Patents Issued in April 8, 2014
  • Patent number: 8689838
    Abstract: A flexible hose for conveying fluids and suitable for high temperature environments, the hose comprising a core tube, a thermal insulating layer surrounding the core tube, a metal layer surrounding the thermal insulating layer, and a vented jacket surrounding the cover layer. The thermal insulating layer may be a fibrous material such as a silica fiber. The metal layer may also be a chemical resistant layer and be thermally stable up to at least about 550° F. The vented jacket may be a wire braid having interstices therein and formed from a corrosion resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Stroempl, Nagarajan Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 8689839
    Abstract: A conduit for facilitating the installation of insulation is disclosed. In one embodiment, the conduit comprises a body having one or more ribs and a collar having a forward end taper. In another embodiment, two or more pieces of conduit are joined to form a conduit network, with at least one piece of conduit comprising a body having one or more ribs and a collar having a forward end taper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Phoenix Geothermal Services, LLC
    Inventors: John Douglas Manning, Jared Paul Fortna, Mitchell Louis Conklin
  • Patent number: 8689840
    Abstract: Agglomerated fine solids, e.g., agglomerated pellets (2B), that are located within a restricted space or pinch point of a conveyance system (1), and that impede the free-flow of fine solids from one vessel (4) to another vessel (10), are detected and fragmented through the coordinated use of a flow detector (12), breaker plate (8) and press (6). The flow detector (12) senses an interruption or diminishment in the flow of the fine solids and signals and actuates the press (6) which in turn engages and fragments the agglomeration. The breaker plate (8) is sized and configured to trap major agglomerates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Yongyong Yang, Ang Zhao, Shinichi Suzuki, Xiaohai Gong
  • Patent number: 8689841
    Abstract: A compartmented bag having a cavity, comprising a coiled strap having at least one compartment thereon, and a fastener about a circumference of the strap linking adjoining coiled edges of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Zipit Ltd.
    Inventor: Dave Bortz
  • Patent number: 8689842
    Abstract: A tire insert attachment apparatus includes a pin attached to a first part of the insert and extending into a second part of the insert to engage an actuator that draws the bolt into the second part. The actuator includes a tool engagement head that transmits rotational motion of a tool to a translator via a converter, the converter transforming the rotational motion of the head into linear motion imparted on the translator. The translator can be a rack and pinion setup or can be a thread arrangement. Preferably, the head rotates a worm, which rotates a pinion that has threads formed on an inner surface and engaging mating threads on the pin, the pin taking the form of a bolt, such as an eyebolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hutchinson, SA
    Inventors: Charles Tabone, Larry Stuck, Gerard Tavin, Paul Ardovini
  • Patent number: 8689843
    Abstract: A tire is disclosed having a tread extending from a first tread edge to a second tread edge and having a plurality of blocks defining a plurality of lateral grooves. The lateral grooves have a groove bottom defining a radial groove depth. A first biting side extends outwardly from the groove bottom to a first biting edge, and a first non-biting side extending outwardly from the groove bottom to a first non-biting edge. At least one peak is disposed in at least one of the lateral grooves. The peak extends outwardly from the groove bottom and terminates radially at an outer end and axially at a distance from the equatorial plane less than or equal to one half of the tread width. The peak has a height between 25 percent and 75 percent of the depth of its lateral groove. Multiple peaks may be disposed within a groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Todd A. Buxton
  • Patent number: 8689844
    Abstract: A tire includes two beads configured to come into contact with a mounting rim and two sidewalls extending the beads radially to the outside, the two sidewalls being joined together in a crown. A crown reinforcement extends axially between two axial ends and is surmounted by a tread. The crown includes, radially on the inside of the tread and radially on the outside of a carcass reinforcement, at least one first layer of rubber mix having a modulus of elasticity which is greater than or equal to 50 MPa, this first layer extending from the median plane of the tire axially to the outside, on both sides of the median plane, only as far as an axial distance from the median plane which is less than the axial distance of the axial end of the crown reinforcement from the median plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignees: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A., Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin
    Inventor: Bernard Guerinon
  • Patent number: 8689845
    Abstract: Wheels and methods of making wheels are disclosed including an inner portion and a tread mechanically coupled to the inner portion. The tread may be mechanically coupled to the inner portion on an inside and an outside of the wheel. The inner portion may include a rim including a plurality of apertures. The inner portion may be high density polyethylene and the tread may be thermoplastic elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: GEO Plastics
    Inventor: Michael A. Morris
  • Patent number: 8689846
    Abstract: Construction comprising a tie layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignees: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn E. Jones, Andy Haishung Tsou, Yoshiaki Hashimura, Yoshihiro Soeda
  • Patent number: 8689847
    Abstract: The aspect of the present invention is a pneumatic tire comprising a plurality of radial protrusions 60 each extending in a tire radial direction on a tire surface 31 and having a shape protruding from the tire surface outward in a tire width direction, wherein the plurality of radial protrusions 60 are provided radially with a tire rotation axis as a center, the plurality of radial protrusions 60 each have a low protrusion portion 63 and a high protrusion portion 64, and a height of the low protrusion portion measured in the tire width direction hs is lower than a maximum height of the high protrusion portion h measured in the tire width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8689848
    Abstract: This invention relates to a bead lock arrangement for use in tire building equipment, and to tire building equipment utilizing such a bead lock arrangement. A bead lock assembly is disclosed comprising first and second parallel, coaxial, axially spaced bead lock arrangements (13, 14), each bead lock arrangement including an annular, extensible, bead seating ring (38) encircling the radially movable segments (33) of the bead lock arrangement and having, at its radially outermost face, a circumferentially extending bead seating surface (39), and an annular sealing ring (42) positioned coaxial with the respective bead seating ring (38) and disposed adjacent a side face of the respective bead seating ring (38) presented generally towards the bead seating ring (38) of the opposing bead lock arrangement. The use of a bead seating ring (38) and a separately formed sealing ring (42) has considerable advantages over the use of a conventional bead seating ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Davian Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Brian Painter
  • Patent number: 8689849
    Abstract: A method is described for obtaining a coreless roll of web material with a first portion of web material forming an inner nucleus of the roll and a second portion of web material wound around the outside of the inner nucleus. The two portions can be separated from one another and, for that purpose, an interface or discontinuity is created in at least one turn of the web material forming the roll between the inner nucleus and the second portion of web material. This facilitates the extraction of the inner nucleus from the outer portion of the roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Fabio Perini, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Romano Maddaleni, Mauro Gelli
  • Patent number: 8689850
    Abstract: The sonotrode and anvil of co-pending application Ser. No. 12/925,652, for advanced ultrasonic welding of work pieces, are readily incorporated into new form-fill-seal machines, but existing machines with heat-seal stations pose difficult problems for swapping of the sealing packages. Kits enabling heat station replacement, with the further improved sonotrode and anvil disclosed herein, comprise: a housing; a linear rail fixed thereto; anvil and sonotrode support members; and a parallel gripper. Each of the anvil and sonotrode support members is slidably attached to the rail(s) and are also connected to a respective piston of the gripper, permitting actuation of each through cycling of the gripper pistons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Gordon Hull
  • Patent number: 8689851
    Abstract: A machine for waterproofing semimanufactured products including footwear, clothing items, and accessories. The machine has a pressing device with at least one pair of deformable plates that have a hollow body. The pressing surface is elastic and suitable for being urged outwards by a fluid pressure. At least one of the deformable plates is fixed in a mobile manner to a support structure for opening or closing the pressing device around at least one shaped support which is provided with transport means to and from the pressing device and is suitable for supporting the semimanufactured product during the pressing with at least one waterproofing sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: OutDry Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Luca Morlacchi
  • Patent number: 8689852
    Abstract: The present invention describes a window covering which is useful for securing to objects having windows without using permanent attachment devices. The window covering preferably contains a plurality of magnets arranged along the upper end and along the lower end. The magnets are arranged so that they are coupleable or securable to a metal part of a window itself or a metal surface which houses the window as well as one or more additional magnets positioned within the window covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Lite-Away!, LLC
    Inventors: James Roth, Mary E. Roth
  • Patent number: 8689853
    Abstract: A sunshade assembly comprises a flexible sunscreen having two opposite lateral edges, a forward edge and a rearward edge. A rotatable winding shaft is provided for winding and unwinding the sunscreen at its rearward edge, and an operating beam connected to the forward edge of the sunscreen as well as two spaced guiding members cooperating with the opposite lateral edges of the sunscreen. The sunscreen near to each lateral edge is provided with a receiving arrangement for slideably receiving a tensioning member. Each receiving arrangement extends bow-shaped with its outer ends closer to the respective lateral edge than its parts between said outer ends. Each tensioning member further is a longitudinal member extending through a corresponding receiving arrangement and being tensioned in its longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Petrus Martinus Josephus Clephas, Michael Cornelis Anthonius Relouw, Harry Schrans
  • Patent number: 8689854
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a decomposition conduit with an in-line static mixer, the method including molding a decomposition conduit housing around a sand core by inserting molding material into a cavity between a decomposition conduit housing mold and the sand core, where the sand core includes a static mixer and, where the act of molding the decomposition conduit housing is operative to mount the static mixer to the molded decomposition conduit housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: David S. Young
  • Patent number: 8689855
    Abstract: A tire vulcanizing mold manufacturing method for manufacturing of a mold including a vent mechanism, and a tire vulcanizing mold manufactured using such method are disclosed. Blades each with anchor portions are mounted on a plaster mold with only the anchor portions embedded in the plaster mold. A portion of each blade mounted on the plaster mold is covered with a cover layer made of a destructible fire-resistant material. Molten metal is poured over a surface of the plaster mold to cast a mold to which the shape of the surface is transferred and in which each blade is buried. The anchor portions protruding from the surface of the mold are removed, and the cover layer is removed to form a slit around the blade. A vent opening forming member is removed to form a vent opening. The slit and the vent opening communicate with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Enokido
  • Patent number: 8689856
    Abstract: A continuous casting furnace is configured for efficiently continuously casting ingots, including titanium alloy ingots. The furnace is configured with an internal cutter for cutting an ingot within the furnace interior chamber. The furnace typically includes a first interior chamber in which a continuous casting mold is disposed and a withdrawal chamber which is separable from the first interior chamber to facilitate withdrawal of finished ingots therefrom while casting continues within the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: RTI International Metals, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Jacques, Kuang-O Yu
  • Patent number: 8689857
    Abstract: A combination heat sink including a first radiating element having a first plane section and a second radiating element having a second plane section. Multiple first radiating fins integrally upward extend from the first plane section. Each two adjacent first radiating fins define therebetween a first connection section. Multiple second radiating fins integrally upward extend from the second plane section. Each two adjacent second radiating fins define therebetween a second connection section. The first and second radiating elements are connected with each other in an alternating manner with the first radiating fins attaching to and contacting with the second radiating fins to form the heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Asia Vital Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Ming Lee
  • Patent number: 8689858
    Abstract: A soldered cooler block, especially for a charge air cooler/coolant cooler, is constructed in a packet-type manner. Cooling channels for a liquid coolant are arranged in the cooler block in a crossways manner in first layers, and gas channels for a gas which is to be cooled are arranged in a crossways manner in second layers. The cooling channels are respectively formed by two wall areas which are arranged at a distance and by intermediate strips and connection strips that include groove profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Behr Industry GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Horst Rothenhöfer, Wolfgang Ruppel, Günther Schmalzried
  • Patent number: 8689859
    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: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Takada, Hidemoto Arai, Takanori Imai, Yoichi Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 8689860
    Abstract: In a vehicular air conditioning apparatus, a first blower unit is connected by a connection duct to a side of a casing constituted by respective air passages. On a lower portion of the casing, a second blower unit different from the first blower unit is connected. A center plate is disposed centrally in a lateral direction of the casing. Air is supplied from the first blower unit to the interior of the casing, whereby cool air cooled by an evaporator and warm air heated by a heater core are mixed together and blown respectively and separately to a driver's seat side and a passenger seat side of the front seats. Also, Air supplied from the second blower unit to the interior of the casing, after being adjusted to a predetermined temperature in the evaporator and the heater core, is supplied to a rear seat side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignees: Keihin Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Seto, Junichi Kanemaru, Shinji Kakizaki
  • Patent number: 8689861
    Abstract: A hybrid air and liquid coolant conditioning unit is provided for facilitating cooling of electronics rack(s) of a data center. The unit includes a first heat exchange assembly, including a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger, a system coolant loop and a facility coolant loop, and a second heat exchange assembly, including an air-to-liquid heat exchanger, an air-moving device, and the facility coolant loop. The system coolant loop provides cooled system coolant to the electronics rack(s), and expels heat in the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger from the electronics rack(s) to the facility coolant. The air-to-liquid heat exchanger extracts heat from the air of the data center and expels the heat to the facility coolant of the facility coolant loop. The facility coolant loop provides chilled facility coolant in parallel to the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger and the air-to-liquid heat exchanger. In one implementation, the hybrid coolant conditioning unit includes a vapor-compression heat exchange assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Levi A. Campbell, Richard C. Chu, Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr., Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Robert E. Simons
  • Patent number: 8689862
    Abstract: A reel assembly for supplying a continuous composite tubing of a type used in oilfield operations, which reel assembly comprises a stand onto which a spool of continuous composite tubing is lowered and a drive coupling for transmitting rotational force from the stand to the spool. A removable cage is connected with the stand. The continuous composite tubing is arranged around the outer periphery of the spool, in a U-formed housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: C6 Technologies AS
    Inventors: Morten Talgø, Øystein Skjæveland
  • Patent number: 8689863
    Abstract: A method for running a tubular string in wellbore operations according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure includes providing a tubular running tool comprising gripping assembly rotationally connected to a carrier, the gripping assembly comprising a body and slips; connecting the carrier to a quill of a top drive of a drilling rig; positioning an end of a tubular for gripping with the slips; actuating the slips into gripping engagement with the tubular; and rotating the tubular with the slips in gripping engagement therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Richard Angelle, Donald E. Mosing, Robert L. Thibodeaux, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8689864
    Abstract: A device for activating a downhole tool is described. The device comprises a first elongate member defining a toothed surface portion, a second elongate member defining a toothed surface portion and at least one pinion arrangement The/each pinion arrangement engages the toothed surface portions of the first and second members such that movement of one member in a first direction results in movement of the other member in a second direction, opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Petrowell Limited
    Inventor: Steve Reid
  • Patent number: 8689865
    Abstract: A process for utilizing microwaves to heat H2O within a subterranean region wherein the heated H2O contacts heavy oil in the subterranean region to lower the viscosity of the heavy oil and improve production of the heavy oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Dwijen K. Banerjee, John L. Stalder, Daniel R. Sultenfuss, Wendell P. Menard, Wayne R. Dreher, Jr., Curtis G. Blount
  • Patent number: 8689866
    Abstract: An automated tubular handling system adapted to make-up or break-out tubulars that includes a rotary drive adapted to operatively grip a tubular to be connected to or disconnected from a tubular string, a controller adapted to receive and process data indicative of a rotation, torque, and minimum time value associated with a make-up or a break-out of the tubular string, and a user interface adapted to convey the received data, the predetermined values, or both, of the tubular make-up or break-out to an operator. The controller compares the rotation, torque, and minimum time values to acceptable predetermined values to determine when the make-up or the break-out is complete. Automated methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: John B. Patterson, Roman K. Nowak, Justin M. Jarski, Stanislaw C. Sulima
  • Patent number: 8689867
    Abstract: A well logging instrument deployment device according to this aspect of the invention includes a housing configured to be coupled to a pipe string. A latch disposed in the housing and is configured to retain a well logging instrument in a first longitudinal position inside the pipe string. An actuator is configured to release the latch to enable longitudinal movement of the well logging instrument inside the pipe string. A signal detector is operatively coupled to the actuator and is the configured to detect a command signal for operating the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Tom MacDougall, Harold S. Bissonnette
  • Patent number: 8689868
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling and communicating with one or more tools in a downhole tool string including a tractor, an auxiliary tractor tool, a logging tool, a safety sub, a release mechanism, a unit containing sensors for monitoring downhole conditions, a setting tool, and a perforating gun. Control and communication are accomplished by sending signals from the surface to control switches in the control units on the tool, with redundant switches for safety, to state machines in the respective control units, each state machine returning a signal verifying switch status to the surface. The state machine need not return a signal including a unique identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hunting Titan, Inc.
    Inventors: Nolan C. Lerche, James E. Brooks, Jesper Oluf Larsen, Brian Thomsen, Kasper Juul Larsen
  • Patent number: 8689869
    Abstract: An encapsulated thixotropy agent may be added to aqueous well service fluids. Such fluids include drilling fluids, cement slurries and polymer pills. The well service fluid may be subjected to shearing action downhole, causing the thixotropy agent to be released and imparting thixotropy to the fluid. The thixotropy agent comprises a dry suspension of synthetic layered silicates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Nikhil Shindgikar, Jesse Lee, Slaheddine Kefi
  • Patent number: 8689870
    Abstract: Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose may be used as an additive in cement slurries in the treatment of wells to prevent or reduce the occurrence of gas channeling. In addition to acting as a gas control additive, methylhydroxyethyl cellulose controls fluid loss, minimizes free fluid and stabilizes foam during cementing of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Windal Scott Bray, Andreas Brandl
  • Patent number: 8689871
    Abstract: Expansive cements for use in cementing subterranean wells contain an encapsulated gas-generating substance. The gas-generating substance comprises one or more materials that release hydrogen, nitrogen or both. The gas-generating substance is encapsulated by a coating comprising a polymer. The coating prevents premature gas release at the surface during slurry mixing, and promotes gas release at a desired location in the subterranean well. The released gas may also control the internal pore pressure of the cement slurry, thereby inhibiting the invasion of formation fluids into the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Deepak Khatri, Mitch Rice, Nikole Strickler, Robert Williams
  • Patent number: 8689872
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods for controlling the migration of particulates within a portion of a subterranean formation that comprise aqueous tackifying treatment fluids, curable resin compositions, and/or noncurable resin compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Philip D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8689873
    Abstract: The toughness of set cement may be enhanced by incorporating partially cured waterborne resins in the cement matrix. A hardening agent is added to the waterborne resin, and the mixture is allowed to react for periods between about 1 min and 15 min. The waterborne resin with hardening agent is then combined with an inorganic cement to form a pumpable slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Carlos Abad, Hemant K. J. Ladva
  • Patent number: 8689874
    Abstract: A spacer for use in an oil well cementing operation comprises an aqueous solution of a visco-elastic surfactant. A method of treating a well in a cementing operation comprises pumping the spacer into a well ahead of a cement slurry, thereby minimizing or preventing commingling of drilling fluid and the cement slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Yiyan Chen, Jesse Lee, Bruno Drochon
  • Patent number: 8689875
    Abstract: Treating a subterranean formation includes injecting a magnetically permeable material into the formation and energizing the magnetically permeable material using electromagnetic radiation. The magnetically permeable material reacts to the electromagnetic radiation by producing heat. In some embodiments, a fracturing fluid is made magnetically permeable, injected into the formation to fracture the formation, and heated in response to electromagnetic radiation applied to the magnetically permeable material. In some embodiments, electromagnetically heated material is caused to explode. In some embodiments, the magnetically permeable material is tracked or monitored for fluid or fracture propagation. A system includes a fluid treatment tool disposed on a tubing string for injecting magnetically permeable material and an electromagnetic wave generator disposed on the tubing string proximate the fluid treatment apparatus for applying electromagnetic radiation to the magnetically permeable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Dudley, Khanh T. Ma, Paul F. Rodney
  • Patent number: 8689876
    Abstract: A fracturing system for a well, in which a stream of LPG, a mixture of propane and butane, is injected into the well at frac pressure. Proppant is supplied into the LPG stream, and carried by the LPG mix into the formation. Inert gas such as nitrogen is used for purging system components of LPG, and to help protect against risk of explosion. Nitrogen may also be added to the LPG mix during a frac of shale gas or coal gas formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: GASFRAC Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Dwight N. Loree, Shaun T. Mesher
  • Patent number: 8689877
    Abstract: A cleaning tool (1) for use in cleaning ferrous material from a wellbore has a magnetic cleaning element (14) mounted to a tool body (2) within a slot (5) using a releasable concealed interference fit fastener assembly (15) comprising a fastener member having a head (16), and a shank (17) with a configured end (18) and a deformable fastener ring (20) adapted to fit closely over the shank, and a press-fit collar (21) adapted to deform the deformable fastener ring upon the configured end of the shank when assembled, and wherein the respective head and collar are each flanged to permit an interference fit with a corresponding contact surface of the tool body around said slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services Group Limited
    Inventors: George Telfer, James Linklater, James Atkins
  • Patent number: 8689878
    Abstract: A downhole tool for removing debris from fluid flowing through the downhole tool uses a screen member and wiper member, the wiper member having at least one window disposed through the inner and outer wall surfaces of the wiper member. Either the screen member or the wiper member is rotatable such that rotation of the screen member or the wiper member causes debris disposed on the outer wall surface of the screen member to fall-off the screen member. At least one directional port disposed at either the upper end of the screen member or the upper end of the wiper member causes rotation of the screen member or wiper member when fluid flows through the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Ying Qing Xu, Yang Xu
  • Patent number: 8689879
    Abstract: The method for subsea well intervention includes creating a lubricator section within the production tubing of the well. The lubricator section can then be flushed of hydrocarbons facilitating further well intervention from the open water. An intervention device that facilitates flushing production tubing that has equipment, such as electric submersible pumps, is deployed in the wellhead, for example in the valve tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dinesh R. Patel, Jean-Luc Monnac, Christopher Taor
  • Patent number: 8689880
    Abstract: A system for interconnecting a floating rig and a riser assembly includes a rotating control device permitting pressurization of the riser assembly; and a sliding joint connected to the rotating control device, the sliding joint being longitudinally extendable and compressible while the riser assembly is pressurized. Another system includes a sliding joint including more than two telescoping sleeves, and the sliding joint being longitudinally extendable and compressible while the riser assembly is pressurized at the surface. An apparatus includes a sliding joint with multiple sets of telescoping sleeves, each set including at least two of the sleeves. Another apparatus includes a sliding joint with multiple radially overlapping seal assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Leuchtenberg
  • Patent number: 8689881
    Abstract: An offshore unit includes a hull and/or a deck frame, a mat attached to at least one connecting leg or a spud can attached to each of at least one connecting leg or lower hull attached to at least one connecting means. A wellhead deck is removably attached to the hull and/or deck frame and a sub-sea clamp in conjunction with a caisson or a sub-sea conductor frame is removably attached to the mat or to the at least one connecting leg, where a spud can is attached to each of the at least one connecting leg, or to the lower hull. The offshore unit is relocatable and is a platform or a rig capable of performing drilling, production, construction, accommodation, hook-up and commissioning or a combination of any of these functions thereof. The offshore unit is a self-elevating mobile platform or submersible platform or semi-submersible platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Kingtime International Limited
    Inventors: Nagendran C. Nadarajah, Renata Anita De Raj, Mahendran Sippiah
  • Patent number: 8689882
    Abstract: Flexible hang-off arrangement is provided for a catenary riser suspended from an offshore or inshore platform, which includes floating or fixed platforms, vessels or/and buoys. The bending loads in the top segments of the said riser are reduced by incorporating a pivot at the riser hang-off. Pressure containing welded, bolted, rolled or swaged pipe spools transfer fluids, including hydrocarbons between the riser and the platform. Along significant spool lengths the tangents to the center lines of said spools are orthogonal to and offset from the tangent to the center line of the riser at the hang-off. The said pressure containing spools include arbitrary looped, spiral and helicoidal designs that are subject to torsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Seahorse Equipment Corp
    Inventors: Krzysztof J. Wajnikonis, Steven John Leverette
  • Patent number: 8689883
    Abstract: A gas-handling valve for use in the application where adjustable maximum critical flow rate is required. The valve is a venturi valve and has an annular flow path formed between a housing and a plug. The plug and housing are movable relative to each other to form at least two different throat dimensions in the valve. In one aspect, the throat diversion of the valve is self adjusting. In another aspect, the valve is usable in a gas lift or steam injection well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Namhyo Kim
  • Patent number: 8689884
    Abstract: A mud pulser tool to be positioned into a downhole environment is disclosed. The mud pulser tool includes a control valve that is selectively opened to allow fluid to flow through the mud pulser tool or selectively closed to restrict the fluid flow, wherein the control valve is selectively opened or closed to produce a mud pulse signal transmitted through the fluid. The mud pulser tool also includes a sensor system to measure a pressure drop across the control valve. In one example, the mud pulser tool includes a control system to selectively open or close the control valve to adjust the pressure drop to produce a selected pressure drop across the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Multishot LLC
    Inventors: Allen Young, Michael M. Meadows, James Huber, Laura Fore
  • Patent number: 8689885
    Abstract: An isolation valve can include a pivot connecting a closure member to an actuator member which displaces when the isolation valve is actuated between open and closed configurations, whereby the pivot displaces with the actuator member. Another isolation valve can include a pivot connecting a closure member to an actuator member which displaces when the isolation valve is actuated between open and closed configurations, and a profile formed in the isolation valve. The profile biases the closure member from an open position to a closed position when the isolation valve is actuated from the open configuration to the closed configuration. A method of actuating an isolation valve includes actuating the isolation valve between open and closed configurations, and wherein actuating the isolation valve comprises simultaneously displacing an actuator member, a closure member, and a pivot which pivotably connects the closure member to the actuator member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Ricardo R. Maldonado
  • Patent number: 8689886
    Abstract: A gate valve has a body, the body having a cavity and a flow passage intersecting the cavity. A seat is mounted to the body at the intersection of the flow passage and the cavity. A gate is installed at the cavity and has an engaging face that slidingly engages the seat while the gate is being moved between open and closed positions. The end faces between a seat pocket and the seat are hard-coated and smooth-finished to provide sealing when mated. The hardcoated pocket and seat sealing surfaces extend the life of the valve by eliminating the need for an elastomeric seal of limited life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Wolfe, Dennis Gray, Leonardo Ajdelsztajn
  • Patent number: 8689887
    Abstract: A radial flow valve is disclosed which includes a plurality of flow openings, a first piston and a second piston, the first and second pistons being independently actuable relative to one another, and a sleeve operatively coupled to the second piston, the sleeve adapted to be positioned so as to cover the plurality of flow openings. A method is also disclosed which includes positioning a radial flow valve in a subterranean well bore having an upper zone pressure and a lower zone pressure, increasing a pressure within the valve to a value above the upper zone pressure to release a first piston within the valve and, after releasing the first piston, reducing the pressure within the valve to a value that is less than the lower zone pressure to thereby cause a second piston within the valve to move and thereby permit fluid flow through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Superior Energy Services, LLC
    Inventor: Richard J. Ross