Patents Issued in February 11, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160040453
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a latch actuating device that includes a handle and a base. The handle has a cavity that houses a lockset, a drive cam, and a driven cam. The drive cam has a protrusion that is removably received within a locking receptacle in the base so as to permit and restrict rotation of the handle with respect to the base. The drive cam causes the driven cam to translate along a rotational axis of the drive cam when the drive cam is rotated by the lockset, thus effectuating the insertion and retraction of the protrusion with respect to the locking receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Daniel A. Matre
  • Publication number: 20160040454
    Abstract: A deadbolt door lock assembly operates a deadbolt between unlocked and locked positions. It generally comprises an actuator, a ring, and a biasing member. The actuators has a pin that interlocks with the actuator fork and rotates, in the preferred embodiment, in a clockwise direction to lock the dead bolt on either a right hand or left hand door. Once the deadbolt is locked, a biasing member urges the ring as interlocked with the actuator and returns it to the rest position. The assembly, in the preferred embodiment, is operable in the clockwise direction without disconnecting the biasing member. Obviously, the assembly can be prefabricated to operate in a counterclockwise direction. This is all achieved for the first time on any deadbolt and deadbolt latch by relocating the locking cylinder and deadbolt body assembly to the exact center of the deadbolt. Further, the deadbolt latch has all connecting assemblies and cylinder torque blade holes aligned in the center of the latch when assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Robert J Viviano
  • Publication number: 20160040455
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a point-of-care hygiene dispenser and an electronic hand hygiene event monitoring system are disclosed. One embodiment is directed to point-of-care dispenser and a corresponding electronic monitoring system, wherein the point-of-care dispenser is movable between predetermined zones of interest. Another embodiment is directed to a secure point-of-care dispenser having corresponding dispenser cover and main body interlocks. A still further embodiment is directed to point-of-care dispensing system comprising a point-of-care dispenser having a dispenser cover and a main body, a locking mechanism configured to secure the dispenser covers with the main body in a closed condition, and a docking unit configured for mounting with the point-of-care dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Dean Philip Limbert, Christopher Lang, Robert Butler, David Creaghan
  • Publication number: 20160040456
    Abstract: The present invention discloses enclosure assemblies for the restraint of humans, primates and other animals, such as for restraint of a person's hands. The enclosure assemblies can be combined to provide systems and kits for restraint. Methods of making and using the disclosed assemblies, systems and kits are disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: James C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20160040457
    Abstract: An operating device for a vehicle-siding-door latch changes the latch to an unlocking state and a locking state comprises a housing a motor disposed in the housing; an active lever in the housing to an unocking position an a locking position with the active lever: and a detecting switch in the housing to detect motion of a swinging member pivoted to an element outside wherein the element is separate from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Kazuhito Yokomori, Kohei Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20160040458
    Abstract: A dust collector is provided. The dust collector includes a housing, a door, and a locking assembly. The locking assembly includes a lockrod rotatably coupled to the door. The lockrod has a first end extending beyond a first side of the door and second end extending beyond a second side of the door. The locking assembly also includes a cam fixed to each end of the lockrod. The locking assembly further includes a keeper assembly to interface with each cam. The keeper assembly includes a keeper having a key and a keeper pin. A longitudinal axis of the keeper pin is offset relative to a longitudinal axis of the key. The keeper assembly further includes a keyway to accommodate the key. The keyway is fixed to the housing proximate one of the cams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Michael C. WALTERS, Anthony John SUPINE
  • Publication number: 20160040459
    Abstract: A latching system for a door or window that includes a first snap stop member adapted to be arranged at a side edge of a leaf of the door or window, the first stop member includes a pawl rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the plane defined by the leaf; a second snap stop member adapted to be arranged at an upper edge of the leaf, the second stop member comprising a pivot translatable in a vertical direction; a handle rotatable so as to control the releasing movement of the first and second stop members, the handle being rotatable about a horizontal axis parallel to the plane defined by the leaf; and a first and a second transmission mechanism for converting a rotation of the handle into a rotation of the pawl and a translation of the pivot, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Paolo SCARCELLA
  • Publication number: 20160040460
    Abstract: A locking/unlocking detection device (10A) includes: a permanent magnet (12) that is attached to an opening/closing part (100) locked and unlocked by a locking mechanism (110); a vibration detection unit (11) that is attached to a base part (101) openably and closably supporting the opening/closing part (100); a magnetism detection unit (13) that is attached to the base part (101); a casing (15) that covers the vibration detection unit (11) and the magnetism detection unit (13); and a locking/unlocking detection unit (14). The vibration detection unit (11) detects vibration of the base part (101). The magnetism detection unit (13) detects magnetism of the permanent magnet (12). The locking/unlocking detection unit (14) detects locking/unlocking of the opening/closing part (100) from the vibration detected by the vibration detection unit (11) and the magnetism detected by the magnetism detection unit (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru KASAI, Soichiro TAKATA
  • Publication number: 20160040461
    Abstract: A magnetic lock is presented. The magnetic lock includes a base having a cylindrical opening disposed therein, and having a first magnetic element disposed in a bottom surface of the cylindrical opening of the base. The lock further includes an insert removably securable within the cylindrical opening of the base, the insert having a second magnetic element disposed along a bottom surface thereof. When the insert is inserted into the cylindrical opening of the base and the first magnetic element of the base is aligned with the second magnetic element of the insert the insert is locked within the cylindrical opening of the base. When the insert is rotated within the cylindrical opening of the base to a position wherein the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are not aligned with each other the insert is removable from the cylindrical opening of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: TRICK TECHNOLOGIES OY
    Inventor: Timo Pekka Kauppila
  • Publication number: 20160040462
    Abstract: A connecting system of a multi-section housing having first to fourth housings including housings with different thicknesses and can be spread open from the connected state to form a flat surface, comprising first hinges which connect end faces of the first and fourth housings, second hinges which connect end faces at the same sides of the second and third housings, and pull-out mechanisms provided between the first and second housings and between the third and fourth housings, which pull out the first and fourth housings from the superposed positions, and which make them adjoin the second and third housings without changing the positions in the thickness direction, the first and fourth housings being made to rotate about the shafts built into the pull-out mechanisms with respect to the second and third housings while being rotated about the first and second hinge shafts to open to form a single flat surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: YUTAKA NAKAMURA
  • Publication number: 20160040463
    Abstract: A hinge for coupling a movable element to a frame that defines an opening that receives the movable element. The hinge includes a frame interface assembly adapted to attach to the frame at one or more attachment points. The frame interface assembly includes a frame leaf and a sealing member, the frame leaf defines a mounting face adapted to abut an exterior surface of the frame and a plurality of spaced apart knuckles. The sealing member defines an attachment point liquid barrier sealing face abutting an interior surface of the frame opposite the mounting face. The hinge further includes a sash leaf adapted to attach to the window sash, with the sash leaf defining one or more knuckles, and a pin assembly including a hinge pin extending through the knuckles of the frame leaf and the knuckles of the sash leaf to couple the frame leaf and the sash leaf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: TRUTH HARDWARE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Derek Ronald Gramstad
  • Publication number: 20160040464
    Abstract: A hinge includes a first frame, a second frame, a bolt, a gear, an adjusting nut, a spring component, a shield, and an engaging component, the first frame has two first clamping portions for clamping the gear, the second frame has two second clamping portions for clamping the two first clamping portions, the adjusting nut is screwed on the bolt and provides clamping force, an accommodating cavity is opened in the second frame, the engaging component is configured therein and engages with the gear, the engaging component disengages from the gear when a first sidewall thereof presses against a sidewall of the accommodating cavity, the gear is prevented from rotating when a second sidewall of the engaging component presses against another sidewall of the accommodating cavity, the spring component is configured between the second frame and the engaging component, and the shield shields the gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Wei Lu
  • Publication number: 20160040465
    Abstract: A position adjusting mechanism of a soft-closing device for a sliding door has a bracket with a mounting panel and at least one positioning rack, a cover panel mounted on the bracket, and a positioning hook, a torsion spring and a driving element pivotally mounted on the cover panel. At least one first fastener is mounted through the cover panel and the mounting panel and is fastened to a door track. The bracket can slide relative to the cover panel to allow the positioning hook to selectively engage in different engaging recesses of a corresponding positioning rack. Thus, moving distance of the bracket and a door panel suspended from the bracket can be estimated. Accordingly, positions of the bracket and the door panel on the door track can be adjusted to allow the door panel to close a doorway completely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Grace Show-Yin Wang, Jacquelin Wu, Jennifer Wu, Andy Wu
  • Publication number: 20160040466
    Abstract: Disclosed is a low profile, adjustable, soft close hinge comprised of a hinge cup pivotally connected to a hinge body via a hinge arm and a hinge link in a four-bar linkage arrangement. A spring biases the hinge to a closed position. The hinge body is adjustably connected to an inner frame with an overlay adjustment screw and depth adjustment cam. The inner frame releasably connects the hinge body to a mounting plate. A stop bracket is adjustably and slidably connected to the hinge body by a helical cam. The adjustable position of the stop bracket relative to the hinge body determines the point at which the damping functionality of a damper begins during a hinge closing movement. A linkage sub-assembly pivotally connects the damper to the hinge link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: HARDWARE RESOURCES, INC.
    Inventors: Rachel Cooper, Dennis McGregor
  • Publication number: 20160040467
    Abstract: A door holding apparatus fixed to an upper portion of a refrigerator uses magnetic force to hold a first door thereof and a second door thereof in an open state, wherein the refrigerator comprises a body, the first door provided with an opening, and the second door provided in the front of the first door to open and close the opening, the apparatus includes a first holder provided with a first magnet, a second holder provided with a second magnet, and a fixation unit fixed to an upper portion of the body and provided with a first fixation unit fixing the first door by magnetic force with the first magnet in a state where the first door is opened, and a second fixation unit fixing the second door by magnetic force with the second magnet in a state where the second door is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Kyu HWANG
  • Publication number: 20160040468
    Abstract: A damping hinge for damping a hinge rotational movement about a hinge rotational axis comprises a housing extending along the hinge rotational axis, the housing comprising a first housing part, a second hosing part, which is rotatable relative to the first housing part about the hinge rotational axis, and a piston arranged in the working chamber such as to be displaceable along the hinge rotational axis, a piston rod for displacing the piston, and an adjustment device for adjusting a damping effect of the damping hinge, the adjustment device having a plurality of discrete adjustment stages each providing a different damping effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Wolfgang NAGL, Herbert WOLF
  • Publication number: 20160040469
    Abstract: Example methods and systems to indicate the status of door operations are disclosed. An example door system includes a door panel having a leading edge to be moved in a travel direction between an open position and a closed position relative to the doorframe. The door panel to block the passageway when the leading edge is at the closed position. The door panel to unblock the passageway when the leading edge is at the open position. The example door system also includes a series of lights distributed along the travel direction proximate the doorframe. The example door system further includes a controller to switch the lights between a first state and a second state to provide a visual effect of movement corresponding to the operating status of the door system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Ben Lietz, John Sealy, Jon Schumacher, Kyle Nelson, Perry W. Knutson, Pete Olsen, Ryan P. Beggs
  • Publication number: 20160040470
    Abstract: Managing an entryway for a building includes a computer system accessing identity data providing unique biometric identifications and associated names for respective people. Roles are stored and associated with people. Rules are stored and configured to define roles or people and define conditions and actions. A certain rule includes presence of a person at an entryway and a person in at a different location than the entryway as a condition. A named person is identified by the computer system comparing identity data to biometric data received for a person at the entryway. The computer system performs a defined action for the certain rule responsive to determining that the certain rule defines a role associated with the identified, named person at the entryway and responsive to detecting by a sensor in the building that a person is present in the building at a different location than the entryway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Rodrigo C. Castro, Breno H. Leitão, Mahdad Majd, Thiago C. Rotta
  • Publication number: 20160040471
    Abstract: A weapon storage assembly includes a housing that may be coupled to a vertical support surface. A door is movably coupled to the housing. A processor is coupled to the housing. A lock is coupled to the housing. The lock is operationally coupled to the processor. The lock engages the door so the door is retained in a closed position. A keypad is coupled to the housing. The keypad is operationally coupled to the processor. The user engages the keypad. The keypad unlocks the lock. A tazer is positioned within the housing. The user accesses the tazer after the door is opened. The tazer is used to subdue an assailant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Scott Smietana
  • Publication number: 20160040472
    Abstract: A window screen installation system is disclosed that includes a screen frame configured in a generally rectangular configuration from a plurality of screen frame extrusions. A plurality of trim molds are included that are configured to snap into place over the screen frame extrusion. When respective ends of the trim molds are positioned adjacent one another they form a plurality of generally rectangular shaped openings. A plurality of plinths are configured to be positioned in each of the plurality of openings configured to further secure the trim molds to the screen frame extrusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: HOME IMPROVEMENT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: David Seuberling, Michael Tompkins
  • Publication number: 20160040473
    Abstract: The window has a fixed frame and a panel that can move vertically along said fixed frame, said moveable panel having a high open position, which may be partial or total, and a low closed position of the window, in which the vertical sides of the fixed frame of the window comprise straight grooves parallel to said sides, which have elbows at their lower ends directed towards the interior, that is, towards the aseptic enclosure, defining a position of the window in which the moveable panel is separate from the internal portion corresponding to the aseptic enclosure and a low position in which pressure is applied by the moveable panel to the compressible resilient joints associated with the inner edges of the fixed frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Aguerre, Gorka Garcia Etxebarria, Alaitz Cristobal Izagirre, Susana Soto Iglesias, Naiara Telleria Garay
  • Publication number: 20160040474
    Abstract: A multi-panel pivot-slide door or window structure is disclosed. The door assembly includes multiple door panels mounted on one guide rail/track of the head and sill, which are connected with two jambs to form door rim/frame opening. A pivot-wheel mechanism is configured on each of the door panels in which each panel is operable to pivot to open and then slide to either side to maximize the open area of the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Bin Geng
  • Publication number: 20160040475
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hollow core door is disclosed, as well as a corresponding hollow core door. The method includes the steps of providing a solid flat door skin, moisturizing the flat skin, applying a conditioning resin thereto, pre-heating the flat door skin, and thereafter pressing the flat door skin between a pair of heated platens in a press in order to reform the flat skin into a molded skin including a plurality of panels defined therein. The press continuously closes in order to reform the flat skin into the molded skin, with the rate of press closure being a function of the determined hardness of the flat skin to be reformed. The resulting door skins have an improved bond strength, and are efficiently manufactured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Hartley Moyes
  • Publication number: 20160040476
    Abstract: Molded articles are provided. An exemplary molded article includes an inner panel portion, a main body portion, and a contoured portion extending between and interconnecting the inner panel portion and the main body portion so as to surround the inner panel portion and be surrounded by the main body portion. The contoured portion includes contoured corner segments and contoured elongated segments extending between respective pairs of the contoured corner segments. The contoured corner segments have a first maximum thickness. The contoured elongated segments have a second maximum thickness that is greater than the first maximum thickness. Related methods, assemblies, and apparatus are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Timothy D. GOUGE, Robert C. ALLEN, Allen R. HILL
  • Publication number: 20160040477
    Abstract: A gazebo screen installation system is disclosed that is operable to allow screen frame assemblies to be installed in gazebos. The system includes a gazebo screen frame having a wedge portion and a trim portion. The trim portion includes a mounting rib extending upwardly from an upper surface of the trim portion and the wedge portion extends downwardly from said trim portion. A backing wedge strip is included having an angled surface and a mounting surface. The angled surface is formed in relation to the mounting surface such that a right angle forming angle is created in relation to a screen material when the backing wedge strip is connected with a vertical support member of a gazebo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: HOME IMPROVEMENT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: David Seuberling, Michael Tompkins
  • Publication number: 20160040478
    Abstract: Motorized window treatments may each adjust a position of a covering material to allow light into a space in a building. The control information for controlling the motorized window treatments may be stored and/or accessed to understand how the motorized window treatments are operating. The control information may indicate a control state and/or a position of the covering material when an identified daylight intensity is being received at the space. The control information may inform a user of the operation of the motorized window treatments and allow the user to adjust various control parameters by which the motorized window treatments may be controlled. Recommended adjustments may also be provided to the user based on a user-identified problem with the operation of the motorized window treatments. The recommended adjustments to the control parameters may be accepted by the user and may be stored for being accessed and/or edited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Lundy, Brent Protzman
  • Publication number: 20160040479
    Abstract: A fiberglass reinforced lightweight heavy-duty ladder, and method of making the same, is presented. The method includes impregnating rovings with a resin system and forming the impregnated rovings into a set of rails having a center portion, a left sidewall portion, and a right sidewall portion, where the left sidewall portion and the right sidewall portion each have an article roving density at least 10% greater than that of the center portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Nasir U. AHMED
  • Publication number: 20160040480
    Abstract: A mud motor for use in a wellbore may include a stator and rotor. The tolerance between the stator and rotor may be varied along the length of the mud motor to, for example, reduce wear of the stator at predetermined locations. The tolerance may range from an interference fit to a clearance fit. The tolerance may vary multiple times across the length of the mud motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Nigel EVANS
  • Publication number: 20160040481
    Abstract: The optimized soil penetrating machine is characterized by parameters that are optimized with respect to maximum kinetic energy that the machine cyclically obtains for soil deformation during the forward mode of operation. The optimization of the parameters is based on the author's analytical investigation that revealed the existence of the optimal values of the lengths of the striker and its forward stroke at which the machine's kinetic energy reaches its maximum value, resulting in the maximum performance efficiency. The investigation shows that the optimal value of the length of the striker is shorter than the length of its forward stroke. In the existing machines the striker is longer than its forward stroke. This investigation also shows that the efficiency of the existing machines is about 2.5 times less than for their optimized hypothetical counterparts. Since the existing machines cannot be optimized it is required to implement new design concepts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Michael B. Spektor
  • Publication number: 20160040482
    Abstract: A roller cutter intended to be used at a drill head for rotary boring of the front of earth and rock formations, the roller cutter having a centre line and being provided with a hub having rows of crushing members. At least one crushing member has its longitudinal axis at an angle relative to a normal to the centre line. The hub is rotatable in relation to a shaft having shaft spigots. The roller cutter is provided with at least one seal retainer arranged at an axial end of the hub in order to hold a sealing means in position. The hub includes at least one circumferential recess positioned axially inward relative to a radially inward projecting flange in the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Joona LOIKKANEN, Stig-Ake BROLUND
  • Publication number: 20160040483
    Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus wherein a rotating and reciprocating swivel can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections with the mandrel of the swivel being comprised of double box end joints and using double pin end subs to connect a plurality of such mandrel joints together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet, Terry P. Robichaux
  • Publication number: 20160040484
    Abstract: An assembly, apparatus, and method relate to a downhole motor drive shaft assembly drilling a subterranean wellbore. The assembly includes a drive shaft having a longitudinal rotational axis, a plurality of drive key sockets, an end housing having a longitudinal rotational axis, a plurality of circumferentially spaced axial keyways, and a concave spherical thrust bearing surface, and a drive key operatively connecting each drive key socket with a respective axial keyway for transferring torque from the drive shaft to the end housing. The drive key includes a substantially planar drive face slidably engaging the axial keyway, and a radiused, cylindrical back portion rotatably engaging the drive key socket, the substantially planar drive face and radiused, cylindrical back portion forming a nominal half-circle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Lance D. Underwood, Eric T. Johnson, Tom Oskamp
  • Publication number: 20160040485
    Abstract: In one aspect, a wellbore system including a longitudinal member disposed within a wellbore; a retention device associated with the longitudinal member, wherein the retention device is configured to deploy in response to a critical fluid flow rate to decelerate the longitudinal member subject to an unimpeded travel within the wellbore. In another aspect, a method of retaining a longitudinal member within a wellbore, including providing the longitudinal member within the wellbore; associating a retention device with the longitudinal member; subjecting the longitudinal member to an unimpeded travel within the wellbore; deploying the retention device in response to a critical fluid flow rate; and decelerating the longitudinal member within the wellbore via the retention device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: David Bishop, Christian F. Bayne, Rockni Van Clief
  • Publication number: 20160040486
    Abstract: A downhole motor may include a power section, a connecting rod assembly, and a drive shaft. The power section may include a stator and a rotor with the rotor configured to rotate eccentrically when a drilling fluid is passed through the stator. The connecting rod assembly operatively connects the rotor of the power section and the drive shaft of the bearing section. The connecting rod assembly may include a housing and a connecting rod. The housing may have a proximal end and a distal end with the proximal end connected to the stator. The connecting rod may include a proximal end including a rigid connection operatively connected to the rotor, a mid flexible rod, and a distal end terminating at or proximate an articulating joint. The drive shaft may be operatively connected to the articulating joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Jay Milton Eppink, Thomas James Fields
  • Publication number: 20160040487
    Abstract: A well lift frame, clamp assembly therefor, and method for handling well equipment is disclosed. In an embodiment, the lift frame includes a frame, a vertical slot forming an opening in a side of the frame, and a clamping assembly mounted to the side of the frame near the opening. The clamping assembly may include a linkage assembly arranged so as to travel along an arcuate path between a disengaged position, in which the clamping assembly is substantially clear of the opening, and an engaged position in which the clamping assembly at least substantially covers a horizontal extent of the opening. The linkage assembly may define a four-bar linkage mechanism. The clamping assembly may also include an actuator coupled to the linkage assembly so as to selectively position the linkage assembly, and a shoe carried by the linkage assembly for contacting and clamping equipment within the vertical slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Matthew S. Elliott
  • Publication number: 20160040488
    Abstract: A tilt mechanism for manipulating an injector head mounted on a tiltable platform attached at one end to a pivot mount on a base structure includes an articulated member attached between the tiltable platform and the base structure, the articulated member having a joint and a cylinder attached between the base structure and the articulated member, wherein an arm of the cylinder is extended to push the joint of the articulated member to an over-center position, thereby locking the articulated member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: Premier Coil Solutions
    Inventor: Randall Dean Behrens
  • Publication number: 20160040489
    Abstract: A knee-joint mechanism for a folding gooseneck used in a coiled tubing unit, includes a main structure having a distal end pivotally attached thereto, the knee-joint mechanism including an articulated member attached between the main structure and the pivotally attached distal end of the gooseneck, the articulated member having a joint, and a cylinder attached between the main structure and the articulated member. The arm of the cylinder is extended to push the joint of the articulated member to an over-center position, thereby locking the articulated member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: PREMIER COIL SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Randall Dean Behrens
  • Publication number: 20160040490
    Abstract: A circulation unit and an arrangement are arranged to continuously circulate drilling fluid during drilling. A housing is provided with a centre bore arranged to accommodate a portion of a pipe. The centre bore includes upper and lower sealing elements. The sealing elements are provided with centre openings which, by the expansion of said sealing elements, are closable or fit tightly against the pipe by the abutment of an inner sealing surface against the pipe. Each of the sealing elements is connected in a fluid-tight manner to a packing pipe which is located in the housing and which is rotatable around the centre axis of the centre bore. The packing pipe is surrounded by a packing assembly fitting, tightly between the periphery of the packing pipe and the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: West Drilling Products AS
    Inventors: Odd B. Skjaerseth, Bjorn Eilertsen
  • Publication number: 20160040491
    Abstract: A drill rig includes a base, a drill tower coupled to and extending from the base, a drill pipe coupled to and supported by the drill tower, an air compressor coupled to the base, a prime mover coupled to the air compressor, and a fluid coupling disposed between and coupled to both the prime mover and the air compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Arnold Law, Owen J. Warr
  • Publication number: 20160040492
    Abstract: A plug is engageable with a ball for seating in a tubular having an internal profile. The plug has a body with a bore with a seat. One or more blocks disposed on the body are temporarily held in a retracted condition, but the one or more blocks are biased outward to an expanded condition for engaging inside the tubular. A seal is disposed on the body for sealing inside the tubular. The plug sets in the tubular with the one or more blocks released from the retracted condition to the expanded condition. With the ball dropped downhole, the seat engages the ball so that fluid pressure is sealed from uphole to downhole through the bore. With applied fluid pressure against the seated ball, the plug can move through the tubular until the blocks seat in the internal profile of the tubing, sliding sleeve, or other component. The seal on the plug can then seal inside the tubular while the blocks seat in the profile and applied pressure pushes on the seated ball on the plug's mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Justin P. Vinson, Matthew A. Crump, Chad H. Picciotti
  • Publication number: 20160040493
    Abstract: The present disclosure is for a vibratory downhole rotary apparatus. The apparatus includes a cylindrical hollow body, a stator disposed within the cylindrical hollow body and a rotor disposed within the stator. The apparatus also includes a flow resistance system to vary the resistance of fluid flow through the apparatus to increase and decrease backpressure across the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Roger Schultz, Brock Watson
  • Publication number: 20160040494
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method and system for surface enhancement of a pipe. The method includes the steps of: introducing the pipe in a wellbore; and applying a ribbed pattern to the inner surface of the pipe. An expander cone, having a largest outer diameter which is larger than the initial inner diameter of the pipe and having an outer surface provided with a correspondingly ribbed pattern, is moved through the pipe to apply the pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Wouter BESIJN, Petrus Cornelis KRIESELS, Adriana Coromoto PAIVA, Mark Michael SHUSTER
  • Publication number: 20160040495
    Abstract: Milling systems, tools, and methods include using a mill with a barrier to promote re-circulation of debris and cuttings to the face of the mill. The face of the mill may include cutting elements. A barrier may obstruct the flow of cuttings and debris away from the face to re-circulate the cutting and debris to promote re-milling of the cuttings and debris by the cutting elements of the face of the mill. The barrier may include a hydraulic barrier formed by fluid expelled from nozzles in or above the mill. A secondary attrition system uphole of the mill may also be used to stage conditioning and re-sizing of cuttings and debris. After debris and cuttings pass through the barrier, the secondary attrition system may re-mill the cuttings and debris to a finer size before allowing the cuttings and debris to pass into the wellbore annulus for transport to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Manoj D. Mahajan, Charles H. Dewey, Shantanu N. Swadi, Walter E. Friedl, Lijun Song, Ashley Bernard Johnson, Christopher Kang Potter, Alan Fairweather
  • Publication number: 20160040496
    Abstract: Milling systems, tools, and methods include using a mill with secondary attrition system to re-mill cuttings and other debris away from the face of the mill. The secondary attrition system may be located uphole of the mill may be used to stage conditioning and re-sizing of debris. After debris is generated by the mill, the secondary attrition system may re-mill the debris to a finer size before allowing the debris to pass out of the sleeve. The debris may be re-milled by secondary cutting elements while within an annular gap positioned radially between the sleeve and a drive shaft for the mill. The annular gap may have a variable width as a result of a tapered outer surface of the drive shaft and/or a tapered inner surface of the sleeve. The variable width may cause debris to be re-milled into increasingly finer sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Manoj D. Mahajan, Charles H. Dewey, Shantanu N. Swadi, Walter E. Friedl, Christopher Kang Potter, Alan Fairweather
  • Publication number: 20160040497
    Abstract: A downhole vibration tool for connection with a pipe string, including a housing, an unbalanced turbine assembly contained within the housing, an inlet for introducing a fluid into the unbalanced turbine assembly, and an outlet for discharging the fluid from the unbalanced turbine assembly. The unbalanced turbine assembly includes a sleeve and at least one annular turbine which is located in an annular bore defined between the housing and the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Gary James BAKKEN
  • Publication number: 20160040498
    Abstract: A wellhead assembly includes as outer tubular wellhead member and an inner tubular wellhead member with a seal pocket between them. A seal ring is located in the seal pocket An annular energizing ring urges the seal ring into sealing engagement with the outer tubular wellhead member and the inner tubular wellhead member. A recess is located on an outer diameter of the annular energizing ring or a radially inner diameter of the seal ring, and a ratcheted retainer is on the other. A ratchet clip with a clip profile is located within the recess. The recess and the ratchet slip extend leas than a full circumferential distance around the outer diameter of the annular energizing ring or the radially inner diameter of the seal ring. A retainer profile on the ratcheted retainer selectively engages with the clip profile of the ratchet clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: David Lawrence Ford, Daniel Ralph Barnhart, Daniel Caleb Benson
  • Publication number: 20160040499
    Abstract: On a wellhead, a well component, such as a casing head, has a bowl with a first shoulder and a groove defined therein. A hanger for supporting casing positions in the bowl, and a latch assembly on the hanger latches the hanger in the groove. The latch can have a traveling ring and a latch ring supported on the hanger's exterior surface. The traveling ring engages the first shoulder in the bowl and pushes the latch ring against a portion of the hanger, such as a second shoulder. The latch ring has a joint at a split in the latch ring, and the joint holds the latch ring in a compressed state about the exterior surface. When the latch ring moves with the engagement of the traveling ring against the hanger portion, the joint is disjointed, and the latch ring expands outward into the groove to latch the hanger in the bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Brandon M. Cain, Jason A. McGinnis
  • Publication number: 20160040500
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for activating a safety device of a blowout preventer utilizes a variable ratio rotary energy controller. The controller automatically adjusts the pressure of the fluid for activating the safety device thereby conserving the amount of energy required for each activating cycle. The controller includes a variable displacement hydraulic motor coupled to a variable displacement hydraulic pump. A system for recharging the activating fluid circuit allows for the actuating system to be reused as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Clifford Lee Hilpert, Jeffrey Lee Hilpert
  • Publication number: 20160040501
    Abstract: The isolation tool works at depth in the bore of a pipe whose upper end is to be severed and replaced. The tool isolates the lower pipe bore from the upper bore so that flammable downhole fluid is prevented from reaching a welding site along the pipe wall. The tool incorporates: means for establishing a pair of axially spaced apart annular seals engaging the pipe inner surface; means for venting downhole fluid to ground surface; and means for monitoring for seal leakage. The tool is primarily mechanical in nature. It finds use in connection with off-shore platform riser renewal operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Guy Berube, Graham T. Brown, Tom Blair
  • Publication number: 20160040502
    Abstract: A crack and fluid containment collar and system for well casings to prevent micro-annulus crack propagation and fluid flow therethrough. The collar includes an annular wall extending coaxially from a first end thereof to form a trough around a casing on which the collar is disposed. A plurality of circumferential channels is provided in an exterior surface of the collar and an interior surface of the annular wall. Pairs of the collar are coupled to the casing in opposite orientations; one above and one below a containment zone with their annular flanges directed toward the zone. When encased in cement, the collars impede propagation of cracks (and fluid/gas flow therethrough) along the surfaces of the casing and collars. A second end of the collar is tapered to direct crack formation away from the collar and casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Stephen C. Robben