. A second inlet manifold at a second end of the heat-exchange section is fluidly coupled to second ends of the second group of tubes. A second outlet manifold is isolated from the second inlet manifold and is fluidly coupled to second ends of the first group of tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Kappes, Cassiday & Associates
    Inventors: Daniel W. Kappes, Dustin J. Albin
  • Patent number: 8607851
    Abstract: A total heat exchanging element includes a partitioning component to which a water-soluble moisture-absorbing agent has been added that is a component partitioning between a first laminar air-flow path and a second laminar air-flow path that are layered; a spacing component that forms the first laminar air-flow path and the second laminar air-flow path and maintains a space between adjacent partitioning components; and an adhesive agent that adheres the partitioning component and the spacing component. The adhesive agent is a water-solvent-type adhesive agent impregnated with a water-soluble moisture-absorbing agent. The partitioning component and the spacing component are made from a liquid-absorbing material that absorbs water and substances dissolved in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Takada, Hidemoto Arai, Takanori Imai, Yoichi Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 8607852
    Abstract: A distribution pipe (100) for a heat exchanger (300) including at least two parallel channels for a first medium exchanging heat with a second medium comprises a distribution portion (110) provided with a number of holes (120) provided on positions corresponding to the position of the parallel channels. A fitting portion (140) is in fluid communication with the distribution portion (110) and placed at one end of such distribution portion (110), wherein the fitting portion is provided with a brazing surface (150) adapted to be brazed onto an end plate (200) or a start plate (320).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Swep International AB
    Inventors: Fredrik Strömer, Sven Andersson, Thomas Dahlberg, Svante Hoberg, Dirk Sterner
  • Patent number: 8607853
    Abstract: A heat exchanger modular unit (100) configured to be assembled with like units to form a heat exchanger. Each modular unit includes an elongate conduit (101) and connection means (102) configured to enable the modular units to be assembled together. Each elongate conduit (101) includes at least one internal bore through which a heat transfer fluid is capable of flowing. In particular, the connection means is formed non-integrally with the conduit enabling different materials to be used for both components. The conduit and connection means are bonded together using suitable bonding techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Modular Heat Exchangers Limited
    Inventors: Wayne Nelson, Jason Swift, Glen Nelson
  • Patent number: 8607854
    Abstract: A fluid heat transfer device includes a multi-pipe arrangement for transporting fluids of temperature difference in counter flow directions on same end sides of a first transfer pipe and second transfer pipe having a parallel arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8607855
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air-conditioning system for a motor-driven vehicle, having a refrigerant circuit (20) with a plurality of heat exchangers (4, 24) through which a refrigerant can be conducted for an exchange of heat with the air which flows through them, with it being possible for the heat exchangers (4, 24) to be operated as heaters or as evaporators as a function of the operating state of the air-conditioning system, and at least one third heat exchanger (16) is provided in the refrigerant circuit (20), which third heat exchanger (16) serves for an exchange of heat with a coolant circuit (13) which is formed separately from the refrigerant circuit (20). The vehicle can be both a motor vehicle and also a fuel-cell-driven vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignees: Behr GmbH & Co. KG, Behr America, Inc., Behr France Rouffach SAS
    Inventors: Günther Feuerecker, Karl Lochmahr, Frank Müller, Dirk Neumeister, Thomas Strauβ, Marcus Weinbrenner, Richard Obradovich, Gunnar Schlinke, Christophe Schmittheisler
  • Patent number: 8607856
    Abstract: A cable head for petroleum logging includes a first connector and a second connector; there is a tension rod between the first connector and the second connector; a first piston, a second piston and a third piston are successively provided on the upper part, the middle part and the lower part of the first connector; the diameter of the second piston is greater than the diameters of the first and third piston respectively; the first and second piston are sealed and mounted inside a first cylinder; the third piston is sealed and mounted inside a second cylinder; the lower part of the second cylinder is fixedly connected with the second connector; a balance cavity is formed between the lower end face of the second piston and the upper end face of the second cylinder when the lower end face of the first cylinder is contacted with the upper end face of second cylinder; the balance cavity communicates with the external by a passage on the first or second cylinder; an axial projected area of the lower end face of th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Tong Oil Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guoan Zhang, Jiafu Zhang, Jianlong Cheng
  • Patent number: 8607857
    Abstract: A debris removal tool has a lower end pickup hose into which debris laden fluid is pulled when there is circulation through the debris removal tool from the surface. An anchor near the open end of the hose stabilizes the lower end near a recess or groove from which debris is to be removed. Once the anchor is set the hose can be extended or retracted as well as rotated on its axis to pick up debris. A camera can be located in or near the hose opening to be able to see where the debris is located and for confirmation that the debris is being removed and that the debris has fully been removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gerald D. Lynde, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 8607858
    Abstract: A whipstock features a spiral ramp so that, in a horizontal run, access to a milled window with other tools is not impeded because such tools can traverse onto the ramp and still be directed to the window. Angular rotation of the ramp can be at 180° or more and the pitch is selected to avoid getting the equipment being advanced into a bind. Optionally, a guide track can be configured into the whipstock ramp to help the mill follow the spiral path until the proper orientation is obtained and the track ends to allow separation of the mill from the track. A slot can be provided near the ramp upper end to aid in retrieval operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Graeme D. McKay, Christopher W. Guidry, Paul L. Connell, David B. Haughton
  • Patent number: 8607859
    Abstract: A well is drilled and casing installed utilizing a casing drilling technique. A bottom hole assembly having a drill bit and a fluid diverter is secured to a string of drill pipe and installed within a casing string. Drilling fluid is pumped down the drill pipe string to cause the drill bit to rotate and drill the well while the fluid diverter is in a drilling mode position. At the total depth for the casing string, the operator moves the fluid diverter to a cementing position and pumps cement down the drill pipe and up the casing string annulus. After cementing, the operator moves the fluid diverter to a packer set position and again pumps drilling fluid down the drill string to set the packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Erik P. Eriksen
  • Patent number: 8607860
    Abstract: A collet assembly has a housing and the collets disposed on flexible fingers connected to the housing at their opposed ends. A surrounding landing sleeve stops the assembly so that collets are aligned with a recess in a landing collar that is part of a surrounding tubing string. Once set the landing sleeve transmits compressive loads so that compressive stress essentially bypasses the finger structure supporting the collets. The fingers are initially tapered toward a longitudinal axis so that when internally supported they assume an aligned orientation to the housing axis to allow greater tensile loading and to provide a retraction force when the housing is to be removed after the collet support is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus A. Avant, Douglas J. Murray
  • Patent number: 8607861
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a first portion having a first metal protrusion configured to seal against a first metal surface and a second portion having a second metal protrusion configured to seal against a second metal surface. A ratcheting device includes a first element having a plurality of grooves, and a second element having at least two sets of teeth, wherein one of the at least two sets of teeth engages the plurality of grooves. Additionally, a method of forming a downhole seal includes disposing in a wellbore a downhole tool including an inner tubular, a lock ring, a lower ring, an upper ring, an insert ring, and a deformable element. The method further includes moving a wedge sleeve axially downward with respect to the downhole tool such that the wedge sleeve engages the deformable ring and forces a first metal protrusion on the deformable element into contact with an outer tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Saylor, III, Sudarsanam Chellappa
  • Patent number: 8607862
    Abstract: A method is for conveying bitumen or heavy oil in a deposit is provided. The bitumen or very heavy oil is liquefied by way of an inductive conductor loop as a heater and is led away using an extraction pipe, wherein the conductor loop and the extraction pipe are disposed relative to one another such that the heating and thus extraction of bitumen or very heavy oil is maximized. To this end, one of the conductors of the conductor loop is disposed substantially vertically above the extraction pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dirk Diehl, Norbert Huber
  • Patent number: 8607863
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore extending from a surface and penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The method comprises placing a workstring in the wellbore, wherein the workstring comprises at least a first downhole tool, a signal receiver subassembly, and a conveyance between the first downhole tool and the surface. The method further comprises the signal receiver subassembly receiving a first signal generated by contact between the wellbore and the workstring and initiating a first function of the first downhole tool based on the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Donald Kyle, Pete Dagenais
  • Patent number: 8607864
    Abstract: A method of determining when to stop pumping proppant during hydraulic fracturing in a wellbore is described. By accurately detecting tip screen-out with a bottom hole pressure gauge mounted to a perforating gun, the optimal amount of proppant can be supplied to a fracture while avoiding the risks associated with wellbore screen-out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Trevor Mcleod, Abbas Mahdi
  • Patent number: 8607865
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for mineral oil extraction by means of Winsor Type III microemulsion flooding, in which an aqueous surfactant formulation comprising at least one ionic surfactant of the general formula R1—O-(D)n-(B)m-(A)l-XY?M+ is injected through injection boreholes into a mineral oil deposit, and crude oil is withdrawn from the deposit through production boreholes. The invention further relates to ionic surfactants of the general formula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Christian Bittner, Günter Oetter, Jack Tinsley, Christian Spindler, Gabriela Alvarez-Jüergenson, Sophie Vogel
  • Patent number: 8607866
    Abstract: The present embodiment is a method for decreasing the time required for a start-up phase in a steam assisted gravity drainage production. The present method begins by forming a steam assisted gravity drainage production well pair within a formation comprising an injection well and a production well, beginning a preheating stop by introducing heat between the injection well and the production well, beginning a steam squeeze stage by injection steam into the formation and beginning the steam assisted gravity drainage production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Windsong Fang, Thomas J. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 8607867
    Abstract: A method for recovering heavy oil in a stratum with an injection well, a production well and a steam generator. The method begins by injecting steam from the steam generator into a horizontal portion of the injection well followed by soaking the stratum with the steam from the injection well for a predetermined period of time; and producing heavy oil from the stratum with the production well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Partha S. Sarathi, Riley B. Needham, Robert Scott Redman
  • Patent number: 8607868
    Abstract: A technique utilizes micro-coil which is formed as a composite to enable use at substantial depths and/or with substantial flow rates. The micro-coil is formed as a tubing with a multi-layered tubing wall. The composite tubing wall provides substantial strength and longevity which allows deployment of the micro-coil in a much wider variety of well treatment applications, such as applications having substantial flow rates and/or applications at substantial well depths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Varkey, Zhanke Liu, Philippe Gambier
  • Patent number: 8607869
    Abstract: Linear pressure reducer apparatus for regulating injection pressure of a water-soluble polymer solution in injection wellheads, in an enhanced oil recovery system, including modules connected in series to the main injection pipe and each consisting of tubes of identical diameter but variable length, the apparatus allows variations to be made to pressure drop by adjusting the length of the tube through which the solution flows by closing or opening modules, without substantial degradation to the viscosity of the solution during its passage through the module. Installation for enhanced oil recovery implementing the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Global Environmental Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian A. Soucy
  • Patent number: 8607870
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method of treating a subterranean formation of a well bore, that provides a first treatment fluid; subsequently, pumps the first treatment fluid to initiate a network of low conductivity fractures in the subterranean formation; provides a second treatment fluid comprising a second carrier fluid, a particulate blend including a first amount of particulates having a first average particle size between about 100 and 2000 ?m and a second amount of particulates having a second average particle size between about three and twenty times smaller than the first average particle size, such that a packed volume fraction of the particulate blend exceeds 0.74; and subsequently, pumps the second treatment fluid to initiate at least one high conductivity fracture in the subterranean formation, wherein the high conductivity fracture has a conductivity higher than the average of the conductivity of the low conductivity fractures and connects the network of the low conductivity fractures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hongren Gu, Yiyan Chen, Xiaowei Weng
  • Patent number: 8607871
    Abstract: A downhole jetting tool is provided for cleaning the interior of one or more hydraulic rams (14, 18) and one or more annular blowout preventers (26, 28). A unitary jetting tool body (40) has a central throughbore (42) and a plurality of radially outward jets (42, 46). A tapered landing shoulder (50) on the tool body engages a frustoconical surface of a landing ring (22) to position the tool in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: William E. Coyle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8607872
    Abstract: The present invention comprises fire arrestor device a triggering mechanism operatively connected to a well head and a plunger with a plug at one end being connected to the triggering mechanism. A guide and a valve are mounted to an inner surface of oil piping positioned below the well head align the plunger. A plug is formed at the distal end of the plunger, and is seated on a spring below the valve seat. The spring is held in compressed mode during normal operation. In the event of destruction of the well head, the triggering mechanism will melt or break. The spring then urges the plug upward engaging the valve seat and shutting off the fuel flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Adrian Bugariu
  • Patent number: 8607873
    Abstract: A flow controller device for controlling a fluid flow between a petroleum reservoir and a pipe body is described. The fluid flow is carried through a flow restriction. A pressure-controlled actuator is connected to a valve body that cooperates with a valve opening. The valve opening is connected in series subsequent to the flow restriction. A closing side of the actuator communicates with fluid located upstream of the flow restriction. An opening side of the actuator communicates with a fluid located downstream of the flow restriction and upstream of the valve opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Bech Wellbore Flow Control AS
    Inventor: Bernt Sigve Aadnoy
  • Patent number: 8607874
    Abstract: A valve for controlling flow in a subterranean well can include a working fluid and a closure member which rotates in response to phase change in the working fluid. A well system can include a valve which controls flow between a wellbore and a tubular string, with the valve including a working fluid and a closure member which rotates in response to phase change in the working fluid. Rotation of the closure member can displace a seat relative to a plug of a check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert Pipkin, Travis W. Cavender
  • Patent number: 8607875
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a rotationally activated downhole well valve for connection in a tubing string is disclosed that can be repeatedly opened and closed selectively to place the tubing string in communication with the annulus. The valve is moved between the closed position and the open position by rotating the string in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul David Ringgenberg, Charles Frederick Carder
  • Patent number: 8607876
    Abstract: A flapper valve includes a valve body, a valve cover pivotally coupled to the valve body at a hinge between an open and closed position, and a biasing element biasing the valve cover to the closed position. The valve cover includes an interior face comprising a sealing surface and a boss including a face surrounded by a beveled edge joining the boss with the sealing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: ThruBit, B.V.
    Inventors: Jonathan Macrae, Bulent Finci, Jaime Pedraza, Mark Schiel, Robert Crispin Porter
  • Patent number: 8607877
    Abstract: This invention relates to equipment and a subsea pumping system using a subsea module installed on the sea bed, preferably away from a production well and intended to pump hydrocarbons having a high associated gas fraction produced by one or more subsea production wells to the surface. One object of this invention is achieved by means of the design of a pumping module (PM) which is linked to pumping equipment already present in a production well and which basically comprises: an inlet pipe (2), separator equipment (3), a first pump (4) and a second pump (8). In the subsea pumping system for the production of hydrocarbons with a high gas fraction, the other object of this invention, when oil is pumped from the production well (P) the well pump (13) increases the energy of the fluid in the form of pressure and transmits this increase in energy in the form of an increase in suction pressure in the second pump (8) of the subsea module (PM).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.-Petrobras
    Inventor: Roberto Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 8607878
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a subsea well assembly; wherein in an example embodiment the subsea well assembly includes an umbilical attached to a power source. The power source can be on a platform. Also included is a connector for connecting the umbilical to a receptacle included with the subsea well assembly and a subsea control module delivering power and control signals to the subsea well assembly. An impressed current protection module is integrated in the subsea control module that receives power from the umbilical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Knox
  • Patent number: 8607879
    Abstract: A distributed function control module adapted for use in a modular blowout preventer (BOP) stack for use subsea comprises a housing, adapted to be manipulated by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) with a stab portion adapted to be received into a BOP stack control module receiver. Control electronics, adapted to control a predetermined function with respect to the BOP stack, are disposed within the housing and connected to one or more controllable devices by a wet mateable connector interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventor: Graeme Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8607880
    Abstract: An elongated plunger arrangement for moving up and down in a tubing string and a plunger lift system for an oil well and a gas well, the plunger having an upper portion, an intermediate portion and a lower portion, all of the portions having an elongated longitudinally directed bore or cavity therewithin, the plunger also having a direction accelerating arrangement therewithin, the direction accelerating arrangement comprising an elongated acceleration inducing valve containing shift rod extending through the elongated bore, wherein the shift rod is longer than the elongated plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Well Master Corp
    Inventors: Jesse L. Smith, David A. Green, Robert E. Bender