Patents Issued in June 21, 2016
  • Patent number: 9371656
    Abstract: In one implementation, a handheld device for placing tile spacers includes a body that is sized and shaped for a user to hold; a cartridge enclosed within the body that stores a plurality of tile spacers; an input mechanism affixed to the body that is moveable based on application of force by the user; an opening in the body that is sized and shaped for tile spacers; and a dispensing mechanism contained within the body that, in response to an application of force to the input mechanism by the user, causes a particular tile spacer from the plurality of tile spacers to be moved from the cartridge and out of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventors: David J. Zimmer, Nancy L. Strickland
  • Patent number: 9371657
    Abstract: A working device has a base designed as a stationary support column, a motor-driven rotary head and a stack of arms made up of several mast arms which can be moved with respect to each other in pairs, using articulated or sliding joints, supporting a concrete transport line. The stack of arms is articulated on the rotary head about a horizontal rotational axis by a first mast arm. The working device also includes a control mechanism which can be actuated by a control element or a radio path and which is arranged in a control box, and a hydraulic assembly including an oil tank and a motor-driven hydraulic pump for controlling working groups for moving the rotary head and mast arm. A working platform fixed with respect to the base is arranged in the region of the bearing block for emergency operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Putzmeister Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Braun
  • Patent number: 9371658
    Abstract: A load indicating washer, or tension washer, for visually indicating pre-determined magnitudes of tension force in a tension tie member. The tension washer comprises a body portion with a deformable, curved annular flange member depending from the body portion. When the tension washer is compressed against a flat bearing surface, the flange member deforms to produce a visual or color indication of the magnitude of load in the tie member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Harvel K. Crumley
  • Patent number: 9371659
    Abstract: A moving and floating pool cleaner apparatus includes a circular cap, a basket, a floating container, an attachment tube, and a T-shaped adapter. The moving and floating pool cleaner apparatus attaches with an existing automatic pool cleaner, and cleans the surface of the pool water by removing all of the floating debris. The circular cap is attached to the floating container, and the floating container is attached with the automatic pool cleaner through the attachment tube and the T-shaped adapter. The basket is positioned within the floating container. The pool water with floating debris goes into the floating container and then to the basket, where the basket retains bigger particles while the pool water redirects into the attachment tube. Then the pool water is forwarded into a pool cleaning unit so that the pool water can be thoroughly cleaned before pumps back into the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Maria Ignacia Hernaiz
  • Patent number: 9371660
    Abstract: An offset laminate seam system for storage bins for increasing the capacity of bolts in a seam of a storage bin. The offset laminate seam system for storage bins generally includes three or more panels connected together with two or more vertical rows of end fasteners to form a vertical seam. The interconnection of three or more panels continues to form a ring structure. A plurality of the ring structures are stacked upon one another and attached together with fasteners to form the wall of the storage bin and a roof is attached to the uppermost ring structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Claire M. Rauser
  • Patent number: 9371661
    Abstract: A wind mitigation system for attachment to a residential or commercial building to mitigate wind suction forces known to damage roof structures, and to harness wind energy to create electricity. The system may comprise one or more rotating cylinders which make use of the Magnus effect, a scientific phenomenon involving air flow over a rotating cylindrical object. Rotating Magnus cylinders are installed on the roof, preferably at or near the roof-wall junction of a building in order to provide the greatest suppression of perpendicular wind forces and resulting vortices. Wind flowing across the Magnus cylinders creates a downward force that is transferred to the roof by structural support brackets. The downward force counters the upward lifting forces generated by high winds so as to prevent uplifting of the roof structure. Electrical energy is generated from oscillations resulting from variations in wind speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Winston Grace
  • Patent number: 9371662
    Abstract: A variable height telescoping tower includes a base section and a second lower most section nested within the base section and extendable from within the base section. The second lower most section includes a plurality of vertically spaced lock apertures disposed thereon. A lock member is attached to the base section, and includes an engaging portion movable between a disengaged position at which the engaging portion rests outside of the lock apertures and an engaged position at which the engaging portion is engaged within one of the lock apertures of the second lower most section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: US Tower Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Pereira, Karen Eredia, Stacey A. Perez
  • Patent number: 9371663
    Abstract: An extruded mast section for a telescoping tower includes a hollow extrusion having an exterior surface and an interior surface, and a plurality of spaced apart axially aligned internal screw bosses running the length of the mast section. A telescoping tower assembly includes a first extruded mast section having an exterior surface and an interior surface and a plurality of spaced apart axially aligned internal screw bosses running the length of the first mast section along the interior surface. A second extruded mast section disposed within the first mast section has a plurality of spaced apart axially aligned internal screw bosses running the length of the second mast section along the interior surface. Support collars are disposed at the top and bottom ends of the second mast section each having keyways disposed around its outer perimeter and aligned with a different one of the screw bosses of the first extruded mast section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: US Tower Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Pereira, Jason Timothy Wadlington
  • Patent number: 9371664
    Abstract: A tent and an awning assembly, the awning assembly including an awning casing, a leading edge and an awning extending between the awning casing and the leading edge, the tent being arranged under the awning assembly. The awning casing and the leading edge each includes a channel for receiving a tent enabling a double roof configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: THULE SWEDEN AB
    Inventor: Jan Verhelst
  • Patent number: 9371665
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an article (1) of the tent or shelter type including a roof element (2) at least partially covering a shelter area (3), said roof element including a main flexible panel (4) having opposite outer (4a) and inner (4b) faces, the inner face (4b) being intended during operation to be oriented across from said shelter area (3). Characteristically, the inner face (4b) has an emissivity rate (%) of far infrared rays lower than the emissivity rate (%) of far infrared rays of the outer face (4a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: DECATHLON
    Inventors: Sophie Herpin, Bruno Michalak
  • Patent number: 9371666
    Abstract: A fall protection guardrail system and method used for construction of multi-story wood-framed buildings, which comprises a support bracket comprised of an attachment member and a pole support, and further comprises a pole with integrated rail supports. For a framed wall that is lying in a horizontal position, the support bracket is easily attached to a framing member of the framed wall, and the pole is inserted into the pole support. Then the framed wall is moved into the vertical position and secured to other framing. When the floor or roof is placed atop the framed wall, rails are inserted into the rail supports and secured. When the building is finished, the guardrail support system is easily removed, disassembled, and reusable. In some embodiments, a scaffolding frame may be attached to the support bracket, and the pole inserted into the scaffolding frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventors: Darrell Allen, Gary Hardy
  • Patent number: 9371667
    Abstract: A combination lock is provided, the combination lock having a rotary latch configured for rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position, the rotary latch rotating in a first plane; and a bolt configured for movement between a first position and a second position along a second plane the second plane being oriented at a different location than the first plane, the bolt engaging the rotary latch in the first position such that rotation of the rotary latch from the locked position to the unlocked position is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: ZEPHYR LOCK, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Houlihan, Patrick E. Wind
  • Patent number: 9371668
    Abstract: A magnetic key comprising: a body; a segmented magnet housed within the body; and a ferrous element housed above the segmented magnet. A protective cap for a magnetic key comprising a body; and a ferrous element housed within the body. A locking system comprises a magnetic key and protective cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: PINEL MEDICAL INC.
    Inventor: Ludwig Piron
  • Patent number: 9371669
    Abstract: Remote-activation locks designed to permit unlocking and/or locking of the lock without physical manipulation of the lock are articulated to a product/good in a manner so as to deny one or more benefits associated with the product/good.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventors: John S. Berg, Christopher H. Reynolds, Jibing Lin, David A. Vogel, Paul A. Keenan, John R. Howard
  • Patent number: 9371670
    Abstract: The invention relates to a locking system, in particular motor vehicle door lock, with at least one lever (1), and with a position-securing unit (5, 6, 7, 8) for the lever (1), wherein the position-securing unit (5, 6, 7, 8) has at least one spring element (5) and is designed for defining at least one stable position (E) of the lever (1), wherein the spring element (5) reaches through the lever (1) in the region of an opening (8), and wherein the opening (8) permits pivoting movements of the lever (1) in relation to the spring element (5) within a predetermined pivoting angle range (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Schönenberg, Hendrik Wahmann
  • Patent number: 9371671
    Abstract: A lockset has an actuator unit, a mounting unit and a latch retractor mechanism. The mounting unit attaches the lockset to a door and supports the actuator unit and latch retractor mechanism. The actuator unit includes inside and outside door knobs and a cam mechanism that move together within the mounting unit. During rotational movement, a first cam of the cam mechanism engages the latch retractor mechanism to retract the latch. The actuator is axially movable along an axis of the actuator unit when one of the knobs is pushed or pulled. During axial movement, a second cam of the cam mechanism engages the latch retractor mechanism to retract the latch. A locking mechanism is selectively actuable to act between the actuator unit and the mounting unit to prevent both rotational and axial movement of the actuator unit relative to the mounting unit, thereby locking the lockset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: HAMPTON PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Steven T. Weathersby
  • Patent number: 9371672
    Abstract: A safety braking device (1) for doors, which is arranged between a door board (21) and a permanent seat (22) of the door board, comprises a seat body (11) and a one-way locking mechanism. The seat body (11) is arranged in the door board (21). The one-way locking mechanism comprises a lock position element (12) and a connecting rod element (13). The lock position element (12) is arranged in the seat body (11) and can be switched between a locked position and an unlocked position. One end of the connecting rod element (13) is fixed onto the permanent seat (22) of the door board, and the other end thereof extends into the seat body (11) and corresponds to the lock position element (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Wen Chang Tseng
    Inventors: Wen Chang Tseng, Jen Sen Chiang
  • Patent number: 9371673
    Abstract: A lock consists of an elongated track which is attached to the panel of a door. A slider runs in the track from a retracted position in which the slider is spaced apart from the knob which operates the deadbolt to an engaged position in which the slider is in contact with the knob and prevents it from turning. The slider can be locked in that position by means of a locking pin. The pin may also be used to immobilizes the slider in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: John Nichol
  • Patent number: 9371674
    Abstract: A damping assembly for a pivoting stowage bin includes a rotary hydraulic damper that is mounted on the pivot axis of the stowage bin. The rotary hydraulic damper includes a damper body that receives a rotor having at least one vane moved through contained hydraulic fluid. Preferably, an exterior bearing surface on the damper precludes the active damping elements from radial loads, while a distributed attachment of the rotor to the pivoting bin enables reduced torque loads. The damper can include an integrated flow-control valve for controlling the opening rate of the pivoting bin as well as an integrated mechanical stop for the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Terrance E. Daul, Jeffrey T. Kelly, John M. Janak, Timothy J. Boerschig
  • Patent number: 9371675
    Abstract: A rotary damper has a damper body having a receiving portion, and a rotor rotatably disposed in the receiving portion of the damper body. A space between an inner circumferential surface of the receiving portion and an outer circumferential surface of the rotor is divided into a plurality of pressure chambers. A rotation speed of the rotor is controlled to be at a low speed by a flow resistance of fluid filled in each of the pressure chambers when the fluid flows through gaps between an inner surface of the receiving portion and an outer surface of the rotor opposed to each other in a direction of a rotation axis of the rotor. The damper body and the rotor are relatively movable in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: SUGATSUNE KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Oshima, Ken Shinmura, Hideki Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 9371676
    Abstract: In one example a hinge assembly for an electronic device comprises a linkage comprising a first bushing disposed at a first end of the linkage and a second bushing disposed at a second end of the bushing, a first shaft rotatable within the first bushing about a first axis, a second shaft rotatable within the second bushing about a second axis, and at least one compression element disposed on the first shaft, wherein the first shaft and the first bushing are threaded such that rotation of the first shaft within the first bushing induces lateral translation of the first shaft along the first axis. Other examples may be described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: David A. Rittenhouse
  • Patent number: 9371677
    Abstract: A counterbalance system that is set into the guide track of a tilt-in window. A brake shoe housing is provided that has a first arm element. The brake shoe housing is connected to a coil spring within the guide track of the tilt-in window. At least one post is set into the first arm element. Each post has a free end that extends away from the first arm element. One post passes through a hole in the coil spring and forms part of the mechanical interconnection between the brake shoe housing and the coil spring. A cam is disposed within the brake shoe housing. When turned, the cam moves the first arm element, therein causing each post to be biased against the guide track. The contact between each post and the guide track inhibits movement of the brake shoe housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: John Evans' Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Kunz
  • Patent number: 9371678
    Abstract: A barrier sensor device and associated control device monitor operation of a barrier operator system. The barrier sensor device monitors operation of barrier operators for undesirable amounts of strain without barrier operator force as an input. The barrier sensor device instead detects both motion and tilt of a barrier. By monitoring these two aspects of barrier operation, the barrier sensor device compiles data that can be analyzed by the control device and compared to un-strained or previously compiled barrier operator data to determine whether the barrier operator system is under strain and requires service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Roy Keller, Jr., Cory Jon Sorice
  • Patent number: 9371679
    Abstract: In a structure for fixing a foreign object detection sensor, a foreign object detection sensor, which detects a foreign object by being elastically deformed by external force applied by the foreign object detection, is fixed to a plastic bracket. A support portion projects from the outer peripheral surface of the foreign object detection sensor. The bracket has a penetration portion through which the support portion is passed. The foreign object detection sensor and the support portion inserted through the penetration portion clamp the bracket from opposite sides of the extending direction of the penetration portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: ASMO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ryousuke Sakamaki
  • Patent number: 9371680
    Abstract: A sliding door system including a transom; at least one door leaf movable along the transom; an endless traction mechanism traction-resistantly connected to the at least one door leaf; a drive device for driving the endless traction mechanism, the drive device comprising a driven pulley guiding the endless traction mechanism; a rotational body torsion-resistantly connected to the driven pulley and rotatably supported by the transom, the rotational body comprises a coupling member; a locking bolt displaceably supported by the transom; and an electromechanical actuation device. The electromechanical actuation device is operable to cause the locking bolt to interlock with the coupling member of the rotational body to lock the at least one door leaf relative to the transom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: DORMA DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Andreas Finke
  • Patent number: 9371681
    Abstract: An apparatus, and associated method, facilitates delivery of a package to a recipient. A personal package box is installed at a destination location. The box contains a locking device that permits a delivery person to secure the package, once delivered. An identifier is maintained at the personal package box. The delivery person records the delivery of the package, using the identifier to identify the location of the delivery. An indication of the delivery is sent to the recipient to alert the recipient of the delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Blaine Kevin Tompkins
  • Patent number: 9371682
    Abstract: A door entryway system is disclosed. The door entryway system may have a door sweep capable of attachment to a bottom of a door panel and a threshold assembly. The threshold assembly may include a threshold substrate, an upwardly open sill channel on the substrate and a substantially rigid threshold cap biased upwardly, and vertically adjustable by rotating during interaction with the door sweep. The threshold cap and door sweep contact to form a sealing barrier when the door panel is in a closed position. The threshold assembly may also include a cap base formed separate from the threshold cap, the cap base at least partially positioned within the sill channel, the cap base supporting the threshold cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Endura Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Van Camp, Bruce E. Procton
  • Patent number: 9371683
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window assembly and method for making same is provided in which dimensions of a hole and/or pump-out tube inserted therein are selected to provide sufficient clearance for efficient insertion and accommodate sufficient adhesive material, while at the same time providing sufficient support to resist substantial tilting/tipping of the pump-out tube. A length of the pump-out tube may be selected so that a distance between a top of the pump-out tube (which is subjected to heat sealing) and an interface between the tube and frit material proximate the hole reduces the likelihood of tube cracking at the tube/frit interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Dennis, Andrew W. Pantke
  • Patent number: 9371684
    Abstract: A coated article is provided with at least one infrared (IR) reflecting layer. The IR reflecting layer may be of silver or the like. In certain example embodiments, a titanium oxide layer is provided over the IR reflecting layer, and it has been found that this surprisingly results in an IR reflecting layer with a lower specific resistivity (SR) thereby permitting thermal properties of the coated article to be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignees: Centre Luxembourgeois de Recherches Pour le Verre et la Ceramique S.A. (C.R.V.C.), Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Jochen Butz, Uwe Kriltz, Artur Siwek, Anton Dietrich, Jens-Peter Muller, Jean-Marc Lemmer, Richard Blacker
  • Patent number: 9371685
    Abstract: A door mounting system for mounting a door includes a door mounting frame and a lifter mount. The door mounting frame is attachable to a door and is removable from that door. The lifter mount is attachable to a propulsion device such as a forklift. The lifter mount is attached to the door mounting frame so that the propulsion device provides a way to transport the door mounting frame and the door to a location where it is desired to install the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Greif Packaging LLC
    Inventors: Scott M. Cooper, Raymond Shelton
  • Patent number: 9371686
    Abstract: An actuator (2) for driving a blind with adjustable slats, the actuator including a housing (20) inside which a motor (22) is installed, the motor driving a first output shaft (21) that projects on either side of the housing (20), characterised in that the actuator further includes a second output shaft (23) of which the axis of rotation (X23) is parallel to and not coinciding with that of the first output shaft (21) and controlled coupling elements (26) making it possible to selectively transmit a rotational movement from the first output shaft (21) to the second output shaft (23), and in that the second output shaft (23) projects on either side of the housing (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: SOMFY SAS
    Inventor: Eric LaGarde
  • Patent number: 9371687
    Abstract: A motorized window shade includes a covering structure arranged between a fixed and a movable rail, an electric motor operable to drive displacement of the movable rail relative to the fixed rail, a control interface operable to control operation of the electric motor, and a motor controller respectively connected with the electric motor and the control interface. The control interface includes a first, a second and a third button, the first and second buttons being respectively operable to cause displacement of the movable rail in two opposite directions. The motor controller can record a current position of the movable rail as a limit position of the movable rail in response to a pressure concurrently applied on the third button and one of the first and second buttons. In some embodiments, methods of operating the motorized window shade are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: TEH YOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fu-Lai Yu, Chin-Tien Huang, Chien-Fong Huang
  • Patent number: 9371688
    Abstract: A motorized operating interior device for operating a movable interior screen with a windable canvas of a window covering device or of a projection screen device, the motorized operating interior device configured to be suspended by the canvas and including: a winding tube which is movable around a first axis and on which the canvas is adapted to be wound, an actuator which is disposed at least in part in the tube, a first element for fixing a first end of the canvas to the winding tube, the weight of the motorized operating interior device creating a canvas unwinding torque, wherein said operating device includes an compensating element for compensating for the unwinding torque and which acts exclusively by either interaction with gravity or with the canvas or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: SOMFY SAS
    Inventors: Pierre-Emmanuel Cavarec, Sebastien Lemaitre
  • Patent number: 9371689
    Abstract: A blind system, including a screen with one end secured to a bar; and a guide track on opposite edges of said screen, each said guide track having a single rigid longitudinal body defining a guide channel with discrete parallel first and second channel portions; wherein, said screen has a edge portion extending through the second channel portion, a slit formed along said body, and into said first channel portion, for guiding the movement of said screen along said slit and for resisting separation of said edge portion from said first channel portion, and wherein said bar has an end portion adapted for movement only within said second channel portion for guiding said bar to move along said body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: ACMEDA PTY LTD ACN
    Inventor: Carmelo Joseph Licciardi Di Stefano
  • Patent number: 9371690
    Abstract: One embodiment of a mechanism for controlling the rotation of a roller blind winding roller having a spring drive and immovably fixed to a roller blind holder and its winding roller is constructed of an inner shaft (1), on which a sleeve (2) is rotationally seated. In the sleeve (2) there is rotationally seated an inner roller (4), and between the sleeve (2) and the inner roller (4) there is an annular slot (5) filled with a braking layer (26) formed from high viscosity medium. The inner roller (4) contains a formed driver (6) and in the sleeve (2), between the inner roller (4) and the inner shaft (1) there is a brake shoe (3) seated with its pin (9) in the opening (7) of the inner shaft (1), and a relief (8) where the driver (6) of the inner roller (4) is seated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Jerzy Wolek
  • Patent number: 9371691
    Abstract: A motorized window shade includes a head rail, a bottom part suspended from the head rail, and a covering structure arranged between the head rail and the bottom part. An electric motor is arranged in the head rail and is operable to drive a vertical displacement of the bottom part. The window shade further includes a control interface electrically connected with the electric motor, and suspended outward from the head rail. The control interface is operable to control rotation of the electric motor for raising and lowering the bottom part. An elongated tube may further be disposed outside the head rail. The elongated tube has an upper end connected with the head rail, and the control interface is assembled adjacent to a lower end of the elongated tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: TEH YOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fu-Lai Yu, Chin-Tien Huang, Chien-Fong Huang
  • Patent number: 9371692
    Abstract: A downhole tool including a fluid-actuated piston and a motor-driven valve. The fluid-actuated piston is operatively associated with a reciprocating mass. The motor-driven valve is configured to supply actuating fluid sequentially to drive the piston downwards and upwards. A method of reciprocating a mass in a downhole tool. The method including cycling a motor-driven valve between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration actuating fluid pressure drives a piston associated with the mass downwards. In the second configuration actuating fluid pressure drives the piston upwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: NOV DOWNHOLE EURASIA LIMITED
    Inventor: Alan Martyn Eddison
  • Patent number: 9371693
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drilling system with a multi-function drill head used in, among other applications, oil and gas drilling. The system is used to enhance the effective permeability of an oil and/or gas reservoir by drilling or cutting new structures into the reservoir. The system is capable of cutting straight bores, radius bores, or side panels, by water jets alone or in combination with lasers. In various embodiments, a device for remotely controlling the mode of the system by variations in the pressure of a drilling fluid is also provided, allowing an operator to switch between various modes (straight drilling, radius bore drilling, panel cutting, etc.) without withdrawing the drill string from underground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: RAMAX, LLC
    Inventors: Fun-Den Wang, Horace M. Varner
  • Patent number: 9371694
    Abstract: The present invention relates to drilling lateral wells or sidetrack wells from a primary wellbore to enhance the efficiency and productivity of oil and gas wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: David D. Hearn, Lamar L. Gantt, Dan E. Venhaus, John G. Eller
  • Patent number: 9371695
    Abstract: An integrated sidetrack drilling tool comprising a milling cone, a whipstock iron and a setting anchor; a liquid guiding pipe communicating the milling cone and the setting anchor is provided inside the whipstock iron; the milling cone presses against an inclined surface of the whipstock iron; an annular groove is provided on a circumference of the milling cone; a portion of the annular groove is an arc shaped clamping slot whose inner side is wider than outer side; other portions of the annular groove constitute a trapezoidal slot whose inner side is narrower than outer side; a portion of the whipstock iron is fixedly provided with a positioning block; an arc shaped clamping edge is provided on the positioning block; the positioning block is held in the arc shaped clamping slot via the arc shaped clamping edge; a positioning screw is provided between the whipstock iron and the milling cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventors: Lan Zhang, Kaifeng Zhang, Xinyue Zhang
  • Patent number: 9371696
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a tool having a rotating member adapted to be coupled to a drill bit and a steering device that includes a force application device that tilts the drive member and a rotational drive that maintains the force application device geostationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Hans Oppelaar
  • Patent number: 9371697
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method of transmitting data from a rotating control device. In one aspect, a method of transmitting data from a rotating control device coupled to an offshore drilling unit is provided. The method includes the step of generating data relating to a parameter associated with the rotating control device. The method further includes the step of transmitting the data from a transmitting assembly coupled to the rotating control device to a receiving assembly positioned proximate the transmitting assembly. Additionally, the method includes the step of transmitting the data from the receiving assembly to the offshore drilling unit. In another aspect, a data gathering and transmitting system for use with a rotating control device coupled to an offshore drilling unit is provided. In a further aspect, a method for transmitting data generated in a rotating control device coupled to a riser is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin L. Gray, Thomas F. Bailey, James Chambers
  • Patent number: 9371698
    Abstract: The present invention is a subsurface formation cutter for directional cutting into a subterranean formation. The subsurface formation cutter includes a transmission unit, a cutter bit, a bit brace, and a ram unit. The transmission unit has a driver shaft operatively connected to a bottom hole assembly. The cutter bit has a connector member, a cutter body rotatably coupled to the connector member, and a bit shaft connected to the cutter body. The bit shaft is operatively coupled to the driver shaft of the transmission unit. The ram unit has a moveable ram shaft connected to a traveling member. The bit brace is pivotably connected to the connector member and the traveling member. A connection member is attaches the ram unit to the transmission unit, and is configured to receive and guide the traveling member to travel in a direction parallel with a longitudinal axis of the subsurface formation cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Bernard Compton Chung
  • Patent number: 9371699
    Abstract: A cutting element for an earth-boring tool includes at least one volume of superabrasive material on a substrate. The volume of superabrasive material includes a first planar surface and a second planar surface oriented at an angle relative to the first planar surface and intersecting the first planar surface along an apex. The first planar surface has a circular or oval shape having a first maximum diameter, and the second planar surface has a circular or oval shape having a second maximum diameter. The apex has a length less than the first maximum diameter and the second maximum diameter. Earth-boring tools includes such a cutting element attached to a body. Methods of forming earth-boring tools include the attachment of such a cutting element to a body of an earth-boring tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Volker Richert, Nicholas J. Lyons
  • Patent number: 9371700
    Abstract: A superabrasive cutting element including a diamond or other superabrasive material table having a peripheral cutting edge defined by at least one chamfer between a cutting face and a side surface of the table, an arcuate surface extending between the cutting face and an innermost chamfer of the at least one chamfer and a sharp, angular transition between an outermost chamfer of the at least one chamfer and the side surface. Methods of producing such superabrasive cutting elements and drill bits equipped with such superabrasive cutting elements are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Anthony A. DiGiovanni
  • Patent number: 9371701
    Abstract: A roof-bolt drill bit includes a bit body rotatable about a central axis and at least one cutting element coupled to the bit body. The bit body has a forward end, a rearward end axially opposite the forward end, and an internal passage defined within the bit body, with the internal passage extending from a rearward opening defined in the rearward end of the bit body through at least a portion of the bit body. The at least one cutting element includes a cutting face, a cutting edge adjacent the cutting face, and a back surface spaced away from the cutting face, the back surface being mounted to the bit body. An opening defined in the bit body is positioned adjacent to the back surface of the at least one cutting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: DOVER BMCS ACQUISITION CORPORATION
    Inventors: E. Sean Cox, Russell Roy Myers
  • Patent number: 9371702
    Abstract: The invention relates to well tubings, in particular oil well tubings, having an improved resistance to abrasion and corrosion. A well tubing comprises a plurality of tubing sections each having a bore and an inside diameter, wherein at least part of the tubing sections has polymer liners disposed within said bore of said tubing section, characterized in that said polymer liners are comprised of crosslinked polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Borealis AG
    Inventors: Martin Anker, Siegfried Liedauer, Markus Oberndorfer, Karin Thayer
  • Patent number: 9371703
    Abstract: A telescoping joint is provided with one or more control lines and is usable for landing a subsea tubing hanger. The telescoping joint can include an outer mandrel, an inner mandrel, and a control line. The inner mandrel can be releasably coupled to the outer mandrel when run in a wellbore of a subterranean formation. At least part of the inner mandrel can be in an area defined by the outer mandrel and can seal an inner area defined by the inner mandrel from an environment exterior to the outer mandrel. The control line can be exterior to an outer surface of the outer mandrel and coiled around at least part of the inner mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Owen Roane, William Mark Richards
  • Patent number: 9371704
    Abstract: A device and a method for positioning a tool in a well tubular. The device comprising a housing having jacking arm assemblies with extendable jacking arms for fixating the device inside the well tubular. The device further comprising a tool connected to the housing and bellow assemblies comprising inflatable means for positioning the device substantially in the center of the well tubular. By deflating the inflatable means and simultaneously activating the jacking arms the device is pushed in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the well tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: MAERSK OLIE OG GAS A/S
    Inventors: Edo Boekholtz, Ulger Gokhan, Klaus Wahrmann
  • Patent number: 9371705
    Abstract: A device for connecting and disconnecting an active compensator actuator or additional passive compensator actuators from a passive compensated load bearing unit during operation and at static suspended condition. The device comprises a connection arrangement (7), which is operatively connected to a crown block. The connection device (7) is adapted to selectively grip a second end (18) of the heave compensator actuator (1). The device comprises further a safety arrangement (6) which are adapted to selectively grip the second end (18) of the heave compensator actuator (1) when it is not in engagement with the connection arrangement (7), the device comprises also a support arrangement (2), which is adapted to support the heave compensator actuator when it is not connected to the crown block (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Castor Drilling Solution AS
    Inventors: Runar Birkeland, Paal Anders Taraldrud