Patents Issued in March 29, 2016
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Patent number: 9297168Abstract: The present invention provides a panel assembly for a wall of a prefabricated building and a method of constructing the panel assembly. In the present invention, the simple assembly and construction operation renders it possible to enhance the workability in a construction site, thus reducing the cost of labor. Further, the panel assembly is simple and elegant, thus satisfying the aesthetic sense of users. In addition, the panel assembly is scientifically designed so that it can be precisely constructed. The functional structure of the panel assembly can maximize the waterproofing effect while minimizing the generation of noise. Furthermore, because the panel assembly is made of aluminum material, the reduced weight thereof facilitates the processing operation and transportation. Also, the panel assembly reliably resists ultraviolet rays and rainwater.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2012Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Sung Gen Kim
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Patent number: 9297169Abstract: A self-locking paneling system is provided and includes: a panel defining a void therein and a pin positioned within the void; another structure configured to connect with the panel, the other structure comprising a receptacle; and a magnet positioned on at least one of the receptacle and the pin. When the panel and the other structure are positioned together, the pin is configured to move from a retracted position from within the void to an extended position to engage the receptacle using magnetic force produced by the magnet. The self-locking paneling system can be used for raised-flooring systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Gueorgui Pantev
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Patent number: 9297170Abstract: Tool for finishing a plastic filler includes an elongate member having a first end and an opposing second end; on the first end of the member is an absorbent/adsorbent structural component; and on the second end of the member is a spatula blade. The elongate member may have a stabilizing contrivance for the absorbent/adsorbent structural component and/or spatula blade. The spatula blade may have a laterally extending rib.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Michael A. Jones
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Patent number: 9297171Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for screeding concrete to produce a level finished surface that includes a frame assembly, a boom assembly secured to the frame assembly at a first end and to a screed head at a second end, and a track drive assembly having a pair of driven tracks spaced from at least one wheel, the tracks and the wheels each rotatably secured to the rigid frame assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2015Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Peter A. Ligman
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Patent number: 9297172Abstract: A scaffold has several spaced apart systems of construction frames present on top of each other, as well as handrail frames that extend between the construction frames. The construction frames have three posts connected together by crossbars, in which the front post is shorter than the other two. The handrail frames are attached to these short posts. Each handrail frame is built up of two post sections with a handrail and a side plank between them. The post sections form half of a lengthwise divided post. The post sections of two adjacent handrail frames thus form one whole post, which can be inserted into the short post of a construction frame. As the post sections are part of the handrail frames, the handrail frames can be easily attached to the short posts already present at the front of the construction frames.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: XS Platforms Holding B.V.Inventor: Dick Buitendijk
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Patent number: 9297173Abstract: A jump form system provided variously with an integral jump shoe lock mechanism, a reversible gang form shear platform, and a pinion lock mechanism for a roll back carriage. The jump shoe lock mechanism includes a lever pivotably mounted to the jump form system frame above a jump shoe bearing portion of a connecting member, a sleeve mounted to the jump form system frame below the jump shoe bearing portion of the connecting member, and a sleeve-mounted safety pin that is mechanically linked to the lever for engagement and disengagement with a jump shoe. The pinion lock mechanism includes a rack and pinion provided on inner and outer portions of a telescoping carriage assembly, respectively, and a lock arm pivotably mounted to the outer portion adjacent to the pinion, with the rack, pinion, and lock arm including complementary teeth which are locked into place upon pivoting engagement of the locking arm.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATIONInventors: Robert A. Spindler, Robert J. Flathau
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Patent number: 9297174Abstract: A method for installing a truss-wall stud unit includes coupling a set of bottom plates with a foundation, coupling a set of hinge brackets with the set of bottom plates, coupling a first partial truss with a second partial truss to form a truss-wall stud unit, coupling the truss-wall stud unit with the bottom plates and hinge brackets, and hoisting the truss-wall stud unit into a substantially vertical position. A system includes truss-wall stud units which are connected to bottom plates using hinge brackets. Once connected to the hinge brackets and bottom plates, the truss-wall stud units are hoisted upright into a substantially vertical position using a cable system with a cable support system. Temporary interlocking spacer bars are used to brace the truss-wall stud units at predetermined intervals.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Steve Ventling
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Patent number: 9297175Abstract: A cap for covering a lift hole of a lifting lug of a concrete slab, which cap comprises a flat circular skirt and a central portion, wherein from the lower surface of the flat skirt extends one continuous circular protrusion or a plurality of smaller protrusions in circular formation, wherein the central portion extends upwards from the skirt and is formed to be pressed down so that the upper part of the lifting lug breaks through the central portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: ELEMATIC OYJInventor: Lassi Jarvinen
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Patent number: 9297176Abstract: A retention tie system for post-construction installation to stabilize masonry or composite walls. The system comprises a tie member anchored in an anchor hole bored into the existing foundation and a tensioned against a base plate and a cover plate seated along the top of the wall. A bracing member is used to provide lateral stability to the respective plate members. A tension washer is used to ensure that the tie members are tensioned to the appropriate load.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2015Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Harvel K. Crumley
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Patent number: 9297177Abstract: An open chamber of predetermined size and shape is positioned within a pool bed so as to contain interconnected clusters of interconnected telescopic modules which occupy the chamber area. Each of the telescopic modules is independently extended and retracted in length vertically by the increase or decrease of the volume of water contained within a bellows, establishing in selected telescopic modules a specific reef size, shape, and orientation. When kinetic-energy is introduced upstream from a source, the kinetic-energy within the water passes over the reef, and generates a wave having specific features resulting from the properties of the specific reef configuration.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2015Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Phillip James Fricano
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Patent number: 9297178Abstract: This invention relates to a false ceiling intended to be suspended inside a lightweight housing module provided with at least one stretched fabric referred to as exterior forming its roof and fixed along its lower peripheral edge on a rigid frame, the false ceiling being of double inverted curvature and comprising a fabric referred to as interior being, on the one hand, suspended inside said lightweight housing module under the exterior fabric and, on the other hand, fixed by its exterior peripheral edge to said frame, the false ceiling being remarkable in that said interior fabric comprises in its central portion an orifice of dimensions that are sufficient to allow for the passing of an operator and in that said interior fabric is sufficiently resistant and stretched in order to support the weight of at least one operator. This invention further relates to its method of assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Catherine Dalo
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Patent number: 9297179Abstract: Razor wire which includes a core wire, an electrically insulating sheath over the core wire and a strip, with a plurality of barbs, which is crimped, along two lines, on opposing sides of the sheath, positioned so that the sheath is not damaged during the crimping process.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: BIRMINGHAM BARBED TAPE LTD.Inventors: Ronald Smith, Steven David Cochrane
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Patent number: 9297180Abstract: A fence jig is provided for assisting construction of privacy fences. The fence jig includes an elongated board that is the length of a fence post. Attached to that board is a post guide that fits on the fence post. First, second, and third flanges are attached to the board with dimensions that place gaps between the flanges where fence connectors should be located when the post guide rests on a fence post. The fence jig also provides reference edges and power saw cutting guides for accurately cutting fence panels.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Eric Tumamao
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Patent number: 9297181Abstract: There is disclosed a door assembly for use on an electric switch housing which is virtually arc proof. The door assembly includes a rectangular frame with a door pivotally connected to one side of the frame by an elongated piano type hinge. A multi-latch door lock secures the door to the frame by providing a plurality of locking latch points along three sides of the door and door frame. The multi-latch door lock is operated from a single handle to operate the lock between its locked and unlocked conditions. A fail safe mechanism is provided to automatically cut off the flow of current in the electric switch when the door is opened.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2012Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Mario Gasparetto
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Patent number: 9297182Abstract: A handle assembly for a door includes at least a support member, an elongate handle body, an insert and a fastener. The elongate handle body includes an opening at a handle end. An outer hole is formed on a shell of the handle body near the handle end so as to be in communication with the opening. The insert is configured to be inserted into the opening. The insert includes an aperture and an inner hole. The aperture is configured to accommodate the support member mounted on a door. The inner hole is configured to be aligned with the outer hole and be in communication with the aperture. The insert includes a protrusion that protrudes into the aperture. The fastener is configured to be inserted through the outer hole and the inner hole and press the support member against the protrusion such that the protrusion extends into a neck portion of the support member.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: William Lee Moody, Nilton Carlos Bertolini
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Patent number: 9297183Abstract: A self-adjusting striker assembly, for use with a box having a lid, a box body and a latch, includes a striker bar mounted to the lid which is operative to move linearly relative to the latch in the event of misalignment between the lid and box body.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Daws Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventor: David A. Williams
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Patent number: 9297184Abstract: A key with indication “locked-unlocked” of a cylinder lock and comprising in its gripping section a manually movable slider for indicating “locked-unlocked” is designed in a way that in a gripping section there is arranged a recess comprising in its central section a pair of projections, wherein the slider arranged in the recess consists of two halves containing a mutually complementary middle tubular part and an external wide part extending at least partially over the contour of the recess.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Tase Lazovski
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Patent number: 9297185Abstract: In the invention the lock cylinder of the padlock can be released from the body of the padlock without releasing the cam member or locking balls. In the invention the cam member remains in the body of the padlock because at least one locking ball is against the cam member keeping it at place.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: ABLOY OYInventor: Jukka Lasaroff
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Patent number: 9297186Abstract: A lock assembly is provided for releasably coupling a dome of a telecommunications enclosure to a base of the telecommunications enclosure. The lock assembly generally includes a housing having at least one stop, a slider disposed at least partly within the housing and moveable between an extended position for coupling the dome of the telecommunications enclosure to the base of the telecommunications enclosure and a retracted position for uncoupling the dome from the base, and a cam configured to rotate and move the slider between the retracted position and the extended position. The cam is engageable with the at least one stop of the housing to stop rotation of the cam when the slider moves to the retracted position and/or to stop rotation of the cam when the slider moves to the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Emerson Network Power, Energy Systems, North America, Inc.Inventors: Simon Shen-Meng Chen, Jerome Maloney
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Patent number: 9297187Abstract: A gate latch release mechanism has a cylindrical tubular guide having a first length, a mechanism to firmly fasten the tubular guide in a hole through a gate member, a compression spring having a length less than the first length of the tubular guide, the compression spring positioned within the tubular guide and having a first end bearing on a cap at a first end of the tubular guide, a flexible line of a length substantially longer than the tubular guide, the line passing through the compression spring and the tubular guide, and having a handle on one end and a coupling interface on an opposite end, and an element securely fastened to the line within the tubular guide, with the element bearing on a second end of the compression spring within the tubular guide.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Jerry Dean Glover
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Patent number: 9297188Abstract: A latch assembly especially for the doors, seats, or seatbacks of motor vehicles with a latch element installed rotatably in a lock housing to retain an opposing latch part when the assembly is in the locking position, which opposing part can disconnect itself from the latch element when the assembly is in a released position. A tensioning element exerts a tensioning force when the assembly is in the locking position, by which a tension edge forming a permanent part of the opposing latch part is pressed against an opposing tension edge forming a permanent part of the lock housing. The tensioning member is a slide plate supported on a guide edge of the lock housing and a certain area of the plate forms a tensioning cam, which is at an angle relative to the movement of the slide plate and which cooperates with a projection on the latch element.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: WITTE AUTOMOTIVE GMBHInventor: Reinaldo Mensch
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Patent number: 9297189Abstract: A device having an opening structure includes a first body having a first locking part, a second body having a second locking part, a first magnetic component, and a second magnetic component. The second body has a closing position and an unlocking position relative to the first body. The first body overlaps the second body when the second body is located at the closing position. The first locking part separates from the second locking part when the second body is located at the unlocking position. The first magnetic component has a first pole fixed to the first locking part. The second magnetic component has a second pole and a third pole. The second pole attracts the first pole, and the third pole repels the first pole. The second pole is pivoted on the second body around an axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Li-Yin Ho
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Patent number: 9297190Abstract: A hinge device (10) for connecting two door panels (12) of a folding door (14) includes two installation strips (26) and a connection strip (28) connecting the two installation strips (26). An installation slot (44) is formed in each installation strip (26) for receiving an inner end (24) of an associated door panel (12). Two toothed portions (50) are respectively formed on the installation strips (26) and mesh with each other. The connection strip (28) includes two shaft portions (62) respectively received in the toothed portions (50). The installation strips (26) are pivotable relative to the connection strip (28) between first and second positions. In the first position, the door panels (12) are unfolded, and the connection strip (28) is covered by the installation strips (26). In the second position, the door panels (12) are folded, and the toothed portions (50) are located inside of the connection strip (28).Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Chen-Hsiang Lee
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Patent number: 9297191Abstract: A hinge includes a connecting member, a first shaft member, a pivoting member, at least one shock absorber and a restoring unit. The first shaft member extends rotatably through the connecting member. The pivoting member is connected co-rotatably to the first shaft member, and is connected to the object. The pivoting member has at least one limiting surface facing the object. The shock absorber is disposed between the limiting surface of the pivoting member and the object for preventing collision between the pivoting member and the object. The restoring unit is disposed in the connecting member for driving rotation of the first shaft member toward a neutral position.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Wei-Chu Chen
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Patent number: 9297192Abstract: A multi joint slider device may include a center slider arranged at a center in a length direction thereof, the center slider having at least one roller, a front slider arranged in front of the center slider connected thereto with a first joint to enable relative rotation, the front slider having at least one roller, and a rear slider arranged in rear of the center slider connected thereto with a second joint to enable relative rotation, the rear slider having at least one roller, thereby permitting smooth rolling and sliding on the rail having a curved portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Jae Hong Choi
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Patent number: 9297193Abstract: The present invention relates to a torsion spring that has a proximal leg with a proximal segment and a distal segment, a distal leg with a proximal segment and a distal segment, and a coil between the proximal and distal legs. The torsion spring is preferably used adjacent to a door hinge to bias the door in an open position. The proximal segment of the proximal leg and the distal segment of the distal leg are preferably curved so that they may be hammered into the door and door frame in order to keep the torsion spring in place.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2015Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: James Bell Martin
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Patent number: 9297194Abstract: A solenoid distribution valve has a housing, a valve chamber integrated in the housing and a first valve seat bore for connection to a first line, a second valve seat bore as a connection to a second line and a clear opening to a third line, an electromagnet, and a valve lifter that can be moved by the electromagnet. A valve lifter within the valve chamber includes a first sealing surface facing the first valve seat bore and a second sealing surface facing the second valve seat bore that are optionally closable. The valve lifter extends out of the valve chamber through the second valve seat bore to the electromagnet. When the second valve seat bore is closed, the valve lifter is drawn, via a differential pressure ratio, by the pressure in the second line, into the second valve seat bore.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Dorma Deutschland GmbHInventors: Volker Bienek, Thomas Wildförster
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Patent number: 9297195Abstract: A damper assembly incorporating a bushing adapted to rotate within a wall structure and engage a post on a bin or other element to be controlled. The bushing defines a hub of an integral, coaxial rotor which rides within a fluid containing housing. The bushing and rotor rotate concurrently about a common axis during rotation of the bin or other device being controlled. The drag on the rotor thereby slows the rotation of the engaged post and the associated bin or other structure being controlled.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2010Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Toby Berry, Jr., David A. Doornbos, Daniel P. Calby
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Patent number: 9297196Abstract: Disclosed is a lift and rotation mechanism for a quick door-opening device. The power-output end of a first motor of a lift component of the mechanism is connected to one end of a screw rod and the other end of the screw rod is connected to one end of a circular pipe; one end of a tubular body is provided with a connection component, with one end of a coupling component being connected to the connection component; the other end of the circular pipe is removably connected to a circular door by an annular connection; the output shaft of a second motor of a rotary component is removably connected to one end of a rotary shaft provided within a supporting seat removably connected to an end flange; and a circular disk is removably connected to the other end of the rotary shaft and is fixedly connected to the connection component.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2012Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignees: CHINA NATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION, CHINA PETROLEUM PIPELINE BUREAU, CHINA PETROLEUM PIPELINE MACHINERY MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Yunlan Yang, Feng Zou, Meng Li, Wenyong Li
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Patent number: 9297197Abstract: An IG window unit includes a coating supported by a glass substrate. The coating from the glass substrate outwardly comprising at least the following: a dielectric layer comprising silicon nitride; a dielectric layer comprising an oxide of titanium; another dielectric layer; a layer comprising zinc oxide; an infrared (IR) reflecting layer comprising silver on the glass substrate, located over and directly contacting the layer comprising zinc oxide, wherein the coating includes only one IR reflecting layer; a layer comprising an oxide of Ni and/or Cr located over and directly contacting the IR reflecting layer comprising silver; and an overcoat comprising (i) a layer comprising tin oxide located over the layer comprising the oxide of Ni and/or Cr and (ii) a layer comprising silicon nitride located over and contacting the layer comprising tin oxide.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2015Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignees: Guardian Industries Corp., Centre Luxembourgeois de Recherches pour le Verre et la Ceramique S.A. (C.R.V.C.)Inventors: Jingyu Lao, Philip J. Lingle, Brent Boyce, Bernd Disteldorf, Richard Blacker
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Patent number: 9297198Abstract: A fire resistant shutter is provided including a first panel including wood and a second panel including a cementitious material located adjacent to the first panel. The fire resistant shutter further includes a hasp attached to the second panel and configured to be attached to a building structure with a detachable connector, and a pin including wax disposed in an aperture defined by the hasp. The pin prevents the hasp from opening. When the fire resistant shutter is attached to a building structure, heat from an approaching fire at least partially melts the pin, which opens the hasp, detaches the connector, and allows the shutter to drop. The deployed shutter provides fire resistance to the building structure, such as at a window.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventors: Ryan Nicholas Malvey, Samuel Joseph Ruzynski, Samuel Brott Kalkman, Evin Daniel Sougstad, Liam Olaf Flanary, Nicholas Lee Ruzynski, Megan Wolgamot Malvey, Mindy Lynn Ruzynski, Steven Frederick Wolgamot
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Patent number: 9297199Abstract: A frame assembly for windows and doors includes a pair of side members and a pair of generally parallel cross members, each extending along a unique member axis. The cross members include a first frame portion and a second frame portion that extend generally along the member axis and are connected by a camming fastener that draws together and secures the first and second frame portions. A method of fabricating a shutter assembly includes forming a pair of C-shaped partial-frames, each from a side member coupled to portions of two cross-members. The method includes co-axially aligning corresponding portions of the two cross-members along two axes and joining the two C-shaped partial-frames with camming fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: HOUSTON SHUTTERS, LLCInventors: Michael Blackburn, Jennifer Baur
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Patent number: 9297200Abstract: A security cover device for a door viewer inserted into a door includes a housing configured to couple to a door with a door viewer, an eye piece movably coupled with the housing, and a shutter assembly. The shutter assembly includes a shutter member disposed within the housing, the shutter being configured to alter the amount of light passing through the housing, and an actuator in communication with the shutter member to selectively reposition the shutter member with respect to the housing from a first shutter member position to a second shutter member position, wherein the actuator is actuated to reposition the shutter member in response to the eye piece being moved in relation to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Kamran Khoshkish
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Patent number: 9297201Abstract: A privacy barrier apparatus for a balcony includes a slide column configured to be connected to and supported by a structure. The apparatus includes a barrier assembly slidably connected to the slide column. The barrier assembly is linearly movably relative to the slide column between a retracted position and an extended position.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Ron Melnick
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Patent number: 9297202Abstract: A shutter-blind system for windows is provided. The system includes a plurality of rotatable parallel louvers. Each louver is rotatable about an axis offset from its center of gravity. The system further includes a resisting member coupled to a louver located at a lower end of the plurality of louvers, the center of gravity of the louvers with the offset axis pulling against the resisting member to maintain tension in the collapsible linkages. All of the louvers of the plurality of louvers are rotated in a substantially matched rotation in response to rotation of the lower louver. All of the louvers are held in position in response to the force of gravity on the offset louvers acting against the resisting member.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Comfortex CorporationInventors: Richard Watkins, Jason Vandervoort, John Corey, Thomas Marusak
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Patent number: 9297203Abstract: A curtain drawstring structure may include an upper beam, a fixed unit, and a movable unit. The upper beam has a rail groove for a string hole, and a projecting rail is protrudingly disposed at a lower portion of the inner wall of each rail groove, and an evading space is used to separate the two projecting rails. Through the size difference of guiding wheels and steering wheels and the engagement of pressing rods and stepped slots of the fixed unit and movable unit, a retractable cord can be fully separated to avoid entanglement. The retractable cord can be simply wrapped on the guiding wheels and steering wheels to complete the installation process.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2015Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Mei-Chin Hsueh-Cheng
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Patent number: 9297204Abstract: This application is directed to a pressure balanced mud motor and a method of using the mud motor. The mud motor includes a power section to rotate a passageway housing and propel fluid through a passageway disposed in the passageway housing. The mud motor also includes a drive shaft assembly that allows for easy replacement of parts.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Brock Watson, Gregory Kliewer, Roger L. Schultz
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Patent number: 9297205Abstract: A method includes receiving toolface information corresponding to a location of the bottom hole assembly (BHA) with respect to a target drilling path and drift information. The surface steerable system calculates a first toolface vector from a first location of the BHA to the target drilling path to create a convergence path to the target drilling path and calculates an adjustment of the first toolface vector to a second toolface vector to account for system drift defined by the drift information such that the BHA will converge with the target drilling path by drilling in accordance with the second toolface vector. The surface steerable system modifies at least one drilling parameter to alter a drilling direction of the BHA based on the calculated second toolface vector and transmits the at least one drilling parameter to the drilling rig to target the BHA in accordance with the second toolface vector.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2015Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignees: Hunt Advanced Drilling Technologies, LLC, Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Todd W. Benson, Teddy Chen, Sashmit Bhaduri
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Patent number: 9297206Abstract: A method for drilling with a buoyant structure having a hull, a planar keel defining a lower hull diameter, a lower cylindrical portion connected to the planar keel, a lower frustoconical portion disposed above the lower cylindrical portion with inwardly-sloping wall at a first angle, an upper frustoconical portion directly connected to the lower frustoconical portion. The method uses a ballasted chambered buoyant storage ring which is either dockside and connected to the buoyant structure for drilling at a subsea location, or the ballasted chambered buoyant storage ring is preinstalled at a subsea location and then the buoyant structure is mounted to the ballasted chambered buoyant storage ring at sea.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: JURONG SHIPYARD PTE LTD.Inventor: Nicolaas J. Vandenworm
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Patent number: 9297207Abstract: A device in place as, or suitable for use as, a vibrational tool of or in a downhole assembly, the device having a first magnetic assembly which is to be, or can be, rotated relative to a second magnetic assembly and which, when so rotated, causes the second magnetic assembly to oscillate and/or reciprocate at least substantially in an axial manner; wherein the oscillating and/or reciprocating magnetic assembly, at least substantially, at either one end, or both ends, is attached to and constrained in its oscillations and/or reciprocation by a compliant member thereby allowing the output force to be distributed to the outer body of the vibrational tool and/or any attached uphole and/or downhole tooling, from the compression and extension of the compliant member in a substantially sinusoidal manner.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2012Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: FLEXIDRILL LIMITEDInventors: Owen Schicker, Enda Hand
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Patent number: 9297208Abstract: Exemplary drill tools for placement in a drill string may include a body; a plurality of reamer cutters; and a plurality of ball and socket connectors configured to attach the plurality of reamer cutters to the body. Each of the plurality of reamer cutters may be replaceable by removing at least one of the plurality of ball and socket connectors from the reamer body. Each of the ball and socket connectors may be attached to the reamer body with bolts. Each of the ball and socket connectors may include titanium dioxide and/or titanium carbide coatings where the connectors interface with the reamer cutters.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2012Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Utah Valley UniversityInventor: Sheldon Hansen
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Patent number: 9297209Abstract: A bidirectional stabilizer and a drill string wherein the bidirectional stabilizer reduces motion while rotating into and out of a wellbore. The bidirectional stabilizer can be coupled on a first shaft end to the drill string and on a second shaft end to a bottom hole assembly or other downhole equipment. The bidirectional stabilizer can have an annulus configured for maximum wellbore fluid flow. A cutting portion can be formed on a shaft with a plurality of blades between the first shaft end and the second shaft end. The plurality of blades of the cutting portion can be on a first plane and a plurality of cutting nodes can be on a second plane for smoothing a wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2015Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: ALASKAN ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.Inventors: Lee Morgan Smith, Betty A. Eastup-Smith
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Patent number: 9297210Abstract: An earth removal member for drilling a wellbore with casing or liner includes a tubular body and a head. The head is fastened to or formed with an end of the body, has a face and a side, is made from a high strength material, and has a port formed through the face. The earth removal member further includes a blade. The blade is formed on the head, extends from the side and along the face, and is made from the high strength material. The earth removal member further includes cutters disposed along the blade; and a nozzle adapter. The nozzle adapter has a port formed therethrough, is longitudinally and rotationally coupled to the head, and is made from a drillable material. The earth removal member further includes a nozzle disposed in the adapter port and fastened to the nozzle adapter.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Albert C. Odell, II, Guy F. Feasey, Scott Beattie, Sharp Okorie Ugwuocha
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Patent number: 9297211Abstract: Polycrystalline diamond constructions comprises a diamond body attached to a metallic substrate, and having an engineered metal content. The body comprises bonded together diamond crystals with a metal material disposed interstitially between the crystals. A body working surface has metal content of 2 to 8 percent that increases moving away therefrom. A transition region between the body and substrate includes metal rich and metal depleted regions having controlled metal content that provides improved thermal expansion matching/reduced residual stress. A point in the body adjacent the metal rich zone has a metal content that is at least about 3 percent by weight greater than that at a body/substrate interface. The metal depleted zone metal content increases gradually moving from the body, and has a thickness greater than 1.25 mm. Metal depleted zone metal content changes less about 4 percent per millimeter moving along the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Yuelin Shen, Youhe Zhang, Guodong Zhan
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Patent number: 9297212Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts including a substrate having a convexly-curved interfacial surface bonded to a polycrystalline diamond table. In an embodiment, a polycrystalline diamond compact includes a substrate including at least one side surface and a convexly-curved interfacial surface that may, in some embodiments, extend inwardly directly from the at least one side surface to form at least one peripheral edge therebetween. The polycrystalline diamond compact further includes a polycrystalline diamond table bonded to the convexly-curved interfacial surface of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Alberto Castillo, Jedediah Chad Clarke, Brandon Paul Linford
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Patent number: 9297213Abstract: A PCD insert comprises a PCD element joined to a cemented carbide substrate at an interface. The PCD element has internal diamond surfaces defining interstices between them. The PCD element comprises a masked or passivated region and an unmasked or unpassivated region, the unmasked or unpassivated region defining a boundary with the substrate, the boundary being the interface. At least some of the internal diamond surfaces of the masked or passivated region contact a mask or passivation medium, and some or all of the interstices of the masked or passivated region and of the unmasked or unpassivated region are at least partially filled with an infiltrant material.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2010Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignees: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED, ELEMENT SIX LIMITEDInventors: John Hewitt Liversage, Danny Eugene Scott, Humphrey Samkelo Lungisani Sithebe, Kaveshini Naidoo, Bronwyn Annette Kaiser, Michael Lester Fish
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Patent number: 9297214Abstract: A free-standing riser system connects a subsea source to a surface structure. The system includes a concentric free-standing riser comprising inner and outer risers defining an annulus there between. A lower end of the riser is fluidly coupled to the subsea source through a lower riser assembly (LRA) and one or more subsea flexible conduits. An upper end of the riser is connected to a buoyancy assembly and the surface structure through an upper riser assembly (URA) and one or more upper flexible conduits, the riser also mechanically connected to a buoyancy assembly that applies upward tension to the riser. The riser may be insulated for flow assurance, either by a flow assurance fluid in the annulus, insulation of the outside of the outer riser, or both. The system may include a hydrate inhibition system and/or a subsea dispersant system. The surface structure may be dynamically positioned.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2015Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignees: BP Corporation North America Inc., BP Exploration Operating Company LimitedInventors: Roy Shilling, Paul W. Gulgowski, Jr., Philip D. Maule, Kevin Kennelley, Walter Greene, Robert W. Franklin, Vicki Corso, Tony Oldfield, Adam L. Ballard, Graeme Steele, David E. Wilkinson, Ricky Thethi, Chau Nguyen, Steve Hatton
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Patent number: 9297215Abstract: A wireline extension assembly includes a first tubing string housing a wireline extension electrically interconnecting wet connects at the upper and lower ends of the first string, with the lower wet connect being electrically connected to a downhole tool. The assembly is pushed into the horizontal leg of a deviated wellbore by forming a second tubing string extending upward from the upper end of the first string, thereby positioning the tool within the horizontal leg while leaving the upper wet connect disposed within the vertical leg. A primary wireline is then run from a surface wireline unit into the upper string and connected to the upper wet connect, thus providing electrical power, data communication, and/or other facilities to the tool. The tool can be repositioned within the horizontal leg by withdrawing the primary wireline, removing or upper string tubing sections, and then reinstalling the primary wireline.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Ron Craik
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Patent number: 9297216Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus wherein a swivel can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections and allowing the fluid to be displaced in two stages, such as while the drill string is being rotated and/or reciprocated. In one embodiment the sleeve or housing can be rotatably and sealably connected to a mandrel. The swivel can be incorporated into a drill or well string and enabling string sections both above and below the sleeve to be rotated in relation to the sleeve. In one embodiment the drill or well string does not move in a longitudinal direction relative to the swivel. In one embodiment, the drill or well string does move longitudinally relative to the sleeve or housing of the swivel.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Terry P. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet
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Patent number: 9297217Abstract: A sensor pod housing assembly for placement within a borehole includes a housing, a selectively operable first hydraulic actuator supported by the housing and adapted to act in a first direction and a selectively operable second hydraulic actuator supported by the housing and adapted to act in a second direction which is substantially parallel to and opposite the first direction. The sensor pod housing assembly further includes a sensor pod adapted to contact a wall of the borehole when deployed to substantially immobilize the sensor pod relative to the borehole. A first substantially rigid link pivotally connects the first hydraulic actuator and the sensor pod, and a second substantially rigid link pivotally connects the second hydraulic actuator and the sensor pod.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Björn N. P. Paulsson