Patents Issued in April 26, 2016
  • Patent number: 9322182
    Abstract: A panel member prepared from a fibrous slurry and replicates a structure prepared from masonry, carpentry, or other finishes. The panel member includes a body, a plurality of ornamental sections, a plurality of interior filler sections, and an exterior filler section. The body is prepared from a substantial uniform caliper of fiber material. The exterior filler section thickness is substantially equal to a thickness of the interior filler sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Henry Molded Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian Gumbert
  • Patent number: 9322183
    Abstract: Floorboards with a mechanical locking system that allows movement between the floorboards when they are joined to form a floating floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: VALINGE INNOVATION AB
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Patent number: 9322184
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing floor panels that have at least a substrate and a top layer provided on the substrate, the top layer including a thermoplastic layer that is translucent or transparent, the method may involve providing the top layer, including the thermoplastic layer, on the substrate. The method may also involve heating at least the thermoplastic layer, and structuring the thermoplastic layer using a mechanical press element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Flooring Industries Limited, SARL
    Inventors: Laurent Meersseman, Martin Segaert, Bernard Thiers, Benjamin Clement, Christophe Maesen
  • Patent number: 9322185
    Abstract: A tile lippage removal system preferably includes a spacer post, a threaded cap and an anti-friction protection plate. The spacer post includes a base member, a spacer member and a threaded shaft. A bottom of the spacer member extends from a top of the base member. A break away connection is made between the spacer member and the base member. A bottom of the threaded shaft extends from a top of the spacer member. A plurality of grip extensions extend from an outer surface of a substantial inverted cup to allow rotation of the threaded cap. A female thread is formed in a center of the substantial inverted cup to threadably receive the threaded shaft. The anti-friction protection plate includes a round outer perimeter and a spacer opening, which is sized to receive the spacer member. The anti-friction protection plate may be used to improve existing tile lippage removal systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: William P. Russo
  • Patent number: 9322186
    Abstract: A leveling spacer system includes a multiple plates, multiple spacers and multiple knobs. The spacers are threadedly connected to the knobs to clamp the panel members, and the plates are used to connect the spacers and the knobs together with so as to clamp more panel members. The plates and the knobs are located on the top of the panel members, and the spacers are located at the underside of the panel members. When the panel members are leveled, the knobs are removed, and the necks on the spacers are broken to finish the leveling of the panel members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventors: Jason Chang, Richard Maggio, Jr., Rick Baldini
  • Patent number: 9322187
    Abstract: The Sherpa is the ultimate sheet supporter. It is an apparatus with a method for assembling, supporting, and lifting sheet metal panels and insulation while constructing a pre-engineered steel building that creates a safer and more efficient work environment. It is a two axle trailer base with a telescoping rear extension. An electric winch is used for actuating the support platform between collapsed/travelling and elevated/operating positions. As it lifts the preassembled panel, it supports it without twisting or kinking to a forty-five degree angle where the panel is able to be lifted to a totally vertical position and secured into place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Dude Kay Burrell
  • Patent number: 9322188
    Abstract: An ambulatory surgical center can include a hybrid operating room. The hybrid operating room can include radiation shielding. The ambulatory surgical center can also include an imaging device disposed in the hybrid operating room. The ambulatory surgical center can further include an operating table disposed in the hybrid operating room. The ambulatory surgical center can additionally include a power room adjacent to the operating room. The power room can include a power supply for the imaging device. The ambulatory surgical center can also include a conduit from the power room to the imaging device configured to deliver power to the imaging device. The ambulatory surgical center can further include an emergency power source for the imaging device configured to permit continuity of surgery in the hybrid operating room during a power outage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: PM Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: L. Philipp Wall
  • Patent number: 9322189
    Abstract: There is provided a surface composition for reducing degradation and fading of surfaces subjected to extended periods of submersion in an aqueous liquid. The surface composition comprises at least one clear barrier layer and at least one under layer, wherein the clear barrier layer is in use, disposed atop the under layer and in contact with the aqueous liquid whereby the clear barrier layer protects the structure and appearance of the under layer. The surface composition is particularly useful in applications where the surface is subjected to extended periods of submersion in liquids containing hydrolyzing or oxidizing agents, exposure to ultra violet radiation, or combinations thereof, whereby the clear barrier layer provides structural protection against degradation from chemical attack and from fading due to UV exposure. There is also provided a method of manufacturing a boat or other watercraft surface composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: HYDRAWALL PTY LTD
    Inventor: Lew Beale
  • Patent number: 9322190
    Abstract: A multistory modular production plant includes a vertical stack of production modules for supporting production equipment, and a vertical stack of operator access modules adjacently connected to the vertically stacked production modules to allow operator access to the production modules. The adjacently connected vertical stacks of production modules and operator access modules thereby establish multiple stories of the modular production plant. Stairs and/or an elevator may be provided in the vertical stack of operator access modules to allow an operator to ascent/descend between stories of the plant. In especially preferred embodiments, each production module and operator access module is in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped which is sized so as to be accommodated within a standard 20-foot shipping container. This configuration of modular units thus allows the plant to be more quickly shipped and constructed on site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: DSM IP ASSETS B.V.
    Inventor: Markus Driess
  • Patent number: 9322191
    Abstract: The invention relates to a grip device (10) for a closure device (80) for a movable part (70), such as a door, lid or the like, of a vehicle, comprising a grip part (20), which is movably mounted relative to the movable part (70), wherein the closure device can be connected to the grip part (20) via a connecting element (14) and the grip part (20) is used to actuate the closure device (80). To this end, according to the invention the grip part (20) is composed of at least two parts, wherein a first part (21) is directly or indirectly mounted on the movable part (70) and a second part (22) is arranged movably on the first part (21), which forms an operating part (22) for operating the grip device (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Müller, Andreas Beck
  • Patent number: 9322192
    Abstract: A rotary latch assembly for a galley cart compartment door is disclosed comprising a barrel member rotating on a spindle and a handle connected to the barrel member. An interfering block outside the barrel member can prevent rotation of the barrel member when engaged with the barrel member, and be displaced by a lock button diametrically opposed with the interfering block. The handle of the rotary latch bears against the door in a locked position to prevent the door from opening, and the button when depressed releases the barrel member to rotate and the handle to pivot out of the path of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter John Leslie Burd
  • Patent number: 9322193
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a structure of key part having hideable lock cylinder, which comprises a base unit having an end able to be fixed on an object body; a lock cylinder unit mounted at the other end of the base unit and provided with a cylinder column at an end thereof; and a key unit provided with a locking piece at a side edge of an end thereof, having the other end pivoted on the lock cylinder unit at a position near the cylinder column, and having a groove axially provided thereon for accommodating the cylinder column; whereby the cylinder column can be inserted into a lock adjusting slot of a handcuff, or can be hidden in the key unit while not in use. Thus, a user needs not to worry that pocket of his or her clothing will be hooked and damaged by the cylinder column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Shun-Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 9322194
    Abstract: An intelligent door lock system is provided with a position sensing device configured to be coupled to a drive shaft of a lock device. The position sensing device senses position of the drive shaft and assists in locking and unlocking a lock of a lock device. An engine is provided with a memory coupled to the positioning sensing device. A circuit is coupled to the engine and an energy source is coupled to the circuit. A device converts energy into mechanical energy and is coupled to the circuit, positioning sensing device and the drive shaft. The device that converts energy is coupled to the energy source to receive energy from the energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: AUGUST HOME, INC.
    Inventors: Shih Yu Thomas Cheng, Jason Johnson, Christopher Kim, Joseph Aranda
  • Patent number: 9322195
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of lock devices, systems, and methods. A lock of the application can include an internal mechanism to permit backdriven operation and lost motion operation. In one form the lock can be made from an assembly of parts that have locating features that require one way installation/assembly. The lock can include an internal power source capable of driving electronics used to determine handedness of a door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: William B. Ainley, William P. Dye, Aaron P. McKibben, Brian A. Telljohann
  • Patent number: 9322196
    Abstract: A padlock for securing a switch of an industrial plant comprises a lock body and a hoop which is displaceably held at the lock body, wherein the lock body has a lock housing composed of plastic, a lock cylinder having a rotatable cylinder core, and a rotatable latching member, wherein the cylinder core and the latching member are rotationally fixedly coupled to one another by means of a coupling element and wherein the latching member is rotatable from a release position into a latching position to lock the hoop at the lock body. The padlock is characterized in that the coupling element has at least one first bearing section, one second bearing section and therebetween a shaft section between the latching member and the lock cylinder, said shaft section connecting the first bearing section to the second bearing section and having a smaller diameter than the two bearing sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: ABUS August Bremicker Söhne KG
    Inventors: Bernhard Garthe, Wai Kuen Fan, Manuel Thomas
  • Patent number: 9322197
    Abstract: A prisoner seat security device includes a retractable strap which hooks or clasps onto a prisoner, preferably by a restraint device on the prisoner, such as hand-cuffs. As the prison seats in the seat, the strap retracts. The officer can then lock the retraction mechanism so that the strap will not extend and the prisoner is held in place. When it is desired for the prisoner to get out of the chair, the lock is released, allowing the prisoner to stand the strap to be disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Keith D. Squires
  • Patent number: 9322198
    Abstract: A latch assembly includes a door latch member and a release member. The door latch member pivots between a latched position and an unlatched position. The release member is movably coupled to the door latch member to move the door latch member from the latched position to the unlatched position. An inertia activated lock-out mechanism includes a locking member and a counterweight. The locking member moves between a locking position that prevents movement of the door latch member from the latched position to the unlatched position, and a non-interfering position in which the door latch member operates between the latched position and the unlatched position. The counterweight moves the locking member to the locking position in response to an inertial force exceeding a threshold level being applied to the vehicle door latch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Kovie
  • Patent number: 9322199
    Abstract: A latch is provided including a fork bolt configured to rotate between an unlatch position and a latched position. A detent is configured to cooperate with the forkbolt. A bumper includes an upper contact portion and an elongated lower portion. The bumper is configured to receive a striker when the fork bolt is in the latched position. A guide member includes a generally curved flexible portion. The flexible portion is configured to deflect about a first end to guide the striker towards the upper contact portion of the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: INTEVA PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Francisco Javier Lujan, Fernando Chacon Ramos, Donald Michael Perkins, Kurt E. Nurmi
  • Patent number: 9322200
    Abstract: An outer handle device for a vehicle door includes: a latch mechanism; an outer handle having a grip and a coupling arm that is consecutively provided at the other end of the grip and is coupled to the latch mechanism; a base member that is made of a synthetic resin and arranged on the outer side of the outer panel; a metallic reinforcing plate that is interposed between the base member and an outer surface of the outer panel; a cylinder lock configured to switch between locked and unlocked states of the vehicle door, that is disposed in the base member; and a receiving portion that is provided in the reinforcing plate and abuts against the coupling arm during a turning operation of the outer handle to an opening side of the vehicle door to restrict a turning end of the outer handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA HONDA LOCK
    Inventor: Norio Shimizu
  • Patent number: 9322201
    Abstract: An intelligent door lock system is provided with a position sensing device configured to be coupled to a drive shaft of a lock device. The position sensing device senses position of the drive shaft and assists in locking and unlocking a lock of a lock device. An engine is provided with a memory coupled to the positioning sensing device. A circuit is coupled to the engine and an energy source is coupled to the circuit. A device converts energy into mechanical energy and is coupled to the circuit, positioning sensing device and the drive shaft. The device that converts energy is coupled to the energy source to receive energy from the energy source. Wing latches are used to secure the intelligent door lock system to a mounting plate coupled to a door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: AUGUST HOME, INC.
    Inventors: Shih Yu Thomas Cheng, Jason Johnson, Mason Curry, John Caldwell, Giles Lowe
  • Patent number: 9322202
    Abstract: A rotary mechanism includes a supporter and a bracket. The supporter includes a body, a pivot portion and a support portion. The body whereon the pivot portion is disposed is disposed on a base. The support portion includes a bar and a guiding structure. A low end of the bar is connected to the body, and the guiding structure is disposed on a top end of the bar. The bracket includes a frame, a constraint portion, a pivot slot structure and a contact portion. The constraint portion and the pivot slot structure are disposed on the frame. The contact portion slides along the guiding structure when the bracket rotates relative to the supporter, so that position of the pivot portion moves from an end to the other end of the pivot slot structure structure, and the constraint portion contacts against the body for constraint rotation of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Kuang-Wen Chen, Chun-Chiang Lai, Yu-Hsin Huang, Fu-Chien Chen
  • Patent number: 9322203
    Abstract: The invention provides a flexible folding door adopted to be attached to an existing door jamb comprising a plurality of mini slats. A subplurality of mini slats are bounded on a forward end by a clip to establish a non-folding bound panel segment of the door. A second subplurality of mini slats establish the folding panel seam segments of the door. There is a dual caster assembly and a plurality of single caster assemblies attached to the top of the folding door. The caster assembly consists of at least two low friction wheels mounted on a U-shaped frame having depending legs, each depending leg having a low friction sleeve, the distal portion of each leg is attached perpendicularly to a ring. A stem is adapted to be seated through the ring and through an aperture in the clip and the top of the stem has a cap that overhangs the ring. A retaining pin secures the stem within the ring and thereby attaches the assembly to the clip and the folding door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Hoggan Internacional SA
    Inventor: Ronny Kleiman
  • Patent number: 9322204
    Abstract: A door actuating apparatus includes an engagement mechanism configured to retain a door at a full close position, an operating portion configured to output a signal to open the door, a control unit actuating an actuator by receiving the signal, an engagement member advancing and retracting relative to the door in accordance with rotation of the door, and a door opening mechanism operating by actuation of the actuator, positioning the door at a full close position to a predetermined rotational position by rotating the door in a vehicle exterior direction by biasing the engagement member by engaging with the engagement member when the door is released from an engaged state by the door opening mechanism engaging with the engagement mechanism, and releasing engagement with the engagement member when an external force rotating the door in the vehicle exterior direction is exerted on the door at the predetermined rotational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shintaro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9322205
    Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for use with: an RFID proximity card; a frame including a pair of jambs; a door hingedly connected to one of the jambs, the other being hollow and having a rabbet defined by a pair of surfaces, one surface presenting to the closed door and defining part of a stop against which the door is positioned when closed and the other surface flanking and presenting towards the door edge when closed. The other surface width is in the direction which defines the one jamb depth. The one jamb thickness is in the direction which defines the doorway width. The apparatus comprises a sensor which: produces a signal when the card is presented thereto; and has thickness T, width W and height H. T<[thickness of other jamb?thickness of stop]. W is equivalent to the width of other surface. H<doorway height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Farpointe Data, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred Dawber
  • Patent number: 9322206
    Abstract: A control device includes: an input section to which a first signal indicating the presence or absence of an operation for operating an opening and closing body of a vehicle which is performed using a portion of the body of an occupant is input from an operation detecting unit; and a control section which performs notification to the occupant using a notification unit when there is a state where the operation has been detected by the operation detecting unit, based on the first signal, and performs control for operating the opening and closing body, based on the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Norio Fukui, Hiroki Kino, Hitoshi Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 9322207
    Abstract: A door assembly including a frame with an opening having a first portion and a second portion. The door assembly includes a first panel movable between a closed position in which the first panel generally covers the first portion of the opening and an open position in which the first panel generally does not cover the first portion. The door assembly has a second panel movable between a closed position in which the second panel generally covers the second portion of the opening and an open position in which the second panel generally does not cover the second portion. The second panel is configured to block the first panel from moving to its open position when the second panel is in its closed position. The door assembly further includes a controller operatively coupled to the second panel to selectively block or enable movement of the second panel from its closed position to its open position or from its open position to its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: APEX INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Kent V. Savage, Benjamin V. Savage
  • Patent number: 9322208
    Abstract: A window reveal kit can include a window, a first connector, and at least one reveal trim. The window has an outer side, an inner side, and a frame portion about a perimeter of the window. The first connector can be formed on the frame portion, on the inner side of the window. The at least one reveal trim can have a second connector that is configured to engage the first connector so that the reveal trim extends from the first connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Perfect Window Reveal, LLC
    Inventor: Greg Matta
  • Patent number: 9322209
    Abstract: An insulating window panel for removable installation into a custom size window opening recess includes longitudinally extending frame pieces configured with joints for interconnecting the frame pieces to form a frame around a transparent flexible glazing sheet. Each frame piece has a longitudinal keder channel with a slot that opens out of a glazing side of each frame piece. The glazing sheet has edges corresponding to the frame pieces; and a keder formed on each of the edges, with a corner cut that spaces apart intersecting kedered edges, all being shaped and sized for sliding each keder edge into the keder channel of each corresponding frame piece such that the frame pieces form joints at the corner cuts and the frame pieces are pulled together at the joints by tension relative to the glazing sheet. Preferably a weatherstrip surrounds the frame perimeter with compressible fins for sealed but removable installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventors: Gregory A. Schwind, Ronald A. Greene
  • Patent number: 9322210
    Abstract: A fabric venetian window shade assembly including: a fabric venetian window shade including a pair of opposing first and second facings coupled by a plurality of vanes; an actuation system including: a roller configured to receive the fabric venetian window shade; a spring-loaded ratchet operatively coupled to the roller; a first weighted rail attached to a lower edge of the first facing; and a second weighted rail attached to a lower edge of the second facing, wherein the first weighted rail and the second weighted rail are separate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Comfortex Window Fashions
    Inventors: Sigitas Lukosiunas, Dalton Swearingian
  • Patent number: 9322211
    Abstract: A vertical blind assembly module includes a head rail unit with opposite sides and a unit axis extending between the sides, a housing and an axle pivotally connecting the housing to the head rail unit so that the housing can pivot about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the unit axis. A slat is coiled in the housing so enabling the slat to be extended from the housing a selected distance and retracted into the housing. A foot rail unit is pivotally connected to the projecting end of the slat, the pivotal connection being collinear to the pivot axis. By turning the axle relative to the head rail unit about the pivot axis when the slat is extended, the slat can be turned between a closed position wherein the slat is parallel to the unit axis and an open position wherein the slat is perpendicular to the unit axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Jason T. Birkestrand
  • Patent number: 9322212
    Abstract: An overhead roll-up door assembly for a vertically moving door to permit and prohibit access to an opening, the door assembly having a pair of spaced apart, parallel side columns for vertically guiding a door panel, the door panel having at least one wind lock attached proximate each marginal edge of the door panel, each of the wind locks having an angled portion facing the interior of the opening having a first durometer and a substantially rectangular portion having a second durometer different from the first durometer, the wind locks engaging the side column to prevent disengagement of the door panel from the side columns when a wind load is applied to the door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: RYTEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Brian Norbert Drifka
  • Patent number: 9322213
    Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides a display with an adjustable focus mechanism. The display with an adjustable focus mechanism includes a display panel for emitting a plurality of rays to form an image; a light modulation device for receiving the rays from the display panel and adjusting an emergent angle of each ray; and a controller for providing a control signal to drive the light modulation device by estimating the emergent angle of the each of the rays according to an eyesight data of a user and a distance between the user and the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Yeong-Feng Wang, Ming-Wei Tsai, Keh-Su Chang, Rong-Chang Liang
  • Patent number: 9322214
    Abstract: The present invention relates to end stops for use in retractable coverings for architectural openings where the end stops have impact-absorbing means which are bi-directionally cushioning. The end stop will remain at a dedicated position even after being impacted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Jorg Bohlen, Lars Koop
  • Patent number: 9322215
    Abstract: A ladder includes a leveler engages a bottom of each side rail for 1) causing extendable legs to move to a level ground-engaging position, 2) causing the legs to lock when both legs engage the ground, and 3) causing the extendable legs to move to a centered/retracted position when lifted from the ground. The leveler includes pawls, links, pinions, and a shaft forming a four-bar linkage for selectively moving the pawls inward to the disengaged position when the pinion and shaft are each freely rotatable, but selectively moving the pawl outward into locking engagement when the shaft resists movement due to ground engagement by both legs. The leveler can be constructed to attach to an inside of the side rails, thus facilitating pre-assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Jershon, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Kurzer, Brian D. Webster, Geoffrey R. White, Steven A. Owen, Tyler L. Sharp, Kenneth S. Bostwick, Gregory L. Bishop
  • Patent number: 9322216
    Abstract: An apparatus for drilling annulus ring hole, comprising: a down-the-hole (DTH) percussion hammer assembly, the DTH percussion hammer assembly comprising one or more DTH percussion hammers, an annulus ring structural housing having an outer diameter (OD) and an inner diameter (ID) for accommodating the DTH percussion hammers within space between the OD and the ID of the annulus ring structural housing; one or more drill pipes being connected serially with each other forming a string of drill pipes, the string of serially connected drill pipes being connected to the DTH percussion hammer assembly; a top pipe with one or more exhaust openings being connected to the string of serially connected drill pipes; an air or fluid distributor being connected to the top pipe; and a rotary head providing rotational turning motion for the apparatus, and the rotary head being connected to the air distributor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: TOP MARK MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Leung Choi Chan, Kin Choi Chan
  • Patent number: 9322217
    Abstract: A downhole adjustable mud motor for boring wellbores, such as a hole in the earth. The downhole adjustable mud motor has a progressive cavity power section with a power cavity end, wherein the progressive cavity power section has a rotor rotatably captured within a stator and a plurality of fluid flow paths between the stator and the rotor for flowing drilling fluid. A power transmission section can be connected to the power cavity end having a central axis and an offset axis. A first adjustable member can be fastened to the stator. A second adjustable member can have a locking member, a bearing assembly connecting to the transmission assembly, and a fastener operatively connected to the bearing assembly. The locking member prevents compression of the second adjustable member inside of the first adjustable member when drilling fluid flows through the downhole adjustable mud motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventors: Danny T. Williams, Massoud Panahi
  • Patent number: 9322218
    Abstract: A borehole cutting assembly for directional cutting in a borehole, the assembly comprising an input pipe and a cutting head rotatably mounted on the input pipe such that the orientation of the cutting head relative to the input pipe can be altered to determine the direction of cutting of the borehole. A cutting tool and cutting tool motor are mounted on the cutting head to enable the cutting tool to be rotatably driven relative to the cutting head so that when the cutting tool is loaded in use the cutting head is subject to a tool reaction torque that acts to rotate the cutting head to change the orientation of the cutting head. The cutting head is rotatably mounted on the input pipe by a controlled torque coupling comprising a progressive cavity pump having a rotor and a stator each provided with drive formations arranged to define a fluid flow cavity therebetween. Rotation of the rotor relative to the stator forces fluid flow through the cavity to counteract the tool reaction torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventors: Michael King Russell, Michael Andrew Yuratich
  • Patent number: 9322219
    Abstract: A drill bit has a bit body, a plurality of blades extending radially from the bit body, wherein each blade comprises a leading face and a trailing face, a plurality of cutter pockets disposed on the plurality of blades, at least one rolling cutter, wherein each rolling cutter is disposed in one of the cutter pockets, and wherein each rolling cutter comprises a cutting face, a cutting edge, an outer circumferential surface, and a back face. A back retainer is disposed adjacent to the back face, wherein the back retainer protrudes partially into the rolling cutter along a rotational axis of the rolling cutter, and a front retainer is disposed adjacent to the at least one rolling cutter on the leading face of the blade. Each front retainer has a retention end, wherein the retention end is positioned adjacent to a portion of the cutting face of each rolling cutter, and an attachment end, wherein the attachment end is attached to a portion of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Yuri Burhan, Youhe Zhang, Yuelin Shen
  • Patent number: 9322220
    Abstract: A drilling system including a drill head. The drill head defines a drill head bore and includes a drill head bore closure device. An inner core barrel and an inner core barrel retrieval device may be passed through the interior of the drill string and the drill head bore when the drill head is connected with the drill string and the drill head bore closure device is actuated to an open position. A method of wireline core drilling which includes passing an inner core barrel retrieval device through the drill head bore and into the interior of the drill string when the drill head is connected with the drill string, and removing an inner core barrel and the inner core barrel retrieval device from the interior of the drill string through the drill head bore when the drill head is connected with the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Marl Technologies
    Inventors: Ronald W. Innes, Daniel P. Teeuwsen, Dustyn J. L. Elford, John T. Hackett, Mark Gurnett, Tan N. Nguyen, Donald B. Grass
  • Patent number: 9322221
    Abstract: A substantially cylindrical buoyancy module for a marine riser includes a plurality of buoyancy elements separated along at least one helical separation plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Paul Howard, Alan Hugh Summers, Harris A. Reynolds, Jr., Kati Rachelle Andrus
  • Patent number: 9322222
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tower comprising a fluid transporting pipe (24) and an element (29) for anchoring a transporting pipe (24) to the bottom (14) of the expanse of water (12), which element is connected to an upstream point (38) of an intermediate section (30) of the pipe. The tower comprises a buoy (26) connected to a downstream point (40) of the intermediate section in order to keep the intermediate section (40) in a substantially vertical configuration. The buoy (26) has a height less than 1.5 times its maximum transverse direction and delimits a first through-passage (78A) in which the intermediate section (30) is fitted. The buoy (26) delimits a second through-passage (78B), separate from the first through-passage (78A), the second through-passage (78B) accepting the upper section (34). The tower (20) comprises a coupling section (32) that couples the connecting upper section (34) to the intermediate section (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: TECHNIP FRANCE
    Inventors: Ange Luppi, Gilles Cousin, Romain Vivet, René Maloberti
  • Patent number: 9322223
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drill-pipe communication assembly. The drill-pipe communication assembly includes a first drill pipe and an insulated tube disposed within, and generally concentric with, the first drill pipe. A male insert is disposed within a first end of the first drill pipe and a female insert is disposed within a second end of the first drill pipe. A conductor is electrically coupled to the male insert and the female insert. The conductor extends along a length of the first drill pipe. The conductor facilitates transmission of electrical signals from the first end of the first drill pipe to the second end of the first drill pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: REI, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Johnson, Michael J. Hardin, Randy Richardson, Daniel J. Brunner
  • Patent number: 9322224
    Abstract: A coupler for coupling a first and a second section of a transmission line embedded in a first and a second component respectively, includes a first half-coupler including a first electrically conductive housing, a first electrically conductive structure, and a first structure of dielectric material, and a second half-coupler including a second electrically conductive housing, a second electrically conductive structure, and a second structure of dielectric material. When the first and second components are connected end-to-end, the first and second housings come into contact to form together an electromagnetic cavity, inside which the first and second conductive structures are separated from each other by the first and second dielectric structures, so as to allow the first and second conductive structures to be in electromagnetic communication with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: VALLOUREC DRILLING PRODUCTS FRANCE
    Inventors: Jean-Alain Chabas, Brian Minnis
  • Patent number: 9322225
    Abstract: A weak link (17, 43) for a riser system comprising a pin (2, 25) and a box (1, 24), bolts (11, 34) for releasably connecting the pin (2, 25) and the box (1, 24), the bolts being designed to break at a predefined tension. The link further comprising a pressure balancing mechanism for balancing axial forces acting on the bolts (11, 34) due to end cap effect. The weak link also comprises a strong mode mechanism and a dampening mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: AKer Subsea AS
    Inventors: Knut Møgedal, Kristian Guttulsrud, David Brown, Jonas Åkerlund
  • Patent number: 9322226
    Abstract: A device is for a release module for attaching a pipe string to a heave compensated, load bearing unit arranged on a floating installation, where two or more hydraulic cylinder units form an extendable connection between the heave compensated, load bearing unit and a portion of the pipe string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: WellPartner AS
    Inventor: Kenneth Skinnes
  • Patent number: 9322227
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a radial expansion assembly deployed about, and configured to rotate substantially freely with respect to, a tool mandrel. The expansion assembly includes at least one stabilizer block configured to extend radially outward from the mandrel into contact with a wellbore casing string. When deployed between uphole and downhole cones, the stabilizer block includes a plurality of angled splines configured to engage corresponding splines on the cones. Relative axial motion between the stabilizer block and the cones causes a corresponding radial extension or retraction of the stabilizer block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Simpson, Ronald G. Schmidt, Charles H. Dewey
  • Patent number: 9322228
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward a wedge segment. In certain embodiment, the wedge segment includes an arcuate body having a tapered profile sized to engage with a tubular element, a first surface of the arcuate body comprising a first surface treatment configured to grip an outer surface of the tubular element, and a second surface comprising a second surface treatment configured to grip an inner surface of an annular member disposed about the tubular element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: TESCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Juan Francisco Davila, Colin Joseph Lewis, Michael Everett Leman
  • Patent number: 9322229
    Abstract: A slip for supporting a member, such as a pipe. The slip comprises one or more rolling elements, such as roller, for gripping the member. The rolling elements may contact each other. The slip may be formed from a plurality of pivotally connected segments. The rolling elements may be arranged to roll along ramps, arranged to urge the members into contact with a member to be gripped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: BALLTEC LIMITED
    Inventor: Richard James Taylor
  • Patent number: 9322230
    Abstract: A subsea mudlift pump includes a pressure sealed housing disposed in a body of water in which a wellbore is being drilled by a drilling rig disposed above the surface of the body of water. A motor (44) is configured to generate linear motion is coupled to at least one piston (46) disposed within the housing such that operation of the motor causes linear motion of the piston within the housing. One side of the piston is within a pumped fluid chamber that changes volume when the piston is moved within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: AGR SUBSEA, AS
    Inventors: Emil R. Talamo, John H. Cohen
  • Patent number: 9322231
    Abstract: Mineral particles may provide for wellbore fluids with tailorable properties and capabilities. Such wellbore fluids may be included as a portion of a wellbore drilling assembly that includes a pump in fluid communication with a wellbore via a feed pipe; and a wellbore fluid disposed in at least one selected from the group consisting of the pump, the feed pipe, the wellbore, and any combination thereof, wherein the wellbore fluid comprises a base fluid and a plurality of mineral particles, for example, mineral particles that comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of manganese carbonate, NixFe (x=2-3), copper oxide, and any combination thereof, the mineral particles having a median diameter between about 5 nm and about 5000 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Jamison, Charles Landis, Jay Deville, Cato McDaniel