Patents Issued in May 17, 2016
  • Patent number: 9341008
    Abstract: A hinge assembly is for a cowl of an outboard motor. The hinge assembly is configured to connect a first portion of the cowl to a second portion of the cowl. The hinge assembly comprises an arm that is connected to one of the first and second cowl portions and a retainer that is connected to the other of the first and second cowl portions. The arm is movable with respect to the retainer between a registered position wherein the arm is retained by and pivotable with respect to the retainer to thereby pivotably connect the first portion of the cowl to the second portion of the cowl and an unregistered position wherein the arm is separated from the retainer so that the first portion of the cowl is separated from the second portion of the cowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Amerling, Brad J. Van Ruiswyk, David B. Griep
  • Patent number: 9341009
    Abstract: One aspect is a multi-axis clip hinge with a rotatable member having a spherical portion with a greatest outer diameter and a coupling portion for articulating said member. A clip is provided having an arm defining an inside diameter and comprising a connecting portion. The inside diameter of the arm is less than the greatest outer diameter of the spherical portion of the rotatable member and is engaged therewith such that it interferes with and grips the outside diameter of the spherical portion. A housing is configured to engage the connection portion of the clip thereby securing the clip to the housing. At least one of the clip and the housing prevents relative translational movement of the clip relative to the spherical portion yet allows the spherical portion to rotate in three axes of rotation relative to the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Reell Precision Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Allan Triebold, David Wahlstedt
  • Patent number: 9341010
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a furniture hinge that is mounted between a furniture wall body and a furniture door so as to be used as an opening and closing means for the furniture door. The present invention includes: a long concave hole (50) that is formed in a main body portion (110); an elastic piece (10) that is formed in a middle plate (140) so as to perform a buffering function in the vertical direction; an oblong hole (20) that is formed in the elastic piece (10); a rotor (30) which is accommodated in the oblong hole (20) and which has a step protrusion (32) that is formed in one side portion on the outer circumference surface thereof; and an eccentric bolt (40) that rotates while being inserted into the long concave hole (50) and is coupled to the rotor (30) through a leg portion (42) for the regular/reverse rotation. The furniture hinge can be finely adjusted and the position of the door can be discerned with the naked eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG PRECISION IND. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Cheol Soo Pyo
  • Patent number: 9341011
    Abstract: Mounting device includes a connecting bolt, plate-shaped sliding element connectable to a carriage held displaceable in a running rail. Mounting device includes holding rail, mountable in recess at upper side of the sliding element, and holding device held releasably in the holding rail, includes bearing device, adjustment screw is rotatably held, adjustment screw includes a screw shaft, aligned along screw axis, engages in threaded member of track body, movable along screw axis and includes two track walls aligned parallel to one another and include each a track element, which guide elements are engaged that are connected to connecting bolt, held in guide member displaceable along guide axis. Track sledge is equipped on opposite sides with guide elements engaged in track element of track body and connecting bolt includes first connecting part held in track sledge, second connecting part held in guide member and third connecting part connectable to carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: HAWA AG
    Inventors: Gregor Haab, Peter Ettmüller, Myrta Kappeler, Nejib Yezza
  • Patent number: 9341012
    Abstract: In a window regulator, a positioner is provided between a pair of slider bases and a pair of windowpane holders and define a relative position therebetween in a forward/rearward direction of a vehicle; a vehicle-widthwise-directional wall is provided on each guide rail; and a pair of forward/rearward directional guide walls is provided on each slider base to hold an associated vehicle-widthwise-directional wall in the forward/rearward direction and to guide an associated slider base along an associated guide rail. A clearance in the forward/rearward direction between the vehicle-widthwise-directional wall of one guide rail and the forward/rearward-directional guide walls of one slider base is set smaller than that between the vehicle-widthwise-directional wall of the other guide rail and the forward/rearward-directional guide walls of the other slider base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: SHIROKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenji Yamamoto, Yousuke Tsuchimoto
  • Patent number: 9341013
    Abstract: There is provided an automatic door sensor device (1) capable of preventing a door (3) which is transitioning from an open position to a closed position from being erroneously detected as an object by temporarily changing a detection area (A, C2, C3). The automatic door sensor device (1) includes a doorway area sensor (7a) that detects the presence of an object in a doorway area (B) which includes at least a portion of an area defined by the path of a door (3), detectors (6, 7b) that detect the presence and/or the movement of an object in changeable detection areas (A, C2, C3), and a detection area changer (31) that changes the detection areas (A, C2, C3) when it is determined, by using the doorway area sensor (7a), that the door (3) is transitioning from an open position to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: OPTEX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yohei Iwata, Masanao Shiraishi, Takayasu Ikeda, Takashi Kondo
  • Patent number: 9341014
    Abstract: An information communication method that enables communication between various devices is an information communication method of transmitting a signal using a change in luminance, and includes: determining a pattern of the change in luminance, by modulating the signal to be transmitted; and transmitting the signal, by a plurality of light emitters changing in luminance according to the determined pattern of the change in luminance, wherein the plurality of light emitters are arranged on a surface so that a non-luminance change area does not extend across the surface between the plurality of light emitters along at least one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction of the surface, the non-luminance change area being an area in the surface outside the plurality of light emitters and not changing in luminance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Oshima, Koji Nakanishi, Hideki Aoyama, Ikuo Fuchigami, Hidehiko Shin, Tsutomu Mukai, Yosuke Matsushita, Shigehiro Iida, Kazunori Yamada
  • Patent number: 9341015
    Abstract: An energy-efficient film is provided. The film includes a first transparent substrate, a second transparent substrate, a liquid crystal layer provided between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate, and a gasket provided on an outer edge of the liquid crystal layer. The gasket may also be provided on outer edges of the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: NEXEON ENERGY SOLUTIONS LLC
    Inventors: Primal M. Fernando, Stephen E. Fischer
  • Patent number: 9341016
    Abstract: A method is provided of making a door facing blank that includes a central portion, first and second side portions adjacent to and integral with opposite sides of the central portion, opposite interior and exterior surfaces, and a design element including a molded portion and an embossed portion. The side portions include stile-receiving areas that are substantially planar. The molded portion is molded in the central portion to establish a first groove in the exterior surface of the central portion and a protrusion on the interior surface of the central portion. The embossed portion is embossed in the first side portion to establish a second groove in the exterior surface of the first side portion but no protrusion on the interior surface of the first side portion. The first and second grooves are continuous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Jason M. Walsh, Mark A. Ruggie, Steven K. Lynch, Robert C. Allen
  • Patent number: 9341017
    Abstract: A process for making a door structure and particularly a fibrous panel member for a subdoor structure. The process includes mixing a porous fiber material with a MDI adhesive. The fiber construct is compressed between a pair of porous belts. Steam and heat are applied to the compressed construct to form a bound flexible constructing material. The material is then placed within a door structure to form a fire resistant door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventors: Chad A. Collison, Ken Majors
  • Patent number: 9341018
    Abstract: A flood proof door and window unit includes a sealing flange around at least a portion of the perimeter of the door. A flood proof window is positioned within a cut out formed in the door. The window assembly is water tight so that the unit may be used in applications where it is desirable to provide a transparent window in a flood proof door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Ronald M. Helton
  • Patent number: 9341019
    Abstract: A controlling mechanism for a cordless blind set includes a fastening seat, a controlling member, and two driving gears. A coil spring is between the two driving gears each engaged with a driven gear. Each of the driven gears is coupled with a transmission rope passing through the fastening seat and the controlling member and then gets fixed in an upper beam. To operate the blind set, a pushing force is applied to the controlling member to release the transmission ropes. The driving gears are then driven by the coil spring and rotate the driven gears simultaneously, so the driven gears can roll up/release the transmission ropes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Chin-Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 9341020
    Abstract: A single pull-cord controller of roman shade comprises: a main control unit, a winding member, a first shaft member, a second shaft member, an inner bushing, an outer bushing, and a coupling unit. By the single pull-cord controller of the present invention, the up-down operation of the roman shade can be controlled by the pulling or releasing of a single pull-cord, and the pull-cord after manipulation can be wound within the controller by the recovery of the clock spring. Therefore, dangerous state of strangulation by wrapping around children's neck can be effectively avoided to achieve the object of safety precaution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Uni-Soleil Ent. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Ting Kao
  • Patent number: 9341021
    Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated rolling curtain window. The integrated rolling curtain window of the invention includes a profile window. The integrated rolling curtain window further comprises a rolling curtain assembly having a window curtain cover assembly mounted on the top of the profile window, two windproof rails positioned on the front surface of both sides of the profile window, a first connection piece for removably mounting the window curtain cover assembly to the top of the profile window and a second connection piece for removably connecting the said two windproof rails to the front surface of both sides of the profile window respectively. The window curtain cover assembly has a curtain cloth component which could be rolled out and in, and both sides of the curtain cloth component move within the said two windproof rails respectively when the curtain cloth component is rolled out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: NINGBO XIANFENG NEW MATERIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xianfeng Lu, Jianhua Sang
  • Patent number: 9341022
    Abstract: A movable barrier operator is provided that includes a motor coupled to a movable barrier to move the movable barrier, a computing device which controls movement of the motor, a manual drive coupled to the movable barrier to move the movable barrier, a ring coupled to move with the manual drive, and a sensor that senses and communicates rotation of the ring to the computing device. In response to receiving the sensed rotation of the ring, the computing device prevents operation of the motor to move the movable barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Chamberlain Australia PTY Ltd.
    Inventor: Scott James Nicholson
  • Patent number: 9341023
    Abstract: A first fluid is moved using a second fluid. The first fluid may be moved using a ferrofluid attracted by an electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field may be generated by an electromagnetic source connected to a conduit, and the first fluid may move through the conduit. In an embodiment, the first fluid may absorb heat from a heat source and transfer the heat to a heat sink. For example, the heat source may be a component of a tool located in a wellbore, and the heat sink may be the wellbore. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic source may be one or more three-phase coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Harmel Defretin, Anthony Frank Veneruso, Glenn Gardner
  • Patent number: 9341024
    Abstract: A floating offshore facility for offshore hydrocarbon production, comprising an upper deck, a lower deck, a well bay comprising a plurality of drilling slots and a plurality of production slots surrounding said drilling slots, a cart supporting a drilling riser and being movable together with said drilling riser inside the opening of the plurality of the drilling slots, and a drilling rig movable above the well bay to drill the well through the drilling riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Total SA
    Inventor: Philippe Labrugere
  • Patent number: 9341025
    Abstract: A floating offshore facility for offshore hydrocarbon production, comprising an upper deck, a lower deck, a well bay comprising a plurality of drilling slots and a plurality of production slots surrounding said drilling slots, a cart (20) supporting a drilling riser and being movable together with said drilling riser inside the opening of the plurality of the drilling slots, and a drilling rig movable above the well bay to drill the well through the drilling riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Total SA
    Inventor: Philippe Labrugere
  • Patent number: 9341026
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for modifying sidewalls of a borehole. The apparatus includes a longitudinal housing adapted to fit inside the borehole. The housing includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a side portion between said end portions, adapted to face the sidewalls of the borehole. Means are provides on the side of the housing for removing material from said borehole sidewall. The housing is adapted to be rotated with a controlled rotational speed in relation to said borehole sidewalls and to be fed in a controlled rate of longitudinal motion in relation to said borehole. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for making a borehole with internal, helical grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: SINVENT AS
    Inventors: Mohammad Ali Taghipour Khadrbeik, Inge Manfred Carlsen
  • Patent number: 9341027
    Abstract: Expandable reamer assemblies include an expandable reamer module and an activation module. An outer tubular body of the activation module is rigidly coupled to a tubular body of the expandable reamer module, and an activation member of the activation module is coupled to a sleeve of the expandable reamer module, the sleeve is coupled to at least one blade and configured to move the at least one blade into an extended position. The sleeve moves axially responsive to axial movement of the activation member. Bottom-hole assemblies include an expandable reamer module and an activation module. The activation module is coupled to the expandable reamer module and configured to provide a motive force to the sleeve to move the sleeve opposite a direction of flow of drilling fluid. Methods of using expandable reamer modules include pairing two substantially identical expandable reamer modules and two respective different activation modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, Marcus Oesterberg, Khoi Q. Trinh, Timothy Miller, Shyam Anandampillai, Chad T. Jurica, Wolfgang Eduard Herberg, Carsten Haubold, Christopher Jakubeit, Michael Wiegmann, Jens Behnsen, Hans-Juergen Faber
  • Patent number: 9341028
    Abstract: Improvements to base beams and self-propelled derrick rigs are described. The base beam can have two or more stabilizer arms which can be deployed. The base beam is also designed to support the derrick rig. An optional counterweight assembly can be connected to the front of the rig. The self-propelled derrick rig can be easily and quickly mounted to the base beam, and when mounted, the assembly will be able to withstand high hook loads and wind loading without the danger of the rig coming off of its wheels or falling over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Black Hawk Energy Services Ltd.
    Inventors: Stuart Buckingham, Matt J. Michel
  • Patent number: 9341029
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vessel including a drilling installation for drilling a well, which installation comprises: —a drill floor surrounding a firing line; —a first drilling tower arranged on a deck of the vessel, comprising a frame with two elongated hollow casings, which extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the frame, are rigidly connected to each other by connection elements, wherein the frame is positioned at a side of the drill floor, such that the longitudinal axis of the frame extends parallel to the firing line, and such that the longitudinal axis and the firing line are substantially aligned with each other in a width direction of the frame; —an additional tower support arranged between the deck of the vessel and an elevated position at the first drilling tower; —two storage devices for vertically storing drilling tubulars; —two pipe rackers, each pipe racker being associated with one of the two storage devices, and each pipe racker being configured to move drilling tubulars between the ass
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: ITREC B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Diederick Bernardus Wijning
  • Patent number: 9341030
    Abstract: Disclosed is a landing sub for a wiper. The wiper is adapted for internal removal of drilling mud from a drill string during its pull-out from a borehole. The landing sub is mountable in the drill string, the landing sub includes a longitudinal bore for through-flow of drilling mud and a landing seat for receiving the lower end of the wiper during pumping of drilling mud through the drill string, and the landing seat is equipped with at least one duct or passage for through-flow of drilling mud past the lower end of the wiper during continued pumping of drilling mud in the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: 2K TOOLS AS
    Inventors: Kjell Mikalsen, Ketil Botn-Mark
  • Patent number: 9341031
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for supporting a riser are disclosed. The apparatus includes an anchoring element (420) for anchoring a riser to a fixed structure, and a supporting portion (412) configured to support a section of flexible pipe (406), the supporting portion having a bearing surface for the section of flexible pipe to bear against to thereby restrain the flexible pipe from upward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas UK Limited
    Inventors: Zhimin Tan, Yanqiu Zhang, Yucheng Hou
  • Patent number: 9341032
    Abstract: A centralizer for centralizing a pipe is provided which collaborates the spring force of its bow springs. The centralizer includes a pair of end collars, and at least one center collar. Each of the collars has a center hole for coaxially receiving a pipe. In addition, the centralizer includes a plurality of longitudinally extending and arcuate bow springs having ends which affix to the end collars. The centralizer includes linkage arms which connect the center collar to the bow springs. The linkage arms may provide additional outward spring force against the bow springs. Preferably, the centralizer includes a mechanism for forcing the bow springs radially inward from their at rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: PORTABLE COMPOSITE STRUCTURES, INC.
    Inventor: Scott Jewett
  • Patent number: 9341033
    Abstract: A riser tensioner system for offsetting heave and yaw between the riser and the rig on offshore drilling and production platforms during drilling and production operations. A plurality of hydraulic cylinders are connected by a spider. The spider allows individual cylinders to be disconnected from the riser, suspended in place with equipment integral to the riser system, without cranes, and can be repaired without loosening bolts or screws and without wrenches or torque wrenches. Maintenance can take place on one cylinder without disturbing other cylinders supporting the riser. The cylinders can be oriented in a vertical arranged or slanted in an upper end in an inverted cone or “A” frame orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Phyllis Jennings
  • Patent number: 9341034
    Abstract: A method for assembly of a well heater including injecting a length of coiled tubing into a well, supporting the coiled tubing in the well and cutting the coiled tubing above the well head; injecting one or more resistive heating cables into the into the coiled tubing; constructing a cable support structure at the cut end of the coiled tubing for supporting the weight of the cables against the inner sidewall of the coiled tubing; cutting the cables and configuring the cut ends of the cables for connection to an electrical source, thereby defining the structure of the well heater; and withdrawing the well heater from the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: ATHABASCA OIL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Maurice A Bujold, Doug Beattie
  • Patent number: 9341035
    Abstract: An apparatus for, and method of, lowering items from a drilling rig to a well located below it through the use of a landing string comprised of drill pipe having an enlarged diameter section with a shoulder, in combination with upper and lower holders having wedge members with shoulders that engage and support the drill pipe at the shoulder of the enlarged diameter section, the shoulder of the drill pipe and the shoulders of the wedge members being rotatable with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Irongate Rental Services, L.L.C
    Inventors: Burt A. Adams, Norman A. Henry
  • Patent number: 9341036
    Abstract: A self-balancing, shoulder type elevator is comprised of two opposing jaws pivotally connected to a hinge plate. The jaws are engaged for rotation at the hinge plate by corresponding sets of gear teeth. Hangers on the jaws attach the elevator to suspending bails. An offset alignment linkage pivotally attaches each jaw to the hinge plate and a rotatable spindles pivotally attached perpendicular to the jaws. The alignment linkage maintains the spindles angularly congruent in orientation with the bails when the opposing jaws are pivoted open and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: David L Sipos
  • Patent number: 9341037
    Abstract: Back pressure control devices used to control fluid pressure in a wellbore require various utilities for operation, such as an air supply. With the use of an air supply, the continued operation of one or more back pressure control devices may be achieved when supply of utilities for operation of the back pressure control devices are intentionally or unintentionally interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Roger Suter
  • Patent number: 9341038
    Abstract: The tool includes a bearing member (70), a traction assembly (72) of the object (28), movably mounted in a first direction relative to the bearing member (70). It includes a plurality of hooking members (160), mounted radially mobile relative to the traction assembly (72) between a contracted configuration and a deployed configuration. The tool comprises means (164; 166) for keeping each hooking member (160) in its deployed configuration. It includes unlocking means (168; 170) that include an elastic stressing member (202; 222) applied on the holding means (164; 166). The elastic stressing member (202; 222) is capable of being compressed to cause the unlocking of the holding means (164; 166) and the passage of the hooking members (160) from their deployed configuration to their contracted configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Geoservices Equipements
    Inventors: Bruno Le Briere, Christophe Michaud
  • Patent number: 9341039
    Abstract: A seal assembly is inserted within an annulus between inner and outer coaxially disposed annular members having a common axis. The seal assembly includes a seal stack having a compliant element sandwiched between two anti-extrusion elements that contain the flow of the compliant element. The seal assembly also includes a sealing ring and a locking ring coupled to the sealing ring. The seal assembly also includes an energizing ring configured to be moved axially in a first direction by a ring tool to apply an axial force to the locking ring, which in turn acts on the sealing ring to radially deform the sealing ring into sealing engagement with the annular members. Continued axial movement of the locking ring in the first direction radially deforms the locking ring into locking engagement with the annular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Vetco GrayInc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Galle, Rick C. Hunter
  • Patent number: 9341040
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly values) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member or the indicator. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a valve or to reset a “tripped” indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: GULFSTREAM SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Phil Barbee, Michael Mire, Joey Naquin
  • Patent number: 9341041
    Abstract: A cutting device, safety valve and method are for severing an object in the safety valve for a well, wherein the cutting device is structured for incorporation in the safety valve. The cutting device and the safety valve comprise a housing having a through bore structured for passing the object therethrough. The cutting device/safety valve comprises at least one induction coil device disposed in the housing, and around at least a portion of the bore of the housing. The induction coil device is directed inwards in the direction of the bore and is structured for optional, cutting-promoting heating, hence thermal structural weakening, of the object when located vis-à-vis the induction coil device. The induction coil device is structured in a manner allowing it to be connected to at least one electric power source for supply of electric power for heating. The housing comprises a heat-insulating portion disposed between the induction coil device and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Smart Installations AS
    Inventor: Petter Birkeland
  • Patent number: 9341042
    Abstract: The present application includes a tool configured to prevent bidirectional passage through a pipe or wellhead. The tool includes at least a housing and a latch. The housing is coupled to the wellhead. The housing has an interior volume in communication with an interior volume of the wellhead through an aperture. The wellhead has a central axis. The latch is pivotally coupled to the interior of the housing and oriented so as to pivot within a plane parallel to the central axis. The latch is configured to selectively enter and exit the interior of the wellhead between a first orientation and a second orientation. The tool may further include a tube to be coupled in axial alignment with the wellhead or pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Richard Machina
  • Patent number: 9341043
    Abstract: A pressure control apparatus and methodology related to a drilling operation has a housing such as, for example, a bearing assembly configured to engage an item of oilfield equipment being delivered through the oilfield pressure control apparatus. The housing has an upper and/or a lower portion with a seal element coupled to the upper and/or lower portion and configured to seal around the item of oilfield equipment. A guide is coupled proximate the seal element. The guide is configured to support and/or limit lateral deflection of the seal element during the lateral deflection of the seal element created by movement of the item of oilfield equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers
  • Patent number: 9341044
    Abstract: A self energizing structure can function as a centralizer or as a seal when allowed to spring out after a retainer is moved away from an overlying position for run in to protect the structure. Segments extend from a common base ring and are radially offset during run in. Alternating segments have landing surfaces on opposed ends such that on release of the structure the intervening segments land on such surfaces to form a cohesive single layer with all segments circumferentially aligned and against a surrounding tubular or the borehole wall. The structure is held retracted with a bi-directionally movable sleeve operable in a variety of ways from the surface. Internally the sleeve has splines to push the segments with the landing surfaces back so that the structure can collapse back into the sleeve for removal. Structures can be stacked and used as centralizers with alternating segments removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Joerg Lehr, Ines Rex, Keven O'Connor, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 9341045
    Abstract: A pre-machined forging for use with a subsea hydrocarbon assembly includes a common master valve block. The common master valve block has an upper cylindrical portion with a main central axis. A lower cylindrical portion of the common master valve block includes a lower axis that is parallel to, and offset from, the main central axis. A valve portion of the common master valve block is located axially between the upper cylindrical portion and the lower cylindrical portion. A main bore extends axially through the common master valve block from a bottom end of the common master valve block to a top end of the common master valve block along the main central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas UK Limited
    Inventor: Michael Stanley McRobbie Ross
  • Patent number: 9341046
    Abstract: A method comprising moving a shifting tool in a first direction through a moveable member positioned in a casing of a wellbore, including moving the shifting tool through a shifting tool interface member (STIM) adjacent the moveable member, until the shifting tool is positioned past the moveable member and the STIM. The shifting tool is then moved in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction until the shifting tool and the STIM engage. The shifting tool is then further moved in the second direction, thereby moving the STIM and the moveable member in the second direction, until the STIM substantially simultaneously (1) engages the casing and (2) disengages the shifting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Huh, Partha Ganguly, Jake A. Danos, Jessica Schulte
  • Patent number: 9341047
    Abstract: An actuation system, including a first member having a first profile engagable with a tool operatively arranged for actuating the member from an initial configuration to an actuated configuration. A second member is included that is movable relative to the first member. The second member has a lockout feature configured to prevent engagement of the first member with the tool while the second member is located proximate to the first member. A method of selectively actuating a system is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Daniel J. Turick, Kevin J. Berry, Jamie L. Imhoff, Anthony Thomas
  • Patent number: 9341048
    Abstract: A screen assembly for removing particulates from a fluid in a well bore said well bore being provided with a tubing for transport of fluids inside the tube, said tube being provided with sliding sleeve doors through which the fluids flow from the well bore external the tube and into the tube. The screen assembly comprises a filter arranged external the tubing and covering the sliding sleeve doors, such that the filter prevents particles above a predefined size from entering through the sliding sleeve doors: The screen assembly further comprises a supportive tube having apertures allowing well bore fluids to pass. Furthermore said filter is arranged on the inner side of said supportive tube, such that the filter is placed between the supportive tube and the tube with the sliding sleeve doors. The filter is made from ceramic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: MAERSK OLIE OG GAS A/S
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Hubertus Paulus Maria Heijnen
  • Patent number: 9341049
    Abstract: A well production and injection string includes a plurality of spaced apart packers each adapted to seal with a wall of the wellbore. A plurality of flow control devices are provided in the string, distributed between pairs of adjacent packers. The flow control devices are adapted to communicate flow between an interior and an exterior of the string with less restriction to flow from the interior to the exterior of the string than to flow from the exterior to the interior of the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Thomas Hailey, Jr., Geirmund Saetre
  • Patent number: 9341050
    Abstract: A method and system for treating a portion of a hydrocarbon-bearing formation of a crude oil reservoir containing heavy hydrocarbons using a microwave enhanced heavy hydrocarbon recovery system includes forming a horizontal injection well having an injection horizontal run, forming a horizontal microwave source well having a microwave source horizontal run, forming a horizontal production well having a production horizontal run, introducing a treatment fluid into the crude oil reservoir through the horizontal injection well, introducing a microwave antenna having a microwave emitter into the horizontal microwave source well, introducing electrical power to the microwave emitter such, forming a microwave energy field which reduces the viscosity of the heavy hydrocarbons and forms a production fluid forms, and extracting the production fluid through the horizontal production well. The injection horizontal run is positioned below both the microwave source horizontal run and the production horizontal run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Khaled Abdullah Al-Buraik
  • Patent number: 9341051
    Abstract: In a method for enhancing the efficiency of separation of bitumen from oil sands ore, lipids, lipid by-products, and lipid derivatives are used as process additives for ore-water slurry-based bitumen extraction processes or in situ bitumen recovery processes. These additives act as surfactants reducing surface and interfacial tensions, thus promoting breakdown the oil sands ore structure and resultant liberation of bitumen from the ore. Lipid treatment does not deleteriously affect release water chemistry in bitumen recovery processes, and it does not appreciably affect the fuel value of recovered bitumen. Lipids which may be effectively used as additives include biodiesel, tall oil fatty acids, monoglycerides, vegetable oil, and soap water, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: APEX ENGINEERING INC.
    Inventors: Zvonko Burkus, Baki Ozum
  • Patent number: 9341052
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a viscoelastic fluids, thickened acid compositions and the like and to methods of using said gelled compositions. The thickened compositions of the present invention can usefully be employed in methods of stimulating and/or modifying the permeability of underground formations, in drilling fluids, completion fluids, workover fluids, acidizing fluids, fracturing, gravel packing and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: AKZO NOBEL CHEMICALS INTERNATIONAL B.V.
    Inventors: James F. Gadberry, Michael J. Engel, John Douglas Nowak, Jian Zhou, Xiaoyu Wang
  • Patent number: 9341053
    Abstract: An example downhole tool includes a tool body and a multi-layer sensor coupled to the tool body. The multi-layer sensor may include a first transmitter coupled to a first conformable element and a first receiver coupled to a second conformable element. One of the first conformable element and the second conformable element may overlay the other of the first conformable element and the second conformable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Burkay Donderici, Luis San Martin, Daniel Edgardo Viassolo
  • Patent number: 9341054
    Abstract: Systems, program product, and methods for monitoring linearity of a down-hole pumping system assembly during deployment within a bore of a casing of a well positioned to extract hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir and selecting an optimal operational position for the down-hole pumping system assembly within the bore of the casing, are provided. Various embodiments of the systems allow an operator to ensure that a motor and pump of a down-hole pumping system assembly are installed in an optimal position in a well by ensuring alignment across the pump stages casing and motor casing. The system includes a groove extending along an outer surface of a housing of the pumping system assembly, and an optical sensing fiber mounted in the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert M Harman, Brooks A. Childers, Philippe J. Legrand, Malcolm S. Laing, Roger G. Duncan, Suresha R. O'Bryan, Ketankumar K. Sheth, Earl B. Brookbank
  • Patent number: 9341055
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing system comprising a pump, a fluid supply flow path configured to supply fluid to the pump, and a suction pressure monitoring system comprising a transducer in pressure communication with the fluid supply flow path, and an electronic circuit in electrical communication with the transducer and a monitoring system, wherein the electronic circuit is configured to generate a lower pressure envelope signal, wherein the lower pressure envelope signal is representative of a low pressure within the fluid supply flow path over a predetermined duration of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn H. Weightman, Joseph A. Beisel
  • Patent number: 9341056
    Abstract: A pressure monitoring method comprising providing wellbore servicing equipment comprising a pump, a discharge flow path configured to discharge fluid from the pump, a discharge pressure monitoring system comprising a transducer in pressure communication with the discharge flow path, and an electronic circuit in electrical communication with the transducer and a monitoring system, collecting an electrical signal indicative of the pressure within the discharge flow path, processing the electrical signal to generate an upper pressure envelope signal, wherein the upper pressure envelope signal is representative of a high pressure within the discharge flow path over a predetermined duration of time, and comparing the upper pressure envelope signal to a predetermined upper threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn H. Weightman, Joseph A. Beisel
  • Patent number: 9341057
    Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and methods to measure pressure using an optical fiber. The optical fiber can be structured with fiber Bragg gratings arranged along the optical fiber. Optical signals can be transmitted through the optical fiber, where the optical signals have a wavelength of a slow-light peak of a respective one of the fiber Bragg gratings. Signals resulting from the optical signals transmitted through the optical fiber can be detected and a value of pressure from the detected signals can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Yunmiao Wang