Patents Issued in April 14, 2015
  • Patent number: 9004131
    Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium disposed in an artificial container. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one of a plasmonics agent and an energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy through the artificial container to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the plasmonics agent or the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the plasmonics agent or the energy modulation agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: Duke University, Immunolight, LLC
    Inventors: Frederic Avery Bourke, Jr., Tuan Vo-Dinh
  • Patent number: 9004132
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for manufacturing a camera module. The method for manufacturing a camera module includes: picking up an image sensor by the bonding head and mounting the image sensor on a PCB; compensating for a tilt deviation between the PCB and the image sensor by the gyro unit of the PCB support unit simultaneously when the image sensor is mounted on the PCB; applying heat by the heating unit of the bonding head to cure an adhesive applied between the image sensor and the PCB; and after the image sensor is mounted and the adhesive is cured, picking up a lens housing module by a lens housing module pickup unit and mounting the lens housing module on the PCB and attaching contact portions of the PCB to the lens housing module to complete the manufacture of a camera module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Jin Kim, Byung Jae Kim, Sung Jae Lee, Seung Hee Cho
  • Patent number: 9004133
    Abstract: The invention describes a device and method for making corrugated products. The device can be used with any substrate and includes, at least, first and second drive rollers for driving a middle substrate and a single wall corrugated product. In other embodiments the invention includes upper drive rollers, lower drive rollers and middle drive rollers for driving an upper substrate, a lower substrate and a middle substrate. The middle substrate is driven between the upper and lower substrates at a higher velocity to form flutes that are anchored between the upper an lower substrates thereby forming a corrugated product. The invention also provides for customized corrugated products having multiple fluted substrates in various desirable arrangements. Examples of such products include mattress, partition panels, other furniture and construction products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: BJ2, LLC
    Inventor: Jason Cik
  • Patent number: 9004134
    Abstract: A container labelling method consisting of predisposing means for supporting at least one container in an erect position; from below, mounting onto the body of said at least one container a heat-shrinkable label in the form of an annular band; and causing the label to adhere to said container. The method is implemented by a plant comprising a device for supporting and transporting at least one container which acts from above on the container suspended in an erect position; means for mounting a heat-shrinkable annular band onto the container from below; and means for causing said label to adhere to said container by heat-shrinkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Sacmi Imola S.C.
    Inventor: Gianni Minganti
  • Patent number: 9004135
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of bonding a first wafer onto a second wafer by molecular adhesion, the method comprising applying a point of initiation of a bonding wave between the first and second wafers, the method further comprising projecting a gas stream between the first wafer and the second wafer generally toward the point of initiation of the bonding wave while the bonding wave is propagating between the wafers. The invention also provides a bonding apparatus for carrying out the bonding method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Soitec
    Inventors: Arnaud Castex, Marcel Broekaart
  • Patent number: 9004136
    Abstract: A center-folded film splicer is disclosed. The splicer comprises a splicer assembly that is adjustably mounted to a wrapping device such that it can be moved between a storage position and an operating (or splicing) position. The splicer assembly comprises a pair of heat bars, an upper heat bar and a lower heat bar, connected with a synchronized hinge and a back-up pad bar disposed therebetween. In this manner, the upper and lower layers (or “legs”) of the films from a depleted film roll and a fresh film roll can be simultaneously sealed to each other to create a continuous film that does not need to be rethreaded through the wrapping device when replacing film rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Arpac, LLC.
    Inventors: Howard R. Dittmer, Stephen R. Archer
  • Patent number: 9004137
    Abstract: The invention relates to bicycle work stands for making repairs and changing and mounting tubeless tires. There is provided a one-sided wheel work stand with a pivotal upper wheel bracket which allows the user to work unobstructed on the wheel and then acts as a device to lay the wheel flat for better sealing. In related embodiments, the work stand is configured to assist a user in adapting 32 mm 15 QR axle hubs and in truing a bicycle wheel while attached to the work stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Timothy Voegeli, Philip Voegeli
  • Patent number: 9004138
    Abstract: In a screen device, to provide a screen device in which a roller pipe includes a revolving shaft 5 on which a coil spring 6 is wound integrated therein, connected to a rotator 52 rotatably disposed with respect to a stator 51 connected to a lower end of the revolving shaft, and is rotatably stored in a housing frame, the stator includes a plurality of radially arranged claws 53, holding portions 57 arranged radially on a lower surface portion of a cap member 55 which is detachably disposed at a lower end of the housing frame corresponding to the claws of the stator are disposed, the holding portions each have a holding space 58 for receiving the claw in the interior thereof, the holding space is opened outward at one end on the side of receiving the claw and closed at the other end to allow adjustment of initial winding of a coil spring integrated in a roller pipe and superior in opening-and-closing operability of a screen and manner it is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Metaco Inc.
    Inventors: Yasubumi Okachi, Mitsuharu Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9004139
    Abstract: A two-way up-down curtain includes a fixed top base including a device space and its bottom is drilled several eyelets. A coil rope control device is located in the device space is coiled with a first and a second thread. The threads penetrate through the eyelet in the bottom of the fixed top base. A curtain under the fixed top base includes a mobile top, a bottom and a curtain. The first thread penetrates through the mobile top, curtain and bottom downwards, and through the bottom downwards with an extended end. A pulling base is only fixed to the extended end of the first thread mutually, so that the user can push and pull the mobile top or the pulling base by hand to change the state of the curtain. The mobile top can be actually prevented from moving to result in clearance to the fixed top base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Ching Feng Home Fashions Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ching-Yuan Wu, Wu-Chung Nine
  • Patent number: 9004140
    Abstract: A hollow body batten having sidewalls (2) joined by a transverse wall (4) which divides the hollow body into a fabric cavity (6) and a clip cavity (8). Access to the clip cavity (8) is through a clip slot (10) which extends from end to end of the batten. Access to the fabric cavity (6) is through a fabric slot (12) which extends from end to end of the batten.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: SPP Industries Holdings Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Donald C. Hailes
  • Patent number: 9004141
    Abstract: A covering device of an opening of a building includes two parallel rails, a shading member, a main member, and two adjusting units. Each rail has a first side and a second side. The main member is between the rails and is connected to an end of the shading member. The main member has two coupling members to engage the rails at the first sides thereof. The adjusting unit has a stop member to be moved between a first position and a second position. The stop member touches the second side of the rail while the stop member is moved to the first position, and is off the second side of the rail while the stop member is moved to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lin Chen
  • Patent number: 9004142
    Abstract: A blind for a building opening, having; an upper blind roller, located in an upper region of the head rail, a lower blind attachment located in a lower region of the head rail, an upper blind stored on the upper blind roller, a lower blind stored on the lower blind attachment, upper and lower blind control mechanism operable to operate the blinds and in which the upper blind roller is located in an upper plane in the head rail and the lower blind attachment is located in a lower plane, the axes being displaced vertically from one another, and in which the upper blind depends down beside the lower blind attachment, and in which the lower blind depends down alongside said upper blind, so as to provide a head rail having a slim, aesthetically pleasing profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Maxxmar Inc.
    Inventor: Mario M. Marocco
  • Patent number: 9004143
    Abstract: A blinds-between-glass window assembly includes spacers with a thermal break. The assembly is modular in that the same components can be used to form window assemblies of varying thicknesses by replacement of the corner keys. A spring counter-balance mechanism is mounted within a side rail to provide a counter-balancing force against a magnetic follower. Guards are disclosed to reduce scratching or marring that can occur if the blind slats bump against the frame or glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Medieval Glass Millennium Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9004144
    Abstract: A window treatment system and method of installing the system are provided. The system includes a first and a second u-track positioned on opposite sides of a window frame. A first support rod and a second support rod each have a first end positioned in the first u-track and a second end positioned in the second u-track. A shade is coupled to the first and the second support rods and the rods frictionally support the shade and rods within the window frame. The method includes attaching a first u-track to a first side of a window frame and attaching a second u-track to a second, opposing side of a window frame. A shade is installed on the first and second support rods. A first end of a first and second support rod is inserted into the first u-shaped track and a second end of the first and second support rods are inserted in the second u-shaped track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Matthew S. Douglas, Benjamin L. Douglas
  • Patent number: 9004145
    Abstract: A securable cover apparatus for trade show booths comprising a flexible cover; a fastener mount attached to the flexible cover and a securable fastener having a rotating handle potion and a locking pin that is controlled by the handle portion. The fastener further includes a bracket wall with two guide members that are used to guide the fastener into a channel of the frame of the booth support structure. The securable cover apparatus is able to secure a trade show booth having a frame when the extending guide members of the securable fastener are slid between an opening in the frame and the locking pin is extended and rotated such that the frame of the tradeshow booth is positioned between flanges at the head of the locking pin and the bracket wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Boothseal LLC
    Inventor: Dario Toledo
  • Patent number: 9004146
    Abstract: A roller blind device for a motor vehicle having a flexible roller blind sheet held windably and unwindably on a roller blind shaft, a dimensionally stable pulling-out section assigned to the roller blind sheet at an end area which is at the front in the pulling-out direction, at least one pulling/pushing apparatus continuously rotating and in operative connection with the roller blind shaft and to which the pulling-out section is fastened, and having lateral guide section arrays in which lateral edges of the roller blind sheet are guided. The pulling/pushing apparatus is guided in a guide track integrated in the guide section array and transversely movable together with the guide section array for setting of the function position, in particular before initial operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: BOS GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gwenole Zeo, Wolfgang Stark, Guenter Renz, Sascha Kircher
  • Patent number: 9004147
    Abstract: An apparatus for press casting includes a casting mold formed of a fixed mold and a first moving mold operable to move relative to the fixed mold. The apparatus further includes a second moving mold operable to move relative to the first moving mold. A mold cavity, which forms a cast product, is configured by the fixed mold and the second moving mold. When the first moving mold is moved to a first predetermined position, a molten metal passage and a gas exhaust port, which communicate with the mold cavity, are formed at positions outside the mold cavity. A communication between the mold cavity and the molten metal passage, and the gas exhaust port is cut off by the second moving mold when the second moving mold is moved to a second predetermined position while the first moving mold is maintained at the first predetermined position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takunori Kitamura, Hiroomi Yanagita
  • Patent number: 9004148
    Abstract: Provided herein are various embodiments of systems for casting thin metal plates and sheets. Typical embodiments include layers of mold cavities that are oriented vertically for casting the metal plates. In some embodiments, the mold cavities include a beveled edge such that the plates that are cast have a beveled edge. In some embodiments, the mold cavities are filled with a molten metal through an open horizontal edge of the cavity. In some embodiments, the mold cavities are filled through one or more vertical feed orifices. Further disclosed are methods for forming a thin cast metal plate or sheet where the thickness of the cast part is in a range from 0.005 inches to 0.2 inches, and the surface area of the cast part is in a range from 16 square inches to 144 square inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon P. Pehrson, Alan F. Moore
  • Patent number: 9004149
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for counter-gravity formation of BMG-containing hollow parts. In one embodiment, the BMG-containing hollow parts may be formed by first feeding a molten metal alloy in a counter-gravity direction into a mold cavity to deposit the molten metal alloy on a surface of the mold cavity and then solidifying the deposited molten metal alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot Stratton, Joseph Poole, Matthew Scott, Christopher Prest
  • Patent number: 9004150
    Abstract: A new method for continuous casting of molten metal is provided that allows one to obtain an intermediate product such as slab, billet wire, etc. before subsequent thermomechanical treatment (e.g. lamination or annealing), such that its chemical composition is modified by the addition of elements in order to give it greater mechanical strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Centre de Recherches Metallurgiques ASBL—Centrum Voor Research in de Metallurgie VZW
    Inventors: Paul Naveau, Astrid De Ro
  • Patent number: 9004151
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vessel for melting and casting meltable materials. The vessel may be a surface temperature regulated vessel for providing a substantially non-wetting interface with the molten materials. In one embodiment, the vessel may include one or more temperature regulating channels configured to flow a fluid therein for regulating a surface temperature of the vessel such that molten materials are substantially non-wetting at the interface with the vessel. Disclosed also includes systems and methods for melting and casting meltable materials using the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean Timothy O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Patent number: 9004152
    Abstract: A heat exchange device for powdery and granular materials configured to reduce adherence and accumulation of the materials and manufacturing time. The heat exchange device includes at least one substantially hollow disk-shaped heat exchanger among a plurality of heat exchangers that is disposed on the shaft about which the heat exchanger rotates. The hollow disc-shape heat exchanger includes a cutout recess part, plate surfaces extending from one side edge of the cutout recess part and forming a wedge-shaped plate surface, and a smoothly bulging projection formed at a central part of the heat exchanger. In addition, an opening is provided in the hollow disk-shaped heat exchanger at a tip end of the projection, and a shaft is inserted into the opening and joined to the hollow disc-shaped heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Nara Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ichiro Yoshihara
  • Patent number: 9004153
    Abstract: A brazed heat exchanger (100, 200) comprises a number of heat exchanger plates (110, 120, 130, 140, 150) provided with a pressed pattern of ridges and grooves to form flow channels for media to exchange heat between neighboring heat exchanger plates (110,120,130,140,150). The flow channels are in selective fluid communication with port openings (160). The port openings (160) are provided with dented surfaces (180; 280) being arranged along an interior circumference of the port openings (160) and comprising ridges (181; 282) and grooves (182; 281), said ridges (181; 282) and grooves (182; 281) being arranged such that a ridge (181; 282) of one heat exchanger plate (110, 120, 130, 140, 150) contacts a groove (182; 281) of a neighboring plate (110,120,130,140,150) to form a honeycomb pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: SWEP International AB
    Inventors: Sven Andersson, Svante Hoberg, Tomas Dahlberg
  • Patent number: 9004154
    Abstract: A combination fuel-oil and air-oil heat exchanger comprising: a first heat exchanger section that has an oil circulation path and a fuel circulation path thermally coupled to the oil circulation path; a second heat exchanger section that has an oil circulation path and an air circulation path thermally coupled to the oil circulation path; an oil coupling path that couples an oil circulation path outlet of the first heat exchanger section to an oil circulation path inlet of the second heat exchanger section to establish a combined oil circulation path; an oil path by-pass valve that selectively diverts oil from the combined oil circulation path to an outlet of the oil path by-pass valve; and a fuel path by-pass valve that selectively diverts fuel from the fuel circulation path of the first heat exchanger section to an outlet of the fuel path by-pass valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney
    Inventors: Behzad Hagshenas, Stacey H. Light
  • Patent number: 9004155
    Abstract: Passive completion optimization with fluid loss control. A completion string includes a set of well tools interconnected as a portion of the completion string, the well tools including a well screen assembly, at least one valve which controls fluid communication between an interior and exterior of the string, and two packer assemblies, each of the packer assemblies including at least one swellable seal element, and the packer assemblies longitudinally straddling the valve and the screen assembly. Another completion string includes a set of well tools interconnected as a portion of the completion string, the well tools including two packer assemblies, a well screen assembly, and the screen assembly including an inflow control device which restricts fluid flow through the screen assembly, each of the packer assemblies including a swellable seal element, and the packer assemblies longitudinally straddling the screen assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Chalker, Jody R. McGlothen, Robert K. Buckner, Tommy L. Stambaugh, Floyd R. Simonds
  • Patent number: 9004156
    Abstract: A sensor assembly for detection of fluid flow signaling over a tubular conveyance. The assembly may be employed for activation of a variety of different downhole actuators such as firing heads for perforating guns or hydrostatic set modules for packer deployment. The assembly is configured with a flow translation device which is disposed in a manner exposed to fluid flow directed through an oilfield tubular coupled to the assembly. Thus, a detector coupled to the translation device may obtain mechanical data from the device which is reliably indicative of the flow, irrespective of the physical nature of the flow itself. As such, enhanced reliability for subsequent actuator firing based on the flow signaling may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Angus Morrison
  • Patent number: 9004157
    Abstract: A blowout preventer comprising: a main body comprising a seal seating profile, one or more bonnet guideways, and one or more slide guideways; a bonnet attached to the main body, wherein the bonnet comprises one or more guide rods, a ram unit, and a seal seating profile; two retention units attached to the main body and the bonnet, wherein each retention unit comprise a clamp block, one or more guide rods, and a bonnet guideway; and a metal seal, wherein the metal seal is seated in the seal seating profile of the main body and the seal seating profile of the bonnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Axon EP, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Pendleton, Gary Stratulate
  • Patent number: 9004158
    Abstract: An apparatus for restricting movement of sand in an oil well has a production tubing, a working barrel positioned in the production tubing, a tubular member affixed an end of the working barrel, and a seal extending around the tubular member. The seal is of an elastic or an elastomeric material. The seal has an outer periphery contacting the inner diameter of the production tubing. The seal has a plurality of splits formed therethrough. Each of the splits has a generally V-shaped configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Kenneth Havard
  • Patent number: 9004159
    Abstract: A system and method facilitate drilling of lateral wellbores by optionally eliminating one or more trips downhole. The system and method provide for drilling a lateral wellbore by enabling the milling of a casing window and the drilling of the desired lateral wellbore to a target depth during a single trip down hole. The system and method also facilitate better downhole dynamics control and improved overall bottom hole assembly functionality during drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Shelton W. Alsup, Philip M. Gregurek, Shantanu N. Swadi
  • Patent number: 9004160
    Abstract: A downhole tool that is used to seal a well bore. The downhole tool has at least one of a nose cap coupled to a slip means for converting shear forces into compression forces, a pultrusion rod, and a butterfly ring. The pultrusion rod extends the full length of the center mandrel. The butterfly ring includes a plurality of wedges configured to remove the extrusion gap when the tool is expanded to prevent failure of a sealing member over increased well bore diameters. The downhole tool includes a pressure equalization port to equalize pressure between a first and a second fluid volume during removal of the tool from the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Donald J. Greenlee, Donald R. Greenlee
  • Patent number: 9004161
    Abstract: A drill pipe made according to one embodiment includes a number of serially connected tubulars with a communication device placed between the connecting ends of the tubulars, wherein the communication device provides a direct data communication link between the adjoining tubulars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tu Tien Trinh, Eric Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9004162
    Abstract: Methods for enhancing acetoclastic methanogenesis in subterranean geologic formations. The methods may include accessing a microorganism consortium in the formation, and assessing the consortium for acetoclastic methanogenic activity. The methods may further include modifying the formation environment based on the consortium assessment to increase methane production from acetoclastic methanogenic pathways used by the consortium. The modifications to the formation environment may include introducing an amendment and/or introducing acetoclastic microorganisms to the formation environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Transworld Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Joel R. Sevinsky, Gary F. Vanzin, Shelly A. Haveman, Nicholas R. Kotter, William Mahaffey
  • Patent number: 9004163
    Abstract: The equipment for drilling and reinforcing a borehole of a well comprises a drill pipe string carrying a drill tool at its lowermost end and a downhole treatment device held on the drill pipe string for applying a liner of polymer material at the surface of the borehole. The polymer material is a fusible and/or curable material dissolved and/or emulsified and/or dispersed in drilling fluid or mud circulated through the drill pipe string and an annulus between the drill pipe string and the wall of the borehole. The treatment device is adapted to concentrate energy for fusing and/or curing the polymer material contained in the drilling fluid in a limited space at the vicinity of the wall of the borehole. The treatment device thus focuses its energy in the vicinity of the wall and allows a continuous reinforcing of the borehole simultaneously while drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Statoil Petroleum AS
    Inventor: Steinar Wasa Tverlid
  • Patent number: 9004164
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for enhancing in situ upgrading of hydrocarbon by implementing an array of radio frequency antennas that can uniformly heat the hydrocarbons within a producer well pipe, so that the optimal temperatures for different hydroprocessing reactions can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: ConocoPhillips Company, Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne Reid Dreher, Joe D. Allison, Lisa Jean Patton, Victor Hernandez, Francis E. Parsche
  • Patent number: 9004165
    Abstract: A method and assembly for recovering oil using elastic vibration energy involves placing a downhole apparatus in a well, which downhole apparatus is connected to aboveground power supply units and contains an ultrasonic transducer that provides for the generation of high frequency elastic vibrations, exciting elastic vibrations of different frequencies and then repeatedly applying the elastic vibrations to the oil formation, wherein both high and low frequency vibrations are applied to the formation. The low frequency vibrations are generated with the aid of an electric pulse device which is connected to an aboveground power supply and includes the following electrically interconnected components: a charger, a unit of energy storage capacitors, a discharge unit with electrodes, and two switching devices. The method and assembly make it possible to recover oil from depths of over 2000 meters and to act effectively on the formation being treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Obschestvo S Ogranichennoi Otvetstvennostju “Sonovita”
    Inventors: Anna Vladimirovna Abramova, Vadim Muratovich Bayazitov, Andrei Andreevich Pechkov
  • Patent number: 9004166
    Abstract: A gas separator for separating gas from a fluid in a production stream in a producing hydrocarbon well is described. The gas separator includes a central tube sized to fit into a well casing of the producing hydrocarbon well and having an input at its lower end for receiving the production stream and perforations at its upper end to allow the production stream to flow into the space between the central tube and the well casing. A suction tube is located inside the central tube, the suction tube is operable to draw fluid from the space between the central tube and the well casing and to deliver the fluid to an artificial lift mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Spirit Global Energy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Raglin
  • Patent number: 9004167
    Abstract: In a method of gravel packing a wellbore in a subterranean formation, the wellbore comprising a cased section and an uncased section, the method may include pumping into the wellbore a gravel pack composition comprising gravel and a carrier fluid comprising an invert emulsion fluid, where the invert emulsion fluid may comprise: an oleaginous external phase; a non-oleaginous internal phase, wherein a ratio of the oleaginous external phase and non-oleaginous internal phase is less than 50:50 and an emulsifier stabilizing the oleaginous external phase and the non-oleaginous internal phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Mark Luyster, Arvind D. Patel, Sooi Kim Lim
  • Patent number: 9004168
    Abstract: Treatment fluids comprising a silicate complexing agent can be used in conjunction with acidizing a subterranean formation that contains a siliceous material. Inclusion of the silicate complexing agent in the treatment fluids may eliminate or reduce the production of insoluble fluorosilicates and aluminosilicates that can occur when an acidizing operation is conducted. Methods for treating a subterranean formation can comprise: introducing to a subterranean formation a treatment fluid that comprises a silicate complexing agent comprising a tertiary amine compound, a functionalized pyridine compound, any salt thereof, or any combination thereof; and hydrofluoric acid, a hydrofluoric acid-generating compound, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Enrique A. Reyes, Alyssa L. Smith
  • Patent number: 9004169
    Abstract: A gel barrier may be created within an annulus in a one-step operation by combining two or more solutions within the annulus. The two solutions may include a first solution, such as a silicate solution, and a second solution that may be an aqueous hardener solution. Once the two solutions are combined and subsequently reacted together, the forming of a gel barrier may occur between a plurality of zones along the annulus. The gel barrier may then prevent a fluid from traveling between adjacent zones of the wellbore annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tianping Huang, Richard Xu
  • Patent number: 9004170
    Abstract: A system for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein may include a radio frequency (RF) source, an RF antenna to be positioned within the wellbore, and a transformer to be positioned in the wellbore and configured to couple the RF source to the RF antenna so that the RF antenna supplies RF power to the hydrocarbon resource in the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Francis E. Parsche
  • Patent number: 9004171
    Abstract: A system for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein may include a radio frequency (RF) source, an RF antenna to be positioned within the wellbore, and a magnetic amplifier to be positioned in the wellbore and configured to couple the RF source to the RF antenna so that the RF antenna supplies RF power to the hydrocarbon resource in the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Francis Parsche
  • Patent number: 9004172
    Abstract: A material to be used for hydraulic fracturing, comprising argon maintained as a supercritical fluid, and a proppant. The material may also include any one of a variety of gels, foaming agents, and/or gases. The material may be used in a system to recover resources from bedrock, the system comprising the fracturing material, at least one mixer, a pump to inject the material into a bore well, and a recovery unit to recover the resource from the well. The material and system may be used in a variety of methods for extracting resources from bedrock, the method including mixing the proppant with the supercritical argon to form a mixture, pumping the mixture into a bore well, and recovering the resource from the bore well. Additionally, the material and bore well may comprise a structure used in the extraction of resources from bedrock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventors: William B. Carlson, Gregory D. Phelan
  • Patent number: 9004173
    Abstract: Wiper plugs or other shapes are made from shape memory foam in a size large enough to wipe or clean a tubular of a predetermined size. The plug or other shape is then reformed to a smaller dimension above its transition temperature and allowed to cool while holding that shape. The smaller shape allows delivery through a running string that is smaller than the tubular string to be wiped. Preferably before reaching the string to be wiped, the trigger is applied to get the wiper or other shape above its transition temperature where it then reverts to the prior larger dimension for effective wiping of the string that it will next pass through. The trigger can be well fluid temperature or composition, applied heat from the tubular, generated heat within the wiper or other shape, or heat released from agents introduced into the well acting alone or in conjunction with well fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Bennett M. Richard, Oleg A. Mazyar
  • Patent number: 9004174
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are provided for monitoring a subsea flow device such as a subsea flowline. The apparatus generally includes a thermoelectric device that is adapted to generate electric power from a thermal potential between the subsea flow device and the surrounding seawater. A sensor that is powered by the thermoelectric device is adapted to monitor one or more characteristics of the flow device, such as temperature or strain, and provide a radiation output that is indicative of the characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Sid Mebarkia, Ryan Lang
  • Patent number: 9004175
    Abstract: A method and system for rapid containment and intervention of a subsea well blowout that can be performed in a rapid and efficient manner, where containment will minimize the damage to the environment and assets. The method can include disconnecting a riser from a subsea well after a blowout has occurred and moving the mobile offshore drilling unit away from the subsea well. Connecting a lower marine riser package with a blowout preventer, and diverting the well. The pressure and flow of the well fluid can be observed. At least of portion of the diversion path can be closed off and kill fluid and or cement pumped to the subsea well to kill and control the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Leo William Abel
  • Patent number: 9004176
    Abstract: A system and method for rapidly responding to and regaining control of uncontrolled flow from offshore hydrocarbon wells, comprising a subsea containment assembly, optionally including a capture caisson assembly installed around the assembly, riser systems for production of hydrocarbons to capture vessels on the surface of the sea, and modularized subsystems facilitating communication between and fluid flow from the subsea containment assembly through the riser to the capture vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Marine Well Containment Company
    Inventors: Calvin W. Crossley, Jeffrey W. Jones, Allen P. Allegra, Jonathan Bowman, Lloyd Brown, John Dagleish, Brian J. Fielding, Mitch Guinn, Joe Q. Jin, Wan Cai Kan, Roald T. Lokken, Mario R. Lugo, Peter G. Noble, Matthew J. Obernuefemann, Murray Smith, Paul M. Sommerfield, Charlie Tyrell, Richard Weser, Stephen Wetch
  • Patent number: 9004177
    Abstract: A subsea production system, comprising a plurality of wells located on a sea floor, the wells producing a fluid comprising hydrocarbons; a cold flow center on the sea floor, the cold flow center fluidly connected to the plurality of wells; and a production facility on land or on a floating structure, the production facility fluidly connected to the cold flow center; wherein the cold flow center lowers a temperature of the fluid and produces a slurry of the fluid and suspended solids for transportation to the production facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Gregory John Hatton
  • Patent number: 9004178
    Abstract: A blowout preventer assembly comprising a blowout preventer and control apparatus, the blowout preventer comprising a housing a sealing element and a fluid pressure operated actuator mounted in the housing, the actuator 18 dividing the interior of the housing into two chambers, namely an open chamber and a close chamber, substantially preventing flow of fluid between the two chambers, and being movable, by means of the supply of pressurized fluid to the close chamber, to urge the sealing element into sealing engagement with a drill pipe extending through the blow out preventer, the control apparatus including a close line which extends from the exterior of the housing to the close chamber, and a source of pressurized fluid which is connected to the close line, wherein the source of pressurized fluid is located adjacent to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Managed Pressure Operations PTE Ltd.
    Inventor: Christian Leuchtenberg
  • Patent number: 9004179
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a counter for tracking and communicating a number of plug drops through a longitudinal bore; a plug element adapted to be dropped into the longitudinal bore; and a valve defining a plug seat to be disposed within the longitudinal bore to catch the plug element when the plug element is dropped and when the number of plug drops as communicated by the counter exceeds a predetermined number. A method, includes: dropping a plurality of plugs down a longitudinal bore in which a plurality of plug seats are disposed; counting the number of plug drops from within the longitudinal bore; and catching one of the plugs at a preselected one of the plug seats when the number of plug drops exceeds a predetermined number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Team Oil Tools, LP
    Inventor: Stephen J. Chauffe
  • Patent number: 9004180
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods used for actuating downhole tools in which a ball is dropped from a surface of a wellbore until it contacts a ball seat of a downhole tool. The ball seat moves axially downward within the downhole tool and an expandable ball seating surface of the ball seat radially expands to pass the ball. The ball seat then moves axially upward within the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Team Oil Tools, L.P.
    Inventor: Stephen L. Jackson