Patents Issued in March 11, 2014
  • Patent number: 8667984
    Abstract: To reduce a weight of a valve main body of an expansion valve formed by an extrusion molding of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy or the like. A valve main body 100 is made of a material obtained by an extrusion molding of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy or the like. Two pair of holding faces 101a and 101b, and 102a and 102b are formed on both side face 100a and 100b in the extruding direction of the valve main body 100, and the other portions are to be concave as much as possible, so that the weight can be reduced. The holding faces 101a and 101b and the holding faces 102a and 102b are parallel faces, and come to be holding faces for chuck claws C1 and C2 at a time of machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Fujikoki Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuto Kobayashi, Takashi Mogi
  • Patent number: 8667985
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve and vent assembly include a tank vent including: (i) a vent body having a vent inlet adapted to connect to a tank and arranged to communicate with an exhaust outlet via a fluid passageway; (ii) an exhaust check valve connected to the vent body at or adjacent the exhaust outlet, the exhaust check valve being configured to allow flow in one direction only; and (iii) a pressure relief valve connected to the tank vent inlet and adapted to couple to a tank. The pressure relief valve, when closed, allows for venting air or air/hydrocarbon mixtures from the tank to the exhaust check valve via the fluid passageway. The pressure relief valve, when opened on pressurization of the tank, exhausts tank fluid from the exhaust check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Walnab Pty Ltd
    Inventors: David Grillmeier, Joshua Jeffress, Adam Peattie
  • Patent number: 8667986
    Abstract: A pressure-regulating valve for regulating the pressure in a high-pressure fuel accumulator of an internal combustion engine, in particular in common-rail injection systems, with a valve piston (3) which is guided in an axially displaceable manner in a bore (1), is acted upon in the opening direction by the compressive force of a spring (2) and, when a magnet coil (4) is energized, undergoes an axial displacement in the direction of a first valve seat (5) counter to the compressive force of the spring (2) and counter to the pressure prevailing in the high-pressure fuel accumulator, wherein the valve piston acts on a valve-sealing element (6) which interacts with the valve seat (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Brigitte Roth
  • Patent number: 8667987
    Abstract: A flow path switching valve is disclosed that can be operated remotely simply by turning flow on and off. A mid portion of the body has at least one passage therein leading from a central axial bore to one or more external ports each having a tractor nozzle. The valve outlet connects the axial bore to a cleaning nozzle. A poppet member is received in the central axial bore. In a first position, the poppet member directs fluid flow through the outlet to the cleaning nozzle connected to the outlet. The poppet member, when in a second position, closes the central axial bore through the outlet end of the valve body and permits fluid flow through the tractor nozzles. Selection of the different flow paths is made by simply reducing flow through the valve below a predetermined fluid flow threshold and then increasing the flow rate above the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Stoneage, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald P. Zink
  • Patent number: 8667988
    Abstract: A gas valve unit for adjusting a volumetric gas flow supplied to a gas burner of a gas appliance, in particular a gas cooking appliance, includes at least two open/close valves which can be actuated by moving at least one magnetically active body, in particular a permanent magnet, relative to the open/close valves. For actuating an open/close valve, a position of the magnetically active body, which is preferably implemented in the form of a permanent magnet, can be varied relative to the shut-off body of the open/close valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Christophe Cadeau, Stéphane Clauss, Alexander Eisenberg, Jörn Naumann
  • Patent number: 8667989
    Abstract: An aseptic valve or sanitary valve has an elongated tubular, cylindrical valve housing, with one or more top-hat diaphragms and associated valve plugs positioned transverse to the axis of the tubular valve housing. An actuator urges the stem and head of the valve plug upward so that the associated diaphragm is urged against a valve seat to close the valve. The actuator also moves these elements downward and away from the seat to open the valve. Plural valve arrangements can be joined end to end to accommodate multiple flow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Feldmeier Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Feldmeier
  • Patent number: 8667990
    Abstract: A hydraulic oscillating motor which has at least two working chambers which are coupled via pressure lines to a device for pressure compensation. A first working chamber is connected to a first pressure line and a second working chamber is connected to a second pressure line. The motor further has a device for pressure compensation with a first compensating cylinder and a second compensating cylinder. Each of the compensating cylinders has in each case one compensating volume and in each case one elastic force store for delimiting the respective compensating volume. The compensating volume of the first compensating cylinder is connected to the first pressure line, and the compensating volume of the second compensating cylinder is connected to the second pressure line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Becker, Reinhard Horn
  • Patent number: 8667991
    Abstract: A liner tube is provided for repairing either a single pipe line or a main pipe line having a lateral pipe line connected thereto. The liner tube assembly includes a liner tube impregnated with a liquid material capable of curing and hardening. The liner tube includes a gasket or band positioned about the juncture of the pipe lines. The gasket or bands form a tight seal between the liner tube and the pipe line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: LMK Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8667992
    Abstract: A liner tube is provided for repairing either a single pipe line or a main pipe line having a lateral pipe line connected thereto. The liner tube assembly includes a liner tube impregnated with a liquid material capable of curing and hardening. The liner tube includes a gasket or band positioned about the juncture of the pipe lines. The gasket or bands form a tight seal between the liner tube and the pipe line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: LMK Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8667993
    Abstract: A hose or duct that is comprised of a rubber, plastic, metal, woven or non-woven textile or composite material is outfitted with a luminescent exterior member. The luminescent exterior member includes a luminescent material. The luminescent exterior member can be incorporated into the manufacture of the hose, or added to and/or around the exterior of the hose after manufacture of the hose. The luminescent exterior member may be wound around the hose in a spiral manner or may run longitudinally along a length of the hose in a single line or multiple lines. The luminescent exterior member may be fixably coupled to the hose with adhesive or molecularly bonded or with an attachment mechanism or the luminescent exterior member may be externally spiraled as a rigid spiral sleeve and thereby removable from the hose and may be reusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Flexmaster Canada Ltd.
    Inventor: Melinda Donnelly
  • Patent number: 8667994
    Abstract: A plumbing fitting includes a body portion 1 which is secured to a structure such as a wall framing in use by means of a mounting means 2. An inlet means 3 is linked to an outlet means 4 by means of an internal passage in the body portion. The inlet means is adapted to be secured to distributor pipework or hoses in use and the outlet means is adapted to be coupled to a flexible hose or a tap where it projects through a wall lining. The body portion 1 can slide within the mounting means 2, if sufficient force is used, so that after the coupling is made to an extended outlet means 4 the outlet means can be pushed back towards the wall structure to assist in the provision of a neat appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: David John Picton
  • Patent number: 8667995
    Abstract: A duct for use in an HVAC system is provided. The duct including an outer tube. The duct also including an inner tube capable of conveying forced air. The inner tube extending within the outer tube and along the outer tube. The duct further including a plurality of support elements spanning between the outer tube and the inner tube. The elements extending along the inner tube and the outer tube. The elements defining a plurality of channels between the outer tube and the inner tube. The outer tube, the inner tube and the elements are unitary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Carl Fanelli
  • Patent number: 8667996
    Abstract: A fluid transfer device for transferring fluid between a supply reservoir and a fill reservoir includes a metering reservoir and a manifold that forms at least part of a first channel that is fluidly connected with the metering reservoir. The first channel comprises a first cannula extending from the manifold. The manifold forms at least part of a second channel fluidly connected with the metering reservoir. The second channel comprises a second cannula extending from the manifold. A third channel extends through the manifold and comprises a third cannula having a first end proximate a distal end of the first cannula and a second end proximate a distal end of the second cannula. A first check valve is disposed within the first channel and a second check valve is disposed within the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Valeritas, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Gonnelli, Steven F. Levesque, Robert L. Standley
  • Patent number: 8667997
    Abstract: An apparatus for the handling of hazardous fluids includes a collection vessel, a collection vessel connector, a dose control connector, a unit dose container, a delivery control connector, and a delivery site access device. The collection vessel contains the fluid prior to dispensing, the unit dose container contains a predetermined amount of the fluid for dispensing, the delivery site access device provides access to an intended delivery site, and the connector attaches pieces of the apparatus to one another. The method of the invention allows needle-free connections to be made for the apparatus, using a predetermined arrangement of the pieces of the apparatus, and in one embodiment, employs deformable elastomeric valves capable of creating a decreased pressure at a valve surface, so that upon closure of said valves, a fluid on the surface on the valves is withdrawn within the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Cardinal Health 414, LLC
    Inventor: Jerry Costanzo
  • Patent number: 8667998
    Abstract: A wallet (110) for holding a plurality of rectangular cards (C) has a sleeve (112) that is flattened into a rectangular profile. The sleeve is maintained in the rectangular profile by a shaping element (130) that is secured to an interior surface of the sleeve. The rectangular profile has a length and a width that are substantially the same as that of the cards intended on be held, the length being the larger of the dimensions. The sleeve is open along the width edges (20, 22) and closed along the length edges. Optionally, a strap (140) that passes across an exterior surface of the sleeve from one of the width edges to the other width edge, with its ends secured inside the sleeve, is useful for retaining folded paper currency and the like. The strap ends are secured to at least the shaping element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Paul J. Westrick
  • Patent number: 8667999
    Abstract: A fiber application machine for the production of composite material parts, comprising a system for displacing a fiber application head, a fiber storage, and a fiber conveyor for conveying the fibers from the fiber storage to the application head, the fiber conveyor being placed in the internal passage of at least one flexible tubular sheath, the machine further comprising a cooling system adapted to inject cold gas in the internal passage of the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Coriolis Composites
    Inventors: Alexander Hamlyn, Yvan Hardy
  • Patent number: 8668000
    Abstract: An improved geode breaking method, system, and apparatus are disclosed. A geode can be broken or cut into at least two pieces, or grooved with a circumferential groove. The geode pieces can be reassembled and connected to each other using a bonding material that supports the joint formed between the reassembled pieces. The bonding layer can denote a joint guideline to assist in aligning a geode breaking tool for re-breaking the geode. A support layer can be added for additional strength, support, and geode crumbling prevention. The reassembled geode can be safely and easily re-broken without crumbling the exterior and interior surface of the geode. The geode's interior crystals or concentric lines can be safely appreciated within a piece or section of a reassembled and re-broken geode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Gem Center U.S.A., Inc
    Inventor: Marcos Lionel Carrillo
  • Patent number: 8668001
    Abstract: Movable partitions and systems are provided and may include accordion-style folding doors or partitions having sheets of folding panels. In one embodiment, the movable partition may include at least two hinge panels indirectly connecting adjacent folding panels. The hinge panels may have laterally spaced apart the adjacent folding panels from one another such that a compartment is formed upon retraction or folding of the sheets of folding panels. One or more control devices, such as an actuation device or a display panel, may be mounted on at least one of the hinge panels, or on the panel disposed between hinge panels such that, when the movable partition is in a retracted or folded state, the actuation devices are housed within the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: R. Scott Smart, E. Carl Goodman
  • Patent number: 8668002
    Abstract: A roller-shade winding roman style shade is provided. A technical feature thereof is to utilize an actuating member of a cord or a band-shaped long strip of fabric to connect a blind material and a roller shade. Thus, as the roller shade rises, the parts where the blind material and the actuating member are connected are pulled up sequentially from the bottom up, and when reaching the top end, the points where the blind material and the actuating member are connected are kept at approximately the same height, such that the roman style shade is in a retracted and folded state. The blind material of the whole roman style shade can be folded up or dropped down merely through connection of the actuating member between the blind material and the roller shade, the roller shade has diversified applications and is more flexible in use and pleasant to look at.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lin Chen
  • Patent number: 8668003
    Abstract: A cement head used for performing cementing jobs in downhole operations is provided. The cement head includes wireless signaling means, an integrated energy supply, activating means for pneumatic operated valves in cement head, and controller means for controlling said energy supply for activation of at least one valve based on received signals through the wireless signaling means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Seawell Oil Tools AS
    Inventors: Stian Osmundsen, Krzysztof Klimas
  • Patent number: 8668004
    Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a subsurface safety valve (SSV) biased toward a closed position, and configured to open by application of hydraulic pressure. The system also includes a tubing hanger running tool (THRT), including a conduit in fluid communication with the SSV, and a pressure release valve fluidly coupled to the conduit. The pressure release valve is configured to maintain sufficient hydraulic pressure within the conduit to hold the SSV in an open position while the pressure release valve is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: David June, Claudio Santilli
  • Patent number: 8668005
    Abstract: A dump bailer for downhole placement of flowable materials in a wellbore. The dump bailer has an elongated housing with a cavity for placement of the flowable materials. The housing has an open bottom. An expendable cap or plug, of a magnetic material, is held within the open bottom by a shear pin, sufficient to hold the plug in place with the material within the cavity. An electric solenoid surrounds the plug. Energizing the solenoid coil by electric current creates a magnetic field which overcomes the shear pin and forces the plug out of the open bottom. The material may then flow out of the cavity. Alternatively, a sliding sleeve may be disposed in the open bottom, which moves from a first closed position to a second open position, in response to the magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: Eligio Antonio Colon, Grady Geoffroy
  • Patent number: 8668006
    Abstract: Apparatuses for restricting fluid flow through a well conduit comprise a tubular member having an inner wall surface defining a bore and a seat in sliding engagement with the inner wall surface. Operatively associated with the seat is a plug element support member having an expanded position when the apparatus is in a run-in position and a contracted position when the apparatus is in a set position. A plug element adapted to be disposed into the bore and landed on the seat to restrict fluid flow through the bore and the well conduit is used to move the seat which in turn moves the plug element support member from the expanded position to the contracted position, thereby providing support to the plug member landed on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Ying Qing Xu
  • Patent number: 8668007
    Abstract: A non-rotating downhole sleeve adapted for casing centralization in a borehole. The sleeve includes a tubular body made of hard plastic with integrally formed helical blades positioned around its outer surface and an inner surface which allows drilling fluid to circulate to form a non-rotating fluid bearing between the sleeve and the casing. The tubular sleeve comprises a continuous non-hinged wall structure for surrounding the casing. The non-rotating centralizer sleeve reduces sliding and rotating torque at the surface while drilling the casing, for example, with minimal obstruction to drilling fluid passing between the casing and the surrounding borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: WWT International, Inc.
    Inventors: Garrett C. Casassa, Sarah B. Mitchell, Norman Bruce Moore
  • Patent number: 8668008
    Abstract: A completions assembly having an autonomous self-sustaining portion powered by an atomic battery. The atomic battery may be of a non-based beta voltaic variety configured to provide uninterrupted power to the autonomous portion of the assembly for substantially the life of the well. Thus, continuous monitoring of well conditions or low power actuations, via sensors and/or actuators of the autonomous portion, may be supported. As a result, the autonomous portion may be operated in a fully wireless manner without the requirement of hard wiring to the main bore/surface connected portion of the completions assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Rytlewski, Ozgur Pulat
  • Patent number: 8668009
    Abstract: A system and method for cracking, hydrogenating and extracting oil from underground deposits is presented. A method includes injecting a mixture of oxygen, steam and oil into an injection well to upgrade oil in an oil deposit below ground to decrease the viscosity of the oil to product upgraded oil. The upgraded oil is extracted with a production well to bring upgraded oil aboveground. The method monitors at least one characteristic of the upgraded oil to determine when the at least on characteristic exceed a threshold. The mixture of oxygen, steam and oil is adjusted when the at least one characteristic exceeds the threshold value so that the mixture of oxygen, steam and oil does not exceed the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Agosto Corporation Ltd.
    Inventors: Jose J. P. Lourenco, John Gordon Murphy
  • Patent number: 8668010
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising preparing a composition comprising a calcium aluminate cement, water, and a fluid loss additive wherein the fluid loss additive comprises an acid gelling polymer, placing the composition in the wellbore, and allowing the composition to set. A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing into a wellbore having a bottom hole static temperature of greater than about 50° F. and/or a pH of from about 3 to about 9 a cement slurry comprising a calcium aluminate cement having an aluminum oxide content of greater than about 60 wt. % based on the total weight of the calcium aluminate cement and an acid-gelling polymer wherein the cement slurry has a fluid loss at 10 cc/10 min. to about 600 cc/30 min.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Trissa Joseph, Pankaj Phani Chakraborty, B. Raghava Reddy
  • Patent number: 8668011
    Abstract: A method of hydraulically fracturing a formation comprises controlling a pump rate during hydraulic fracturing of the first section of the horizontal well bore during a first period to break down the formation while reducing pick up of sand positioned in the well bore; during a subsequent second period to pick up the sand positioned in the well bore generally at a rate at which the formation will accept the sand; and, during a subsequent third period to fracture the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Lance William Mack, Daniel James Schlosser, Darcy Allan Schultz
  • Patent number: 8668012
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing system, comprising a sleeve system comprising a ported case, a sliding sleeve within the case and movable between a first sleeve position in which the sleeve restricts fluid communication via the case and a second sleeve position in which the sleeve does not, a radially divided segmented seat movable between a first seat position in which the seat restricts movement of the sleeve and a second seat position in which the seat does not, and a sheath covering a portion of the seat, the sleeve system being transitionable from a first, to a second, to a third mode, in the first mode, the sleeve is in its first position and the seat in its first position, in the second mode, the sleeve is in its first position and the seat in its second position, and, in the third mode, the sleeve is in its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Cale Porter, Kendall Lee Pacey, Matthew Todd Howell, William Ellis Standridge
  • Patent number: 8668013
    Abstract: A plug counter includes a seat receptive of a plug in a first position and capable of passing the plug in a second position. A first sleeve is in operable communication with the seat and is longitudinally movable in response to movement of the seat between the first position and the second position. A second sleeve is in operable communication with at least one of the first sleeve and the seat and is configured to index upon passage of the plug. A key is in operable communication with the seat and is configured to prevent movement of the seat to the second position after a selected number of plugs have passed the seat. A third sleeve is in operable communication with the first sleeve, and a release member is in operable communication with the third sleeve and is configured to move the third sleeve after it is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Maria M. O'Connell, Yang Xu, Hector H. Mireles, Lale Korkmaz
  • Patent number: 8668014
    Abstract: A subsurface safety valve particularly designed for high temperature and high pressure applications has an improved tubular joint connection that provides for a compliant metal to metal seal without adversely affecting the break out torque. The valve also includes axially extending grooves in the inner surface of the tubular housing in the area of a actuating piston bore to relief stresses in that area thereby reducing the risk of stress failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLC
    Inventor: Jason C. Mailand
  • Patent number: 8668015
    Abstract: A check valve comprising a section of a drill string, a flapper valve positioned within and concentric to the section of the drill string, and a piston valve positioned within and concentric to the section of the drill string. The flapper valve allows fluid flow in a first direction through an inner portion of a cross-section of the section of the drill string and not allowing fluid flow in a second direction, and the piston check valve allowing fluid flow in the first direction through an outer portion of the cross-section of the section of the drill string and not allowing fluid flow in the second direction, where the first portion and the second portion of the cross-section of the section of the drill string are mutually exclusive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Gerald Leeb
  • Patent number: 8668016
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wellbore servicing system, comprising a tubular string, a first sleeve system incorporated within the tubular string, the first sleeve system comprising a first sliding sleeve at least partially carried within a first ported case, the first sleeve system being selectively restricted from movement relative to the first ported case by a first restrictor while the first restrictor is enabled, and a first delay system configured to selectively restrict movement of the first sliding sleeve relative to the first ported case while the first restrictor is disabled; a second sleeve system incorporated within the tubular string, the second sleeve system comprising a second sliding sleeve at least partially carried within a second ported case, the second sleeve system being selectively restricted from movement relative to the second ported case by a second restrictor while the second restrictor is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Cale Porter, Kendall Lee Pacey, Matthew Todd Howell, William Ellis Standridge, Jimmie Robert Williamson, Perry Shy, Roger Watson
  • Patent number: 8668017
    Abstract: A variable buoyancy subsea running tool for use with subsea transportable devices, such as a tree cap. The buoyancy of the running tool may be varied through fluid or gas displacement in one or more containers. Alternatively, the running tool may be configured with a buoy that has static buoyancy, with the buoyancy of the running tool being varied through the addition of a counterweight. The running tool can be used to install or uninstall a tree cap on a subsea tree. Installation of a tree cap may be actuated by a remotely operated vehicle. Additionally, the running tool may be moved by a remotely operated vehicle and may have additional features such as a position locator device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Aker Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Glen H. Cuiper, Paulo Cezar Silva Paulo
  • Patent number: 8668018
    Abstract: Plug element systems comprise a tubular member having at least two seats. An eccentrically-shaped plug member comprises an upper end portion and a lower end portion. The upper end portion comprises an upper end diameter can be less than, greater than, or equal to a lower end portion diameter of the lower end portion. The eccentric shape of the plug member permits it to pass through a first seat and land on a second seat comprising a second seat length where both the first seat and the second seat comprise substantially equal inner seat diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Peter J. Fay
  • Patent number: 8668019
    Abstract: A plug is disposable in a well bore to block fluid from passing through the wellbore. The plug includes a body formed from water soluble glass. The body is dissolvable in water. A method of utilizing water soluble glass includes employing an element formed of the water soluble glass, performing a first function in the system when the element is present, dissolving the element in the presence of water, and performing a second function in the system different than the first function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Dario Casciaro
  • Patent number: 8668020
    Abstract: An assembly supports a control line of a downhole tool, such as a downhole deployment valve. The tool deploys on casing and has a control line extending from the wellhead to the tool. To support the line separately from any casing hanger, a split bowl disposes around the casing and lands on a shoulder in the head. A port in the bowl has one opening that aligns with a side port in the head. Another opening of the bowl's port connects to the control line that extends to the downhole tool. A section of the control line from the split bowl can be flexible to help prevent kinking or breaking of the line during installation procedures. A hanger disposes on another shoulder in the head uphole from the bowl. The hanger supports the casing in the head separate from the bowl's support of the control line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Genith del Carmen Guitierrez, Todd Travis, Brandon M. Cain
  • Patent number: 8668021
    Abstract: A wellhead seal assembly that forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A metal seal ring has inner and outer walls separated by a slot. An elastomeric seal is located below the seal ring and has a bottom portion that contacts an upward facing shoulder of a hanger. An energizing ring with a tapered nose is moved into the slot. The tapered nose has a compound angle that determines how much the nose travels into the slot when a force is applied to the energizing ring. Once the elastomeric seal is compressed to a desired level, the load on the energizing ring has increased to the point that the tapered nose of the energizing ring will further enters the slot and force the outer and inner walls of the metal seal into sealing engagement with the inner and outer wellhead members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Khanh A. Duong
  • Patent number: 8668022
    Abstract: A system and method for cracking, hydrogenating and extracting oil from underground deposits is presented. A system includes injecting carbon dioxide and syngas into a deposit of oil under the ground to crack and hydrogenate the heavy oil to produce upgraded oil with a reduced density and reduced viscosity. The carbon dioxide acts as a pressurization agent to further reduce the viscosity of the heavy oil. The method transports the reduced density and reduced viscosity oil aboveground. The carbon dioxide is left underground after the reduced viscosity oil is transported aboveground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Agosto Corporation Ltd.
    Inventors: Jose J. P. Lourenco, John Gordon Murphy
  • Patent number: 8668023
    Abstract: Systems, methods and aspect thereof for a fire protection system including a releasing control panel. In one aspect a fire protection system for a residential unit as defined in the 2002 Edition of the National Fire Protection Association Standard 13, 13D and 13R having at least one dwelling is provided. The fire protection system preferably includes a liquid supply source along a main line and a network of pipes in communication with the dwelling. The system includes at least one sprinkler in the network to discharge a fluid within about fifteen seconds of sprinkler activation. In addition, the system includes at least one fire control panel disposed between the main line and the pipe network to control release of a fire fighting fluid under various control modes. The system further include at least one fire detector disposed in the at least one dwelling and in communication with the at least one fire control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Roger S. Wilkins, James E. Golinveaux, Mark E. Fessenden
  • Patent number: 8668024
    Abstract: A system for correcting skewing in an agricultural implement where the implement includes a plurality of ground engaging tools laterally spaced across a width of the implement and operative to selectively engage the ground to perform a desired operation on a field surface has a skew detecting device operative to sense when the implement is travelling in a skewed orientation and send a correction signal indicating the skewed orientation to a correction mechanism. A drag force is exerted on the ground engaging tools by engagement with the ground when performing the desired operation on the field surface, and the correction mechanism is operative to change the drag forces exerted on at least some ground engaging tools on one side of the implement to correct the skewed orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Straw Track Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Norbert Beaujot
  • Patent number: 8668025
    Abstract: A hand-guided work apparatus includes a combustion engine to drive a work tool. The combustion engine includes a crankcase (14) in which a crankshaft (16) is rotatably mounted about a rotational axis (44). A pressure sensor (27) and a temperature sensor (26) are arranged on the crankcase (14). The pressure sensor (27) and the temperature sensor (26) are arranged in a common sensor housing (31). In the typical put-down position (8) of the work apparatus, the pressure sensor (27) and the temperature sensor (26) are arranged below a plane (45) which is parallel to the horizontal storage surface (7) and contains the rotational axis (44) of the crankshaft (16). A connecting channel (25) is formed in the sensor housing (31). The connecting channel (25) connects the pressure sensor (27) to the crankcase interior (20) and the base (35) of the connecting channel (25) slopes down toward the crankcase interior (20) in the typical put-down position (8) of the work apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Arno Kinnen, Felix Mayer, Wolfgang Layher
  • Patent number: 8668026
    Abstract: A hammer drill equipped with a main body part; a drive motor; a motion conversion mechanism, and a vibration absorber which are housed in the main body part; and a handgrip which is provided as a continuation of the main body part at a position closer to the rear end side of the tool than the drive motor and used for gripping the tool. The vibration absorber is in a configuration where vibrations of the main body part are suppressed during a machining operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Yonosuke Aoki
  • Patent number: 8668027
    Abstract: A power tool with a drive motor and a drive belt guided about a drive pulley and an output pulley has a tool driven by the drive motor through the drive belt. A tensioning device is provided that changes a spacing between the drive pulley and the output pulley and has at least one tensioning position and at least one release position. In the at least one tensioning position, the drive pulley and the output pulley have a first spacing relative to one another and in the at least one release position have a second spacing to one another that is smaller than the first spacing. The drive belt is an elast belt and the tensioning device, as a result of inherent tension of the elast belt, is secured in the at least one tensioning position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Hoffmann, Stefan von Siegroth
  • Patent number: 8668028
    Abstract: The invention relates to an underwater drilling arrangement for introducing a tubular foundation element into the bed of a body of water comprising at least one rotary drill drive, whereby a drill rod running inside the foundation element can be set into rotation by means of the rotary drill drive. The invention is characterized, among other things, in that a submersible working platform for placement onto the bed of a body of water is provided, whereby on the working platform at least one holding means for securing the foundation element in a rotationally fixed manner on the working platform is arranged and in that at least one mounting part for placement onto the foundation element is provided, whereby the mounting part has a clamping means for securing the mounting part on the foundation element, and the rotary drill drive is arranged on the mounting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Bauer Maschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Michael Finkenzeller
  • Patent number: 8668029
    Abstract: A head assembly includes a body, a spearhead operatively associated with the body and configured to translate axially relative to the body, and at least one latch operatively associated with the spearhead and the body. The latch is configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the body in response to axial translation of the spearhead relative to the body. In an extended position, the latch covers more than 25% of the circumference of the body adjacent the latches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Longyear TM, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Able, Thomas J. Oothoudt
  • Patent number: 8668030
    Abstract: Specific apparatus and associated methods are described for use in establishing the positions of locating field detectors and for path mapping within a region for the purpose of tracking and/or guiding the movement of an underground boring tool. In one aspect, an improvement is provided forming part of an arrangement for tracking the position and/or guiding the boring tool using an electromagnetic locating signal which is transmitted from the boring tool as the boring tool moves through the ground. At least two detectors are located at fixed positions within the region, each being operable in a transmit mode and in a receive mode such that each one of the detectors in the transmit mode is able to transmit a relative locating signal to the other detector for use in determining the relative position of one detector in relation to the other and such that both detectors receive the electromagnetic locating signal in the receive mode for use in determining the position of the boring tool within the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Merlin Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Guenter W. Brune, Peter H. Hambling, John E. Mercer, Lloyd A. Moore, Shiu S. Ng, Rudolf Zeller
  • Patent number: 8668031
    Abstract: A drill bit comprises a bit body connectable to a drill string at an first end, which bit body is provided with a longitudinal passageway extending from an opening at the first end to a port at a second end. The drill bit further comprises a closure element for closing the passageway, and when the closure element is in a closing position, the closure element is removable. Further, the closure element comprises a first and a second member that are movable relative to each other between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, in which collapsed configuration, the closure element is retractable through the passageway to the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Douwe Johannes Runia
  • Patent number: 8668032
    Abstract: An abrasive drill bit includes: a hollow tubular body having a rotation axis and being configured to be rotated by a drill about the rotation axis; and a plurality of teeth disposed around the periphery of a distal end of the tubular body and extending distally from the tubular body, each of the plurality of teeth supporting a drilling abrasive, wherein the distal extension of the teeth relative to each other varies cyclically along the periphery of the distal end of the tubular portion such that when the drill bit is rotated about the rotation axis and advanced along the rotation axis into a surface of a drilled material, at least one distal-most tooth maintains contact with the surface and at least one least distally extending tooth does not contact the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher Dale Langhart
  • Patent number: 8668033
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a pair of electric motors independently running and driving right and left running wheels in a state of being able to create straight running state and turning running; a pair of right and left change speed operation tools independently manually operated and performing a change speed operation to the right and left running wheels; and a controller controlling operation. The controller controls the operation of the respective electric motors by setting target speeds with regard to the respective electric motors such that the speed difference in the target speeds is smaller than the speed difference corresponding to the difference in the operation positions of the respective change speed operation tools by a set amount in a case where the operation positions of the respective change speed operation tools are different between right and left.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Koike, Hirokazu Ito