Patents Issued in January 20, 2015
  • Cutting assembly and method of cutting coiled tubing
    Patent number: 8936088
    Abstract: A coiled tubing cutter assembly comprises a housing configured to be inserted in a length of coiled tubing. The housing forms a main bore and a first pathway through which cutting fluid can flow through the housing and be directed to impinge against an inner surface of the coiled tubing over which the housing is positioned so as to cut the coiled tubing. A sleeve is positioned in the main bore. The sleeve is movable between a first position and a second position within the main bore. The sleeve is configured so as to block the first pathway when in the first position and to allow cutting fluid to pass through the first pathway in the second position. A method of cutting coiled tubing is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: John Misselbrook, Manfred Sach, Jason Skufca
  • In-situ kerogen conversion and recovery
    Patent number: 8936089
    Abstract: Methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations. These methods rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen using a chemical oxidant so as to render it mobile. The oxidant is provided to a formation fluid in contact with the kerogen in the subsurface shale. An alkaline material is also provided to the formation fluid to mobilize organic acids which are produced during oxidation of the kerogen. A mobile kerogen-based product which includes the organic acids is withdrawn from the subsurface shale formation and further processed to isolate the organic acids contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus Oliver Wigand, Robert Martin Carlson, Mark Dean Looney
  • Inline RF heating for SAGD operations
    Patent number: 8936090
    Abstract: A method is described for accelerating start-up for SAGD-type operation by providing radio frequency heating devices inside the lateral wells that can re-heat the injected steam after losing heat energy during the initial injection. The method also extends the lateral wells such that the drilling of vertical wells can be reduced to save capital expenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignees: ConocoPhillips Company, Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel R. Sultenfuss, Wayne R. Dreher, Jr., Thomas J. Wheeler, Francis E. Parsche, Mark A. Trautman
  • Well jet pumping assembly for degassing coal beds
    Patent number: 8936091
    Abstract: A jet pump mounts on a pipe string in a well passing through coal beds. The pipe string length is greater than the lower coal bed occurrence depth. A carrying ring, with filtering shoe attached on a switcher, mounts below the lower bed floor. A carrying ring with bypass ports mounts on the string above the upper bed roof. A packer mounts on the string below the ports above the upper bed roof. A pump housing with a removable insert seat, having a nozzle and a mixing chamber with diffuser, mounts on the ring. The housing has a working fluid and exhausted fluid mixture draining channel and an exhausted fluid supplying channel, provided with a check valve. The housing connects to a working fluid supply pipe provided on the upper end with a sealing element disposed on the ring, and an inlet funnel receiving the removable insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventors: Boris Anatolievich Dudnichenko, Aleksandr Miroslavovich Karasevich, Aleksandr Viktorovich Kejbal, Zinoviy Dmitrievich Khomynets
  • Seal system and method
    Patent number: 8936092
    Abstract: A system in some embodiments includes a system, having a seal assembly, including an inner energizing ring, an outer energizing ring, a load ring disposed between the inner energizing ring and the outer energizing ring, a sealing element, and a lock ring. Further other embodiments provide a method of sealing, including rotating an inner energizing ring in a direction to move the inner energizing ring in a first axial direction to seat a seal, rotating an outer energizing ring in the direction to wedgingly engage and set a lock ring in a radial direction, and rotating a load ring in the direction to move the load ring in a second axial direction to set the lock ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis P. Nguyen, Thomas E. Taylor
  • Controlled rise velocity bouyant ball assisted hydrocarbon lift system and method
    Patent number: 8936093
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon lift system and method for increasing petroleum production from an enclosed subterranean reservoir to the earth's surface comprises a column of buoyant balls in an outer pipe configured to entrain the buoyant balls into a first fluid in an annulus formed with an inner pipe drill string. A pressure differential in the inner pipe with respect to the reservoir via the entrained buoyant balls in a second fluid therein lifts the second fluid and the entrained balls via the inner pipe to increase petroleum production to the to earth's surface. A controlled rise velocity of the buoyant balls and the second fluid is predetermined by a ratio of a mass density of the buoyant balls to a mass density of the second fluid being greater than a mass density of the buoyant balls to a mass density of the first fluid for an increase over time in oil production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Smithsonian Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney D. Smith
  • Rotational motion-inducing flow control devices and methods of use
    Patent number: 8936094
    Abstract: An example flow control device includes a body having an inlet and an outlet and a flow chamber extending therebetween. The flow chamber is configured to convey a fluid composition comprising a desired and an undesired fluid from the inlet to the outlet. A nozzle is arranged at the outlet and in fluid communication with the flow chamber, and at least one helical groove is defined along at least a portion of an axial length of the flow chamber. The at least one helical groove is configured to impart rotational motion to the fluid composition and thereby force at least some of the undesired fluid into the at least one helical groove and slow a progress of the undesired fluid along the axial length of the flow chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Thomas Least, Stephen Michael Greci
  • Methods of magnetic particle delivery for oil and gas wells
    Patent number: 8936095
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of conveying magnetic particles into a wellbore is disclosed. A plurality of particles which are magnetically attracted to one another in response to exposure to a magnetic field are delivered downhole via a degradable material. The degradable material confines the particles and conveys the particles to a desired location downhole. The structure comprising the degradable material and the confined particles can be lowered into a subterranean well by a cable or wire, or alternatively released into the well under the influence of gravity and flow induced forces. The material degrades in response to conditions encountered in a subterranean environment thus releasing the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Murat Ocalan, Manuel Marya
  • Rubber element removal tool
    Patent number: 8936096
    Abstract: A method for removing a rubber element of a rotary control device includes closing an upper pulling ring around the rubber element, closing a lower stabilizing ring around a drill pipe stump, suspending the lower ring by a chain from the upper ring, connecting a hoist to the upper pulling ring, said lifting the drill stem until the chain tightens and the drill stem is pulled up through the rubber element so as to leave the rubber element free. The hoist is connected to a chain sling affixed to the upper pulling ring. The rubber element can then be released from the upper pulling ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: JTB Tools & Oilfield Services, LLC
    Inventor: Barry Marshall
  • Method and an apparatus for downhole injecting one or more treatment fluids
    Patent number: 8936097
    Abstract: A method for downhole injecting treatment fluids, and for providing in an annular space between a well tubular and the surrounding formation or between pipes of a wellbore system, includes loading the treatment fluids into separate fluid containers that are arranged in an injection tool. Each container includes container walls that surround the fluid in the fluid container, and an outlet opening. The method also includes lowering the injection tool body into the wellbore or the well tubular to a predetermined position, and then pumping the fluids from each fluid container into the wellbore or the well tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Maersk Olie OG Gas A/S
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Hubertus Paulus Maria Heijnen
  • System and method for remediating a wellbore annulus
    Patent number: 8936098
    Abstract: A casing annulus remediation hose assembly having a hose with an inlet in selective fluid communication with a fluid supply and an exit connected to a nozzle. On the nozzle is an insertion tip for facilitating insertion and retrieval of the hose assembly in and out of an annulus in a wellhead assembly. The insertion tip has an outer annular flexible housing that is coaxially attached to the nozzle and spherical weighted members arranged in series in the housing. A cable extends coaxially from a downstream end of the nozzle and through each weighted member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Howell, Mahesha Udipi, Mark Viator, Eugene Borak, David Comeaux
  • Cam mechanism for downhole rotary valve actuation and a method for drilling
    Patent number: 8936099
    Abstract: A downhole tool including a cam housing disposed in a central bore of a sub; a cam piston having a cam track disposed in the cam housing; a rotary piston having a rotary valve and an auxiliary track disposed in the cam housing; a guide pin extending through the cam housing into the cam track having at least two return paths; and a position pin disposed on a cam flange and extending into the auxiliary track. Also, a method of actuating a downhole tool, the method including disposing the downhole tool in a wellbore, wherein the downhole tool comprises a cam piston and a rotary piston; providing a flow of fluid through a central bore of the downhole tool at a working flow rate; changing the flow of fluid through the central bore of the downhole tool to a trigger range, and rotating a rotary valve of the rotary piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jianbing Hu
  • Drive sleeve and sealing mechanism for non-rising stem gate valve
    Patent number: 8936100
    Abstract: A non-rising stem gate valve is provided that includes a drive sleeve disposed between the gate and the stem. The drive sleeve is coupled to the stem and isolates the moveable connection between the sleeve and the stem from fluid in the valve. The drive sleeve is also coupled to the gate such that movement of the drive sleeve along the stem moves the gate between the open and closed positions of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Bradley Wayne Mosman
  • Interventionless set packer and setting method for same
    Patent number: 8936101
    Abstract: A packer (80) for establishing sealing engagement with a surface disposed in a wellbore includes a packer mandrel (90) and a seal assembly (100, 102, 104) slidably disposed about the packer mandrel (90). The seal assembly (100, 102, 104) has a running position and a radially expanded sealing position. A piston (122) is slidably disposed about the packer mandrel (90) and operably associated with the seal assembly (100, 102, 104). A release assembly 145 is disposed about the packer mandrel (90) and is releasably coupled to the piston (122) such that actuation of the release assembly (145) decouples the release assembly (145) from the piston (122) allowing the piston (122) to shift longitudinally relative to the packer mandrel (90) to operate the seal assembly (100, 102, 104) from the running position to the radially expanded sealing position, thereby setting the packer (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jody Ray McGlothen, Michael D. Ezell, Roderick Brand Falconer, James W. Scott
  • Packer assembly having barrel slips that divert axial loading to the wellbore
    Patent number: 8936102
    Abstract: A barrel slip for a packer assembly operable for use in a wellbore. The barrel slip includes a radially expandable barrel slip body having a first end and a second end. A substantially cylindrical directional gripping surface is disposed on an exterior of the barrel slip body proximate the first end. A substantially cylindrical non directional contact surface is disposed on the exterior of the barrel slip body proximate the second end. In a set configuration, radial expansion of the barrel slip body creates a gripping engagement between the directional gripping surface and the wellbore that opposes movement of the barrel slip body in a first direction. Also, in the set configuration, radial expansion of the barrel slip body creates a contact engagement between the non directional contact surface and the wellbore that diverts force acting on the barrel slip body in a second direction to the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Dean Rood
  • Fire suppression
    Patent number: 8936103
    Abstract: A fire suppression apparatus adapted for connection to a water supply for a faucet has one or more spray nozzles (26), at least one valve (20) operable into an open position to fluidly couple the one or more spray nozzles (26) to a water supply for a faucet (4), a fire sensor (28), and a controller (21) connected to the fire sensor (28), and upon sensing a fire, the fire sensor (28) is adapted to trigger the controller (21) to operate the at least one valve (20) into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Sensorjet Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Benjamin Adair Munro
  • Fluid-driven medical or dental handle
    Patent number: 8936104
    Abstract: A medical or dental, fluid-driven handle with a control or regulation circuit for the limiting, control or regulation to a maximum or predetermined rotational speed and a corresponding process are presented. The handle comprises a rotary part that can be set in rotary motion by a drive fluid, a fluid line carrying the drive fluid to or from the rotary part or a fluid branch line that is connected to a fluid line carrying drive fluid, and a control or regulation circuit designed to limit, control or regulate the rotational speed of the rotary part. An electrodynamic converter is driven by the rotary part for generating electrical energy and at least one actuator element is configured to act on the drive fluid. The actuator element is electrically connected to the electrodynamic converter such that it is supplied with electrical energy generated by the electrodynamic converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: W&H Dentalwerk Bürmoos GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Rothenwaender, Karl Schmiedlechner, Norbert Schatz
  • Electric motor driven tool for orthopedic impacting
    Patent number: 8936105
    Abstract: An orthopedic impacting tool comprises a motor, an energy storage chamber, a striker, and an anvil. The motor stores energy in the energy storage chamber and then releases it, causing the striker to apply a controlled force on an adapter to create a precise impact for use in a surgical setting. The tool may further comprise a combination anvil and adapter. An energy adjustment control of the tool allows a surgeon to increase or decrease the impact energy. A light source and hand grips improve ease of operation of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Medical Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Pedicini
  • Electric motor driven tool for orthopedic impacting
    Patent number: 8936106
    Abstract: An orthopedic impacting tool comprises a motor, an energy storage arrangement, a striker, and an anvil. The motor stores energy in the energy arrangement means and then releases it, causing the striker to apply a controlled force on an adapter to create a precise impact for use in a surgical setting. The tool may further comprise a combination anvil and adapter. The tool further allows forward or backward impacting for expanding the size or volume of the opening or for facilitating removal of a broach, implant, or other surgical implement from the opening. An energy adjustment control of the tool allows a surgeon to increase or decrease the impact energy. A light source and hand grips improve ease of operation of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Medical Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Pedicini
  • Rotary tools
    Patent number: 8936107
    Abstract: A rotary tool includes a drive device, a driven member configured to be rotatably driven by the drive device, a spindle rotatably supported within a housing, an impact attenuation mechanism disposed between the driven member and the spindle and transmitting rotation of the driven member to the spindle while an impact applied to the driven member being attenuated, and a driven member support bearing rotatably supporting the driven member, so that the driven member can rotate relative to the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Fumitoshi Numata
  • High power laser downhole cutting tools and systems
    Patent number: 8936108
    Abstract: Downhole cutting systems, devices and methods for utilizing 10 kW or more laser energy transmitted deep into the earth with the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena. Systems and devices for the laser cutting operations within a borehole in the earth. These systems and devices can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to perform cutting operations in such boreholes deep within the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Foro Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Zediker, Charles C. Rinzler, Brian O. Faircloth, Yeshaya Koblick, Joel F. Moxley
  • Cutting elements for cutting tools
    Patent number: 8936109
    Abstract: Cutting elements for downhole cutting tools comprise a top surface having a cutting surface portion and a cutting profile disposed across the top surface. The cutting elements comprise first and second longitudinal side surfaces and first and second lateral side surfaces, each having a respective cross-section. The cutting profile can be disposed on the cutting surface either asymmetrically or symmetrically. Asymmetrical disposition permits two cutting elements to be arranged facing each other to cover a center point of a cutting tool. The cutting edge of asymmetrical or symmetrically disposed cutting profiles can have a shape that facilitates self-sharpening during cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Calvin J. Stowe, II, Andrew D. Ponder
  • Under reamer
    Patent number: 8936110
    Abstract: An under-reamer includes a body and extendable cutters mounted on the body. The under-reamer is configured to be cycled between a first configuration in which the cutters are retracted and a second configuration in which the cutters are movable between retracted and extended positions. A control mechanism is provided and is configurable to prevent the under-reamer cycling between the first and second configurations and thus maintains the under-reamer in a selected one of the first and second configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: NOV Downhole Eurasia Limited
    Inventor: Mark Adam
  • Invert drilling fluids having enhanced rheology and methods of drilling boreholes
    Patent number: 8936111
    Abstract: An invert emulsion drilling fluid, and a method of drilling with such fluid, having improved rheology at low mud weights and high temperatures. The improved rheology is effected with addition of hydrophobic amines, most preferably dimer diamines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Shadaab Syed Maghrabi, Vikrant Bhavanishankar Wagle, Kushabhau Dagadu Teke, Dhanashree Gajanan Kulkarni, Kunal Sharad Kulkarni
  • Device for actuating a bottom tool
    Patent number: 8936112
    Abstract: A downhole tool may include a generally hollow piston having a trigger element extending therefrom, the piston configured to slide along an axial cavity extending through a tubular body of the tool. The trigger element may move from a first position where the trigger engages a support on the body and the piston is fixed, to a second position where the trigger disengages and the piston is released. The tool may also include a generally tubular relief sleeve releasably coupled with the piston using a shear pin, while the trigger element is in the first position, and disposed between the trigger and an extension of the piston, to allow the sleeve to slide between the trigger and the extension after shearing of the pin. The piston, sleeve and pin may be configured to allow the sleeve to release from the piston in response to the shearing of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Dithmar, Philippe R Fanuel, Stein Eric Moi, Luis Quintana
  • Percussion mole and method of geothermal heat exchange
    Patent number: 8936113
    Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a ground-loop for a geothermal heat-pump system comprises: a percussion mole (4); a first fluid pipe (5), connected to the mole (4), for conveying a heat-exchange fluid from the heat-pump system into the ground; and a second fluid pipe (6), connected to the mole (4), for returning the heat-exchange fluid to the heat-pump system. One of the first and second fluid pipes (5, 6) comprises an intake pipe for delivering a driving fluid to the mole (4) during insertion of the ground-loop and the other fluid pipe comprises an exhaust pipe for the driving fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Geo-Mole Limited
    Inventors: Mark Brice, Les Brown
  • Composites comprising clustered reinforcing agents, methods of production, and methods of use
    Patent number: 8936114
    Abstract: A composite may generally include a substantially continuous binder phase and a first reinforcing agent cluster infiltrated by the binder phase, the first reinforcing agent cluster comprising a plurality of first reinforcing agent particles. A drill bit may include at least one cutting element for engaging a formation and a bit body, at least a portion of said drill bit being a composite that includes a substantially continuous binder phase and a first reinforcing agent cluster infiltrated by the binder phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Gerard Thomas, Brian Atkins
  • PCD cutter with fins and methods for fabricating the same
    Patent number: 8936115
    Abstract: A cutting table includes a cutting surface, an opposing surface, a cutting table outer wall, and one or more fins. The cutting table outer wall extends from the circumference of the opposing surface to the circumference of the cutting surface. The fins extend from a portion of the cutting surface to a portion of the cutting table outer wall. The cutting table is optionally leached prior to forming the fins. One or more fins are positioned in parallel with at least another fin in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the fins are positioned circumferentially around the cutting surface. In some embodiments, the cutting table is coupled to a substrate to form a cutter. The fins are formed either after or during the formation of the cutting table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Varel Europe S.A.S.
    Inventor: Federico Bellin
  • Cutting elements for earth-boring tools, earth-boring tools including such cutting elements, and methods of forming cutting elements for earth-boring tools
    Patent number: 8936116
    Abstract: Cutting elements for use with earth-boring tools include a cutting table having a base surface and a substrate having a support surface. An intermediate structure and an adhesion layer extend between the base surface of the cutting table and the support surface of the substrate. Earth-boring tools include such cutting elements. Methods for fabricating cutting elements for use with earth-boring tools include forming an intermediate structure on and extending from a support surface of a substrate and adhering a cutting table comprising a superabrasive material to the support surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Lyons
  • Methods of fabricating polycrystalline diamond elements and compacts using SP2-carbon-containing particles
    Patent number: 8936117
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a polycrystalline diamond compact includes a polycrystalline diamond table having nanocrystalline diamond present in an amount greater than zero weight percent to about 5 weight percent of the polycrystalline diamond table. The polycrystalline diamond table including a catalyst material distributed throughout at least a portion thereof. The polycrystalline diamond compact includes a substrate bonded to the polycrystalline diamond table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: US Synthetic Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Vail
  • Emergency drive for a construction machine and method for operating the emergency drive
    Patent number: 8936118
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an emergency drive for a construction machine, comprising a hydraulic motor which is connectable with a pump transfer gearbox of a drive of the construction machine via a first mechanical shaft and a port provided for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
    Inventor: Joerg Gebele
  • Electric all-wheel drive vehicle powertrain
    Patent number: 8936119
    Abstract: An all-wheel drive vehicle includes a first drive axle and a second drive axle, a transaxle, an internal combustion engine, and an electric motor. The first drive axle and second drive axle are separated by a distance, and each drive axle is coupled with a respective pair of drive wheels. The transaxle is disposed in mechanical communication with the first drive axle, and is coupled to the internal combustion engine through a driveshaft. The electric motor is circumferentially disposed about the driveshaft, between the internal combustion engine and the transaxle, and is in mechanical communication with the second drive axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Gary R. Valler
  • Utility vehicle having a front electric motor
    Patent number: 8936120
    Abstract: A hybrid utility vehicle is provided. The hybrid utility vehicle may include right and left front wheels suspended from a vehicle body. The hybrid utility vehicle may further include a front differential gear device coupled to the right and left front wheels via a pair of front axles, respectively, the differential gear device including an input shaft extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front axles. The hybrid utility vehicle may further include a front electric motor positioned at a front portion of the vehicle body and coupled to the input shaft of the front differential gear device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Izumi Takagi
  • Heat exchange block for a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 8936121
    Abstract: A heat exchange block (1) for a motor vehicle, includes at least one heat exchanger (2, 3, 4), wherein the block (1) is intended to be disposed behind a front grille (6) of a vehicle and to be traversed by air originating from an opening in the grille. The block includes a group of louvers (13) that can move between an open position and a closed position in order to modulate the flow of air (A) passing through the heat exchanger (2, 3, 4) and a channel (9) that can be disposed between the opening in the grille and the heat exchange block (1). The heat exchange block is suitable for any motor vehicle, but, in particular, hybrid and electric vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
    Inventors: Frederic Vacca, Ngy Srun Ap, Jacques Sigonneau, Manuel Henner, Bruno Demory
  • Windrower tractor with parallel heat exchangers for cooling of engine and associated fluids
    Patent number: 8936122
    Abstract: An agricultural tractor having its engine longitudinally spaced along its frame from the operator cabin features at least two heat exchangers carried on the frame at a position located longitudinally between the operator cabin and the engine to perform air-cooling of at least one fluid associated with the engine. The two heat exchangers are arranged in parallel so as to each accept an intake stream of ambient air that is independent of a discharge stream of exhaust air from the other heat exchanger. Accordingly, each heat exchanger uses the coolest air possible to maximize the cooling potential of the system. The discharge stream of air from the heat exchangers is exhausted rearward to avoid recirculation of this heated air as the machine moves forward, and to direct the exhaust air past the engine for further cooling effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Don MacGregor, Jann Peter Garbald
  • Vehicle
    Patent number: 8936123
    Abstract: A vehicle comprising a vehicle body frame (11), a front cowl (72) provided in front of the vehicle body frame, and a headlight unit (59) mounted within the width, in the vehicle's lateral direction, of the front cowl. The headlight unit has, on the opposite sides thereof, recesses (115L, 115R) recessed inward in the vehicle's lateral direction. Air intake openings (111L, 111R) for introducing air in front of the front cowl into the inner side of the front cowl are formed between the headlight unit and the front cowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Kogo, Eiji Toriyama, Kenji Morita, Gen Tanabe, Toru Ukawa, Hajime Soda
  • Fastening device
    Patent number: 8936124
    Abstract: A fixing device for releasable fixing an electrical energy accumulator to a carrying structure of a motor vehicle includes a retaining protrusion and a locking catch which are provided on the energy accumulator and on the carrying structure (or vice versa). To fix the energy accumulator to the carrying structure, a relative movement of the retaining protrusion to the locking catch is provided along a movement track in the direction of an end position, in which the locking catch can be swiveled between a release position and a locked position such that in the release position the locking catch is outside the movement track of the retaining protrusion and in the locked position the locking catch protrudes into the movement track of the retaining protrusion and there engages behind the retaining protrusion when the retaining protrusion is in the end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Thomas Auer, Martin Rodler
  • Battery container
    Patent number: 8936125
    Abstract: A battery container which is to house a battery for a vehicle and which is to be attached between at least two frames disposed in the vehicle, includes: a bottom plate; a wall member which is raised from a circumference of the bottom plate and which includes a side wall member disposed along the frames; an outer frame which is attached to an outer side of the side wall member; and an inner frame which is attached to an inner side of the side wall member. The outer frame and the inner frame are extended in a substantially same direction along the side wall member, and the side wall member is clampingly held between the outer frame and the inner frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoji Nakamori
  • Vehicle mounting structure for battery pack
    Patent number: 8936126
    Abstract: A vehicle battery pack mounting structure that suppresses vibrations of a floor panel while making a shock absorbing space between the battery pack and vehicle exterior members large by effectively utilizing a space between coil springs. The battery pack mounting structure includes a pair of left and right side members and a cross member for supporting the battery pack. A pair of left and right coil springs is installed at these side members and function as suspension members. The battery pack is installed inside an opening of a floor panel between the coil springs, and also between the coil springs, a front portion of the battery pack has a tapered outer surface that becomes narrower as it enters deeper into a space between the coil springs. The opening of the floor panel also has a tapered edge shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Kunihiro Nitawaki, Atsushi Horiuchi
  • Construction machine with air suction structure
    Patent number: 8936127
    Abstract: Provided is a construction machine including a guard panel with an air suction port and capable of ensuring a required intake opening area with suppressed disadvantages of the air suction port. The construction machine includes an engine, a cooling fan, and a heat exchanger which are accommodated in a device accommodation space in an upper slewing body, and a guard panel covering the device accommodation space. The guard panel includes a first panel with an opening edge defining an opening and a second panel that opens and closes the opening and has a peripheral portion to be supported by the opening edge with the opening closed. Respective parts of the peripheral portion and the opening edge are shifted from each other in an inward-outward direction to form an air suction port bringing the device accommodation space into communication with outside, between the second panel and the first panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kanamaru
  • Engine room of a wheel loader
    Patent number: 8936128
    Abstract: A wheel loader comprises an engine, an exhaust gas post-processing device, an engine room, a top plate, a cooling room, a partition wall, and a drainage mechanism. The exhaust gas post-processing device is disposed above the engine in the engine room and includes a diesel particulate filtering device and a selective catalyst reduction catalyst device. The top plate has a sloping part with a height that decreases toward the rear, and a first ventilation part that includes a plurality of through-holes formed in the sloping part. The top plate defines an upper plane of the engine room. The cooling room accommodates a cooling unit and is disposed to the rear of the engine room, separated by the partition wall. The drainage mechanism is disposed below the first ventilation part, and configured to drain water entering the engine room from the first ventilation part to the outside of the engine room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasutaka Numa
  • Electric straddled vehicle
    Patent number: 8936129
    Abstract: Provided is an electric vehicle that realizes a light electric straddled vehicle using a motor with a small size, and optimizes the left and right weight balances in the width direction of the vehicle with respect to the vehicle body centerline. The electric motor (250) is disposed inside a swing arm (124) of a cantilever type at a position overlapping a projection area of a rear wheel WR when seen from the side portion of the vehicle body. The motor driver (216) is disposed inside the swing arm (124) so that the vehicle body centerline (C) passing through at the front side of the vehicle body in the rear wheel (WR). The position (G2) of the center of gravity of the motor driver (216) is disposed to be offset in the direction opposite to the offset direction of the electric motor (250) with respect to the vehicle body centerline (C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichiro Honda, Hideaki Nakagawa, Masahide Mimura, Hiroshi Iwakami, Kazuo Sato, Keiichiro Niizuma
  • Electric forklift
    Patent number: 8936130
    Abstract: An electric forklift includes: a drive unit including a unit case including a gear housing supporting a motor with an output shaft in a right and left direction and housing a gear train; and shaft housings protruding in the right and left direction from the gear housing, each of which houses a drive shaft, and each of which supports a wheel, wherein the drive shafts rotate via the gear train; support members, base end portions of which are rotatably engaged with outer peripheral portions of the shaft housings, and tip end portions of which are connected to a body frame so that the shaft housings are supported by the body frame via the support members; and a link portion between the gear housing and the body frame for preventing relative rotation of the unit case and the body frame about shaft centers of the drive shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Hirashita, Takayuki Mashiko
  • Forward structure for a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 8936131
    Abstract: In the case of a front structure of a motor vehicle two cross members are connected to one another by means of a longitudinal beam. One of the attachments of the longitudinal beam is displaceable by an amount X in the direction of travel and has an adapter made from plastic. During driving operation a transfer of vibrations between the cross members is prevented by means of the attachment. In the event of a crash, the cross member oriented in the direction of travel is supported by the longitudinal beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ralf-Dieter Bechtold, Stephan Blässer, Sascha Hoffeller
  • Motor driven power steering apparatus
    Patent number: 8936132
    Abstract: In a motor-driven power steering apparatus, in an intermediate assembled state in which an input shaft, an output shaft, a torsion bar, a worm gear, a worm wheel, a torque detecting apparatus and a spiral cable are assembled in a gear housing, and an electric motor is not assembled yet, a rotation preventing arm which prevents the worm gear from rotating is loaded with respect to the gear housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Showa Corporation
    Inventors: Isamu Arai, Yosuke Hamaguchi, Satoshi Aiko, Kenta Sugimoto
  • Four cycle internal combustion engine exhaust
    Patent number: 8936133
    Abstract: Exhaust apparatus for four cycle (including Wankel) internal combustion engines is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to manage pressure waves created by expanding gas emitted from the engine combustion chambers, the net result being to enhance engine performance and attenuate noise over a wide range of engine RPMs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Greg Scott Esmond
  • Three/four step ladder with a curve about
    Patent number: 8936134
    Abstract: A three-step pool ladder having the capability to have a fourth step and/or a curve-about ladder apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Confer Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Lipniarski
  • Pump having heated reservoir
    Patent number: 8936135
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for supplying lubricant to a plurality of lubrication sites. Embodiments include a pump with venting and non-venting piston return, a pump with stirrer and direct feed mechanism, a pump with CAN system and self-diagnostics, a pump with heated housing and reservoir and a pump with stepper motor and overdrive control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Lincoln Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: Paul G. Conley, Christopher D. Holland
  • Brake caliper adjustment mechanism
    Patent number: 8936136
    Abstract: A brake system comprising a brake disc that rotates about a center axis, a brake mount, a brake caliper attached to the brake mount and including a brake pad, and an adjuster between the brake mount and the brake caliper. The adjuster can move the brake pad toward and/or away from the brake disc. In one embodiment, the brake caliper is attached to the brake mount by a post extending through an elongated opening in the brake caliper and nonparallel to the center axis. The adjuster can change a relative location of the post within the elongated opening. The adjuster can include an end that extends into the elongated opening and works against the post. The post can include a fastener threaded to the brake mount in a direction substantially perpendicular to the center axis, and the fastener can extend through an elongated opening in the brake caliper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: HB Performance Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Thomas
  • Disc brake apparatus with parking mechanism
    Patent number: 8936137
    Abstract: Some of the components of a parking brake mechanism are incorporated between an inner side case and an outer side case, the two case and are combined by engaging lock holes and lock claws, and an inner side auxiliary assembly is formed. In this state, the diameter of circumscribed circle of the lock claws is configured to be smaller. Then, when the inner side auxiliary assembly is incorporated in the cylindrical space, the two lock claws are engaged with a lock concave which is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical space by making the two lock claws protrude greatly from the outer peripheral surface of the inner side case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Yoshikawa, Shinichi Yamadera