Patents Issued in August 16, 2016
  • Patent number: 9416564
    Abstract: A latch and a method for preventing a latch from failing to open while a connected handle is lifted are provided. The latch includes a primary pawl pivotally mounted to the latch. An end piece having a protrusion extending from it is fixed to the primary pawl. An inner lever is rotatably coupled to the end piece. The inner lever includes a tail adjacent the protrusion of the end piece. The inner lever is movable between a first position and a second position. A secondary pawl is pivotally mounted to the latch and is movable between a first position and a second position. A blocking lever is also coupled to the latch and movable between a first position and a second position. When the inner lever is in a second position, the tail abuts the protrusion and the blocking lever limits movement of the inner lever and the primary pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: INTEVA PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Coleman
  • Patent number: 9416565
    Abstract: A vehicle door includes an electrically-powered latch and a user input feature that can be actuated by a user to cause the electrically-powered latch to unlatch. An electrical energy storage device is operably connected to the electrically-powered latch, and a piezoelectric device is mounted to the door. The piezoelectric device can be manually actuated by a user to charge the electrical energy storage device, and electrical energy from the electrical energy storage device can be utilized to actuate the electrically-powered latch to thereby unlatch the latch. The user input feature may comprise a switch or sensor located adjacent a door handle/latch release on an inside and/or an outside of the vehicle door. The electrical energy storage device may comprise an emergency battery, capacitor, or other electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kosta Papanikolaou, Rajesh K Patel
  • Patent number: 9416566
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a closure latch for a vehicle door. The closure latch includes a ratchet movable between an open position and a closed position, a first door release lever operatively connected to the ratchet, a second door release lever, and a lock lever movable along a lock lever path including a first lock lever position wherein the second door release lever is operatively disconnected from the first door release lever, a second lock lever position wherein the lock lever operatively connects the second door release lever to the first door release lever, and a third lock lever position wherein the lock lever carries out an additional function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.
    Inventors: Kris Tomaszewski, Francesco Cumbo
  • Patent number: 9416567
    Abstract: A mortise structure of a digital door lock is applicable to a left handed door and a right handed door. The mortise structure is an improved two-way releasable mortise structure which can unlock a latch bolt and a dead bolt by finally converting a rotary force of actuating means into a one-way rotary force even though the actuating means is rotated in an arbitrary direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignees: ELENSYS CO., LTD., SAMSUNG SDS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyoung Jin Ji, Sang Han Lee
  • Patent number: 9416568
    Abstract: A door lock device for a household appliance door provided with a prong is described. The device has a mechanical module for retaining the device in a closed position, or releasing the prong for opening the device. The device also has opening means with an unlock slider, returning means of the unlock slider, and an activation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: BITRON S.P.A.
    Inventor: Fabrizio Promutico
  • Patent number: 9416569
    Abstract: A latch assembly may be configured for use with a first structure having an outer surface and a second structure that is movable relative to the first structure. The latch assembly may include a latch member and a visual indicator device. The latch member may be movable into and out of a latching position securing the second structure to the first structure. The visual indicator device may be movable between a retracted position not protruding outward from the outer surface of the first structure and an extended position protruding outward from the outer surface. A linkage may be operatively connected between the latch member and the visual indicator device to move the visual indicator device from the retracted position to the extended position under the influence of the latch member when the latch member is moved out of the latching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Cristiano Leone, Wayne Howard Peterson, James Paul Hacault
  • Patent number: 9416570
    Abstract: A spring strut assembly comprises a cylinder having a wall defining an interior volume comprising a working end and a boosting chamber; the working end including a first volume and the boosting chamber including a second volume of gas. A piston assembly is disposed for reciprocation in the working end of the interior volume. A piston rod has a proximal end secured to the piston and a distal end projecting out of a first end of the cylinder. A temperature control valve assembly is disposed in the interior volume separating the working end from the boosting chamber and a shock absorbing assembly is disposed in the interior volume between the piston assembly and the first end of the cylinder, and is compressible by the piston assembly when the temperature control valve is dislodged by pressure in the boosting chamber thereby driving the piston assembly into the shock absorbing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Joel Colombo, Michael P. Balogh, Graham S. Foulkes
  • Patent number: 9416571
    Abstract: A swinging double gate latch with a lock pin including a vertical beam disposed on an end portion of a fence having a left side, a top side, and a bottom side. An outer mounting plate disposed on the beam left side proximal each of the top side and the bottom side, with an annular collar centrally disposed on each of the outer mounting plates. An inner mounting plate disposed on the beam left side disposed proximal each of the outer mounting plates. A pair of latches comprising an upper latch and a lower latch, with each of the upper latch and the lower latch further comprising a front flap and a rear stopper flap. A U-shaped mount having a pair of outer ends and center support therebetween disposed proximal the beam top side. A handle continuously engaging the mount center support and a continuous shaft rotationally engaging the collars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Bruce McConnell
  • Patent number: 9416572
    Abstract: A hinge, providing a swinging function for a first object attached thereto with respect to a stationary object attached thereto, includes a first leaf; a second leaf; and a pintle. The first leaf has a first knuckle. The second leaf has a second knuckle forming a volume for receiving said pintle. The second knuckle has a contact arm located within the volume. The pintle has a first stop surface feature and a second stop surface feature. The first stop surface feature causes the swinging function of the first object to stop when the contact arm of the second knuckle engages, by contact, the first stop surface feature. The second stop surface feature causes the swinging function of the first object to stop when the contact arm of the second knuckle engages, by contact, the second stop surface feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Peter M. Tolliver
  • Patent number: 9416573
    Abstract: A door hinge has a first hinge plate connected with a second hinge plate that is adjustably disposed in a hinge accommodation element, so as to pivot, with a pin on a hinge roll. The hinge accommodation element has a front part and a rear part, and the second hinge plate is guided in the hinge accommodation element so as to move in the vertical direction, and can be tilted in the horizontal direction, relative to the hinge accommodation element, with an adjustment screw. The front part and the rear part of the hinge accommodation element are connected by a connection screw, and the second hinge plate is clamped in place between the front part and the rear part, so that it cannot be displaced in the vertical direction, after the connection screw has been tightened. A hinge system can be formed by three of these door hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Simonswerk, Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung
    Inventor: Uwe Sabrowski
  • Patent number: 9416574
    Abstract: There is disclosed anti-sag hinge (10) which includes a mounting flange assembly (12) pivotally coupled to a strap assembly (15). The strap assembly includes a strap (31) extending from a cylinder portion (32). The cylindrical portion includes a coupling end (34) with a vertically extending octagonal channel (35) therethrough. The octagonal channel includes a vertically extending alignment ridge or tongue (36) and a centrally positioned, horizontally oriented, annular ridge (37). The hinge also includes an elongated cam follower (40) having a lower cam follower portion (41) with an octagonal exterior surface (43) terminating at a circumferential ledge or shoulder (44) positioned to abut and bear against the centrally positioned annular ridge of the coupling end. The lower cam follower portion also has a longitudinally extending groove (53) configured to receive the coupling end alignment tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Kason Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett A Mitchell, Jeffery E Underwood
  • Patent number: 9416575
    Abstract: A hinge is provided, including a hinge arm and a hinge cup connected to one another by a hinge pin at a joint in association with a spring, and an insert provided on the hinge arm at the joint and having an external surface which the spring slidably contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Grass America, Inc.
    Inventors: Manfred Peer, Cheng Jiang, Georg Domenig
  • Patent number: 9416576
    Abstract: A method and mechanism for moving an element, such as a sliding door (1), is disclosed. In the movement a first end of the element is first turned outwards, a second opposite end is then turned out placing the element in parallel with the original location of the element. The element is then displaced by extending a pull-out guide (4). The mechanism comprises a housing (2), the pull-out guide rail (4), a lock-and-release mechanism (19) and at least two lever arms (8, 11, 14, 16, 27, 30, 33, 39, 42). One end of a first lever arm (8, 27, 39) is received in a pivoting point (10, 29, 41) at the pull-out guide rail (4) and the opposite end of said lever arm (8, 27, 39) is received in a pivoting point (9, 28, 40) at the housing (2). The pivoting point (10, 29, 41) at the pull-out guide rail (4) is placed at a first end of the pull-out guide rail (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Inter IKEA Systems BV
    Inventors: Benny Andersson, Hakan Persson
  • Patent number: 9416577
    Abstract: A pivoting door is provided for a carwash vehicle conveyor. The pivoting door does not require counter weights or stops. The pivoting door has a top bar, a pair of arms each with a bottom end and extend from the top bar, and tensioning units. One of the tensioning units is disposed at the bottom end of each of the arms. Each of the tensioning units has a main pin and a spring unit. When a roller pushes the top bar to an open position the tensioning units produce a counter torque for automatically returning the pivoting door to a closed position after the roller passes by.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Sonny's Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Fazio, Anthony Analetto
  • Patent number: 9416578
    Abstract: Disclosed is a door closer that can easily adjust the spring force of a return spring. A piston 2 moves toward a first oil chamber 15 upon a door opening operation and moves toward a second oil chamber 16 upon a door closing operation. A return spring 50 is located on the same line as the piston 2. The return spring 50 is interposed between a spring retaining seat on a fixed side close to a main shaft 3 and a spring retaining seat on a moving side distant from the main shaft 3. The return spring 50 is compressed by the spring retaining seat on the moving side moving closer to the spring retaining seat on the fixed side upon the door opening operation and then stores the closing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: RYOBI LTD.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Nakamae
  • Patent number: 9416579
    Abstract: The present invention provides a drive unit for high-speed lifting gates in which a drive motor is provided for moving the gate leaf and can be down-regulated up to zero rotational speed. The drive motor is actuated via a control unit. Following the occurrence of an emergency stop condition, the drive motor is actuated such that its rotational speed is reduced to zero in a controlled manner and the gate leaf is thereby braked in a motor-driven manner. When the gate leaf is at a standstill, the gate leaf is held by the energized drive motor at zero rotational speed at the holding position. It is with an emergency power supply ensured that, also in the event of a power failure, motor-driven deceleration of the gate leaf and an emergency opening can occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Gabrijel Rejc GMBH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gabrijel Rejc
  • Patent number: 9416580
    Abstract: A door jamb configured to provide a flush in-swing door when viewed in the direction of door in-swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Studco Building Systems US, LLC
    Inventors: Gordon Stevens, James Rowden, Ian Rowden
  • Patent number: 9416581
    Abstract: This relates to vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window units and methods for making VIG window units. Hybrid getter(s) are utilized. In certain example embodiments, a hybrid getter for use in a VIG window unit and/or a method making same includes both evaporable getter (EG) material and non-evaporable getter (NEG) material. In certain example embodiments, the NEG material may be covered (directly or indirectly) with EG material in the hybrid getter at least prior to getter activating/flashing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Rudolph H. Petrmichl, John P. Hogan
  • Patent number: 9416582
    Abstract: The invention relates to double glazing comprising at least one glass sheet that has a set of low-emission layers on each side, one side being coated with layers which are produced using sputtering and which include at least one metal layer that reflects infrared radiation. The other side of said at least one glass sheet comprises one or more metal oxide layers that are deposited using gas phase pyrolysis. The disclosed glazing has a minimum light transmittance of 60 percent (with 4 mm thick clear glass sheets).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: AGC Glass Europe
    Inventors: Lorenzo Pesce, Eric Tixhon
  • Patent number: 9416583
    Abstract: This invention describes a process flow and method to assemble triple IG units without contaminating the center glass lite. A non-contact vacuum pad is used to lift a glass lite off from a horizontal or vertical support that conveys it from a glass washer to an assembly station. Each of multiple pads has a capacity to lift approximately seven to ten pounds. Use of multiple pads per glass sheet or lite allows lites having dimensions up to 70 by 100 inches (assuming glass thickness of one quarter inch) to be assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: GED Integrated Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: William Briese, John Grismer, Timothy B. McGlinchy
  • Patent number: 9416584
    Abstract: A method for sealing insulating glass blanks (1), in which a sealing compound (3) is introduced from a sealing nozzle (7) into the outwardly open edge joint (2) of the insulating glass blank (1). A material tongue (15) of the sealing compound (3) emerging from the sealing nozzle (7) forms in front of the sealing nozzle (7). The size of the material tongue (15) is proportional to the amount of the sealing compound (3) introduced into the edge joint (2) per unit of time. Sealing is controlled in accordance with the length of the material tongue (15) detected by a sensor (10). In particular the amount of sealing compound (3) introduced per unit of time to the sealing nozzle (7) and/or the relative speed between the insulating glass blank (1) and the sealing nozzle (7) is controlled in accordance with the length of the material tongue (15) detected by the sensor (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: LISEC AUSTRIA GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Lininger, Alexander Kronsteiner, Mario Eder
  • Patent number: 9416585
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a door skin comprising an exterior surface having outer portions lying on a first plane, spaced grooves recessed from the plane of the outer portions, and tonal portions having a planar area and a plurality of spaced depressions recessed from the plane of said planar area. The present invention is also directed to a method of etching a plate, for use with a molded die set, for embossing a wood grain pattern in the door skin, and the etched plate formed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Karine A. Luetgert, Mark Richter, William R. Immell, Stephen G. Huhn
  • Patent number: 9416586
    Abstract: Systems, devices, apparatus, kits and methods of attaching transparent rigid plastic panels over door and window openings of vacant and/or damaged buildings and houses, that can include generally uniform thickness flange brackets which are attached to both the panels and both sides of the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Cyprexx Services, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald J. Ory, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9416587
    Abstract: A unitary assembly for an architectural fenestration, providing dynamic solar heat gain control, which (1) provides a track-based frame structure/blind combination in which the blind is self-correcting should the blind material fall outside of the track; (2) provides directional shading, where the assembly provides for dynamically controlling the amount of light allowed to reach the heat storage unit; (3) provides a blind motor without limiter switches and with a quick-release slip-ring; and (4) provides a heat storage unit which is a thermally efficient, transparent and translucent structure, with which gain from sunny winter days is greater than nighttime loss, so as to provide supplemental heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas, Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, David P. Hartman, Daniel M. Fogarty
  • Patent number: 9416588
    Abstract: A safety assembly structure of a curtain bead chain is revealed herein. It comprises a bead chain having a string with a plurality of beads and having a safety assembly thereon for controlling a curtain. The safety assembly includes two insert blocks for joining to both ends of the string of the bead chain and a connecting unit wrapping around the two insert blocks for connecting thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Chen Tian Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Hsiang Cheng
  • Patent number: 9416589
    Abstract: A deformable guide for a rollable door is disclosed. The guide has two wall portions. One wall portion defines a longitudinal edge while another wall portion defines an inner longitudinal planar face. Together, the inner longitudinal planar face and the longitudinal edge define a longitudinal slot. The guide receives, via the longitudinal slot, a longitudinal end section of a rollable door side strip, the inner longitudinal planar face of the guide providing a mating surface for a planar surface of the side strip. A longitudinal rib of the longitudinal end section of the side strip is maintained within the guide. The side strip is released by widening of the longitudinal slot upon application on the side strip of a force exceeding a predetermined threshold. A guiding system including the deformable guide and the side strip and a rollable door including the guiding system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Indotech Industrial Doors Inc.
    Inventors: Don McTavish, Juan Palencia, Daniel Deland
  • Patent number: 9416590
    Abstract: A building envelope or cladding system which permits selective visibility from inside the building while rejecting solar heat and providing an optional insulative envelope. A vertical support mullion is on one side of a building structure. A module is attached to the mullion using a hinge, wherein the module is adapted to flip away from the mullion. A drive means includes a gear system housed within the module and a drive shaft connected through the building structure. One or more cladding elements is connected to and operable by the drive means. As a result, the cladding elements can both rotate and flip away to expose or cover an underlying glass surface. Each module is coupled to the drive means using a coupling assembly which is spring-biased to thereby rotate the cladding elements, thus modifying the effects of the sun and other ambient factors on the state of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Voegele, Jr., John Anthony
  • Patent number: 9416591
    Abstract: A telescoping ladder includes a stabilizer connected to a stabilizer housing proximal to the floor surface on which the ladder is positioned. The first stabilizer can move between an extended position and a collapsed position. In the extended position, the first stabilizer extends out of a hollow body portion of the stabilizer housing and collapse into the hollow body portion of the rung in the collapsed position. The stabilizer comprises a locking button to lock the stabilizer in its extended position. The ladder comprises a flange that can release the locking button thereby unlocking the stabilizer from its extended position and move it into the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Core Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Allen A. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 9416592
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a tool body, stator, and rotor. The tool body is aligned along a tool centerline and includes an aperture therethrough operable to pass a fluid to an exterior of the body. The stator is fixed relative to the tool body and includes a fluid flow restriction operable to pass at least a portion of the fluid from an interior of the stator to the exterior of the body at an adjustable flow rate. The rotor is disposed within the tool body and rotatable relative to the stator and includes an exhaust port selectively aligned with at least one aperture through the tool body by rotation of the rotor relative to the stator. The exhaust port is operable to pass at least a portion of the fluid from an interior of the rotor to the exterior of the body when aligned with the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Sitka
  • Patent number: 9416593
    Abstract: A percussion drilling assembly includes a housing with a hammer bit disposed in the lower end portion thereof and configured to move longitudinally within the housing. The hammer bit includes an annular bit shank having a bit strike face and a cutting structure at a lower end portion thereof. An annular piston having a piston strike face arranged and designed to strike the bit strike face is also disposed in the housing. At least one of the bit strike face and the piston strike face has a toroidal curvature profile. A method includes one or more of lowering the percussion drilling assembly into a borehole, engaging the cutting structure with a formation, and impacting the bit strike face of the annular bit shank with the piston strike face of the annular piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoge Gan, Lokesh Bhatia, Kevin E. Harrington, Robert H. Slaughter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9416594
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for drilling a wellbore including a rotary drill bit with a bit body having a plurality of mechanical cutters to cut away formation material as the wellbore is formed; and a directed energy mechanism to direct energy into the formation such that energy from the directed energy mechanism causes fracturing of surrounding material to facilitate drilling in the direction of the directed energy. The energy from the directed energy mechanism is used to enhance the cutting of the mechanical cutters by fracturing surrounding material to facilitate drilling in the direction of the directed energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin P. Jeffryes, Iain Cooper, Simon H. Bittleston, Geoffrey C. Downton
  • Patent number: 9416595
    Abstract: A method includes attaching a carriage support to a platform, the platform comprising a platform floor having an opening therein, with the carriage support located proximate the opening, attaching a drive carriage to the carriage support, and operably coupling to the drive carriage a first mast section of a mast comprising a plurality of mast sections, and wherein the first mast section is located above the opening. The method also includes arranging a second mast section below the first mast section, lowering, using the drive carriage, the first mast section through the opening, attaching the first mast section to the second mast section, and raising, using the drive carriage, the first mast section and the second mast section through the opening. In an exemplary embodiment, the platform floor is a rig floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Nabors Drilling International Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Petrello, Padira Reddy, Ashish Gupta, Sean M. Bailey
  • Patent number: 9416596
    Abstract: An annular restrictor for use in a well can include a body which extends circumferentially about a tubular mandrel, and a section which, in cooperation with the body, restricts fluid flow through an annulus, a line being secured between the body and the section. A method of completing a well can include installing a line in an annular restrictor, and restricting fluid flow through an annulus, with the restricting being performed by the annular restrictor interconnected between steam injection valves. A method of attaching a line to a tubular string for use in a well can include covering the line with a section of an annular restrictor, and securing the section to a body of the annular restrictor, each of the section and the body having a flow restricting surface formed thereon, and the covering and securing steps being performed without splicing or making a connection in the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Gary Maier
  • Patent number: 9416597
    Abstract: Bearing assemblies for downhole tools include a compensator member operatively associated with a slidable member and a bearing member. The slidable member is movable longitudinally relative to the bearing member. Such movement of slidable member occurs when a force acts upwardly on the downhole tool. Thus, the slidable member facilitates absorption of the upward force acting on the downhole tool. During movement of the slidable member, the compensator member is moved from its expanded position to one of its plurality of compressed positions. As a result, the compensator member becomes biased or further biased toward the expanded position. After the upward force dissipates, the compensator member releases some of its stored energy to move from a compressed position toward the expanded position. Longitudinal movement of the slidable member facilitates maintaining engagement of the downhole tool in its working position so that interruptions of operations are minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Hayden V. Fagg
  • Patent number: 9416598
    Abstract: To protect a hydraulic, electric and/or other conduit in an annular space around a well casing against damage from perforating and other well operations the conduit is arranged in a groove in a U- or V-shaped protective gutter, which is secured to the outer surface of the well casing and which is capable of deflecting a shaped charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: William Birch
  • Patent number: 9416599
    Abstract: A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by advancing the tubular string longitudinally into the wellbore; stopping drilling by holding the tubular string longitudinally stationary; adding a tubular joint or stand of joints to the tubular string while injecting drilling fluid into a side port of the tubular string, rotating the tubular string, and holding the tubular string longitudinally stationary; and resuming drilling of the wellbore after adding the joint or stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, Mark A. Mitchell, David Pavel, Lev Ring, Ram K. Bansal, David Iblings
  • Patent number: 9416600
    Abstract: A conductor pipe support system for a bottom-supported offshore drilling rig, the conductor pipe support system including a guide member configured for supporting a conductor pipe against horizontal movement when the conductor pipe extends from a blow-out preventer downward towards the seabed; a support member configured for vertically supporting at least a part of the load of the conductor pipe; and an access platform for allowing personnel to access at least a bottom portion of the blow-out preventer system; wherein the support member is connectable to the conductor pipe below the access platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: MAERSK DRILLING A/S
    Inventor: Nikolaj Golovinskij
  • Patent number: 9416601
    Abstract: A casing running tool is connected to a top drive with a clutch that operates with set down weight against a spring resistive force. Setting down weight with rotation in a first direction raises an actuation member that pushes the slips out radially. The weight of the string then keeps the slips in position so that the string can be picked up and the rig floor slips removed followed by lowering the string while circulating and rotating. With slips set inside the joint and the string hanging free, rotating the top drive rotates the string as the string is lowered. With slips again supporting the string on the rig floor the top drive can be rotated in an opposed direction with weight set down to back off the slips and to remove it from the top joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: DrawWorks LLP
    Inventors: Albert Augustus Mullins, Matthew J. Hickl
  • Patent number: 9416602
    Abstract: An apparatus to limit movement of gripping members relative to an elevator includes a locking arm coupled to the gripping members and a first engagement arm. The locking arm includes a set of teeth disposed longitudinally thereon, and the first engagement arm includes a first set of complimentary teeth configured to engage with the set of teeth of the locking arm. The first engagement arm is moveable between a disengaged position, in which the first engagement arm and the locking arm are relatively moveable, and an engaged position, in which the first engagement arm allows the locking arm to move in a first direction but prevents the locking bar from moving in a second direction by more than a selected distance. The teeth of the locking arm engage the first set of complimentary teeth of the first engagement arm when the first engagement arm is in the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Frank's International, LLC
    Inventors: Donald E. Mosing, Jeremy Richard Angelle, John Erick Stelly
  • Patent number: 9416603
    Abstract: A tubing injector has a first injector pair and a second pair of cooperating injector mechanisms. The first injector pair are positioned on a first track and the second pair are positioned on a second track. The tubing injector provides redundancy to address safety concerns. The first injector pair is movable to the engaged position, when the second injector pair is moved to the disengaged position and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventors: Shawn Nielsen, Sinisa Dobrijevic, Robert Ewen
  • Patent number: 9416604
    Abstract: A mixing device has an elongate shell, an inlet, an outlet and at least one shear orifice between the inlet and the outlet. A hydration passage is located between the shear orifice and the outlet. The hydration passage has a flow area greater than a total shear flow area of the shear orifice, greater than an inlet flow area of the inlet and greater than an outlet flow area of the outlet. During operation, a polymer is mixed in a fluid flow flowing to the intake of a positive displacement pump, which pumps the fluid through the mixing device and into an injection conduit leading into a well. The shear orifice produces high shear separation of molecules of the polymer. The hydration passage causes hydration under pressure of the various polymer molecules in addition to blending the various chemicals and/or gases with other components of the fluid flow stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ChemRight, LLC
    Inventor: Don B. Cobb
  • Patent number: 9416605
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining a variation of a flushing medium flow at a rock drilling apparatus, where a compressor (8;301) discharges a flow of pressurized gas, where said gas flow at least partially is used as flushing medium during drilling with a tool (3), wherein, during drilling, said flushing medium is led to said tool (3) for flushing away drilling remnants. The method includes to determine a rate of a pressure variation of said flushing medium, and generating a signal when said determined rate exceeds a first value. The invention also relates to a system and a rock drilling apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
    Inventor: Erik Aldén
  • Patent number: 9416606
    Abstract: A system includes a valve subassembly configured to be disposed along an internal flowline exit of a first internal flowline within a downhole drilling module. The valve subassembly includes an active valve configured to regulate flow of a fluid through the internal flowline exit and a passive valve configured to be passively controlled based on a differential pressure between a first volume of the downhole drilling module and a second volume surrounding the downhole drilling module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kent David Harms, Jeremy T. Murphy, Michael J. Stucker, William E. Brennan, III, Albert Hoefel, Steven G. Villareal, Julian J. Pop
  • Patent number: 9416607
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole tool for guiding a device into a side track of a borehole, the tool having a tool axis and comprising a tool housing connected to an energy source. The invention further relates to a method for moving the downhole tool into a side track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventors: Jørgen Hallundbæk, Thomas Sune Andersen
  • Patent number: 9416608
    Abstract: A slip for a tangentially loaded retrievable slip system includes a frame including an interior having first and second sides; and, a key having a first portion within the interior of the frame. The first portion of the key movable within the interior of the frame; wherein the key is movable from a set condition with at least a contact point of first and second sides of the first portion of the key pushing against at least a portion of the first and second sides of the interior of the frame in the set condition to an unset condition with the first and second sides of the first portion of the key releasing pressure from the first and second sides of the interior of the frame. Also included is a method of managing a tangential load imparted by a tangential slip system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Antonio C. Ruffo
  • Patent number: 9416609
    Abstract: A system and method for positioning a tool within a tubular segment or a tubular tool, wherein the interior surface of the tubular segment or tubular tool is provided with one or more pluralities of grooves, each defining a selected profile. A downhole tool is lowered into the tubular segment or tubular tool, having a blade in communication therewith. The blade includes a plurality of protruding members thereon, which define a profile complementary to one of the selected profiles formed by one of the pluralities of grooves. A biasing member biases the blade toward the interior surface of the tubular segment or tubular tool to engage the protruding members of the blade within the complementary profile of the tubular segment or the tubular tool. The system and method further include a slip and wedge assembly usable to position a tubular segment or tubular tool within a tubular member or wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Robertson Intellectual Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Michael C Robertson, William F. Boelte, Douglas J. Streibich
  • Patent number: 9416610
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing abrasive jet perforating in a well comprises a generally cylindrically shaped tube with a side, an upper portion, and a lower portion; a plurality of smooth holes drilled into the side of the tube; abrasive jets mounted in at least some of the plurality of smooth holes; protective plates mounted in the side of the tube and surrounding the abrasive jets to hold the abrasive jets in place; wafers recessed into pockets on the protective plates and surrounding the abrasive jets to protect the abrasive jets from damage due to rebound of abrasive-carrying fluid slurry ejected by the abrasive jets; and fasteners securing the protective plates to the side of the tube and positioned away from the rebound of abrasive-carrying fluid slurry ejected by the abrasive jets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: TD TOOLS, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas L. Dotson
  • Patent number: 9416611
    Abstract: An embodiment of a method for forming slots in a wellbore casing, comprises providing at least one cutting tool, the cutting tool comprising at least a jetting assembly and an indexing assembly, disposing the cutting tool into the wellbore via a conveyance, stopping movement along the wellbore axis of the cutting tool, and forming slots in the casing by actuating the indexing assembly such that the jetting assembly forms slots in a predetermined pattern in the casing. In an embodiment, the method further comprises flowing a material into the slots formed in the casing to seal the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthias Heil, Frank Andriessen, Mirjam Zwanenburg
  • Patent number: 9416612
    Abstract: The cutting structure on the lower mill is arrayed in rows that are preferably parallel. The cutting structure in each row is made sharper and more durable than prior designs with the objective of cutting the window higher than where the window mill started the window. The use of the rows increases the contact stress of the inserts on the casing inside wall because at any given time fewer and sharper inserts are cutting the casing wall to lengthen the window. As a row wears down the next row takes over to continue the cutting where the previous row was active and to further penetrate the casing wall. The cutout angle can also increase as this occurs. As a result a decreased insert density results in more effective casing wall cutting to extend the window to allow larger tools to exit into the window off the whipstock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Calvin J. Stowe, Tejas J. Ghegadmal, Andrew D. Ponder
  • Patent number: 9416613
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, the present invention provides a theft-deterrence device, which can be used to deter theft of oil-and-gas equipment. For example, one such embodiment provides a nut-and-bolt assembly that includes an extended bolt and a standard the hexagonal nut. To deter theft, the exemplary assembly includes an outer sleeve that is disposed about the nut and extended bolt and that is free to rotate. Resultantly, the sleeve prevents the application of torque to the nut and also protects against shearing of the extended stud. The exemplary assembly also includes a tamper-resistant screw extending through the stud and cooperating with a retaining ring disposed above the nut, to prevent removal of the outer sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Julian Braithwaite