Patents Issued in October 18, 2016
  • Patent number: 9470008
    Abstract: The present application relates to an innovative and optimized method and system for maintaining water quality in water bodies such as excavated inland structures and floating structures with bottoms comprising flexible membranes, using a simplified economic filtration system and degreasing system that requires much smaller filtration equipment than conventional centralized filtration systems and provides for consumption of significantly lower amounts of energy. The method of the invention allows activating a chemical application system, mobile suctioning device, and/or degreasing system based on information regarding turbidity, the color of the bottom of the water body, and amount of greases on the surface water layer of the water body, to adjust the water quality parameters within their limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Crystal Lagoons (Curacao) B.V.
    Inventor: Fernando Benjamin Fischmann
  • Patent number: 9470009
    Abstract: The present invention extends to methods for attaching a piece of glass to a piece of stone. In some aspects, specifically designed glass inlays are secured within a void in a piece of stone. The glass inlays can include colored glass letters, numbers, designs, etc. In some aspects, glass inlays and voids are specifically designed to match one another. Glass inlays can be affixed within the voids using an adhesive. Grout can be then be used to set the glass inlays in place. The result can be monument or marker that commemorates an event or person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Roy Santo
  • Patent number: 9470010
    Abstract: The present invention provides a combination tent comprising a tent gate with lock catches and lock rings, when placed adjacent to a second combination tent, the tent gate of the combination tent is fixedly connected to a tent gate of the second combination tent through the cooperation and connection of the lock catches and the lock rings. The present invention enables quick assembly and disassembly, so that the tent can be used independently or combined with other tents. This connection method is applicable in traditional tents, and rapid assembling tents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Keong Woong Youn
  • Patent number: 9470011
    Abstract: A method of setting up a portable barrier includes (a) moving a first leg and a second leg away from each other to an arrangement in which a first extension portion of the first leg and a second extension portion of the second leg are each supported on a substantially horizontal surface, (b) moving a flooring from a collapsed flooring configuration to an expanded flooring configuration in response to step (a), (c) moving a first arm and a second arm away from each other, (d) moving a covering from a collapsed covering configuration to an expanded covering configuration in response to step (c), and (e) securing a supplemental component in fixed relation to the second leg after step (d). When the flooring is in the expanded flooring configuration and the covering is in the expanded covering configuration, an occupant space is defined between the flooring and the covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Shadiant, LLC
    Inventor: Paul J. Maginot
  • Patent number: 9470012
    Abstract: There is described a canopy system comprising two or more parallel elongated rods, one or more canopy pieces having two parallel edges, two or more elongated bars connected to each of the two or more parallel elongated rods and attached to each of the two parallel edges of the one or more canopy pieces, and at least one connection mechanism attached to each of the elongated rods having a connector that is capable of being suspended from a support. The elongated rods may include at least one lower cavity having two channels each configured to detachably and slidably receive each of the elongated bars. The lower cavity may have a groove that is configured to detachably and slidably receive an accessory. The elongated rods each may include at least one upper cavity configured to detachably and slidably receive each connection mechanism and a second accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Afshin Shargani
  • Patent number: 9470013
    Abstract: A vertically adjustable railing having first and second elongate balusters each with a first and second ends, the balusters having a first connection elements at their first ends and second connection elements along their length. An elongate handrail is pivotally connected at its first end to the first connection element of the first baluster and pivotally connected at its second end to the first connection element of the second baluster. An elongate lower rail having a first end and a second end is pivotally connected at its first end to the second connection element of the first baluster and pivotally connected at its second end to the second connection element of the second baluster. A distance between the first end and the second connection element of the first baluster is greater than the distance between the first end and the second connection element of the second baluster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: COLLINS LIMITED, LLC
    Inventor: John M. Munyon
  • Patent number: 9470014
    Abstract: A plasticized fence clipping system comprises fence posts, fence rails, wire panels, having top wires, plasticized rail clips having wire recesses for locking the top wires therein, and plasticized double-locking-head arms. The plasticized rail clips and plasticized double-locking-head arms are for quickly and easily locking and releasing the top wires to and from the inside of the fence rails, respectively, such that the plasticized fence clipping system absorbs vibrations exerted on the fence and prevents the metal components of the fence from contacting and grinding against one another, to keep the fence quiet and to prevent the metal components from rusting. The plasticized fence clipping system is affordable and reliable, is quick and easy to install, requires no tools, saves materials, eliminates personal injuries, can be operated by hand, and requires only one person to install the fence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Dee Volin
  • Patent number: 9470015
    Abstract: A grasping attachments for utility tractors is provided and, particularly, a hydraulically-operated front end loader attachments for skid loaders is provided. The multi-purpose attachment allows an operator to remain in the tractor cab while grasping, pulling, and/or lifting bulky objects that would normally require the operator to step away from the cab or request the assistance of one or more persons. Such objects may include planted trees, bushes, or posts that require removal from the soil and transportation for disposal. The attachment includes a fixed jaw and a pivoting jaw, where the fixed jaw is positioned relative to the frame of the attachment such that there is a larger area between the jaws to surround and grasp an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Curtis Hull
  • Patent number: 9470016
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lock and a key for the same, and multiple modular lock core units are mounted in the lock. Multiple lock bead units having specific standard are mounted in each lock core unit. Each lock bead unit is detachable and is able to rearrange the permutations of the lock bead units. The key includes a handle, a core bar and multiple unlocking blocks. The core bar is connected with the handle. The unlocking blocks are detachable, are mounted around the core bar and have multiple lock teeth sequentially formed around the inner peripheries of the unlocking blocks. A user can adjust the permutations of the key teeth of the key to unlock the lock that has different permutations of the lock bead units, also can change the permutations of the lock core units to get the same effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: BLOFTOWN CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hung-Lin Liao
  • Patent number: 9470017
    Abstract: An intelligent door lock system has a position sensing device configured to be coupled to a drive shaft of a lock device. The position sensing device senses position of the drive shaft to assist in locking and unlocking a lock of a lock device. An engine with a memory is coupled to the positioning sensing device and to a circuit. A faceplate and a ring, in at least a partial surrounding relationship to the faceplate, are provided. The faceplate and the ring define a cavity where at least a portion of a lock of the lock device resides. At least one of the ring and the faceplate is electrically isolated from the circuit. An energy source is coupled to the circuit. A device converts energy into mechanical energy is coupled to the circuit, positioning sensing device and the drive shaft. The device that converts energy is coupled to the energy source to receive energy from the energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: August Home, Inc.
    Inventors: Shih Yu Thomas Cheng, Jason Johnson, Christopher Kim, Joseph Aranda
  • Patent number: 9470018
    Abstract: An intelligent door lock system includes a position sensing device configured to be coupled to a drive shaft of a lock device. The position sensing device senses position of the drive shaft to assist in locking and unlocking a lock of a lock device. An engine with a memory is coupled to the positioning sensing device. The engine in operation processes information regarding an amount of friction experienced by a door or lock device when being opened and/or closed. A circuit is coupled to the engine and an energy source. A device converts energy into mechanical energy is coupled to the circuit, positioning sensing device and the drive shaft. The device that converts energy is coupled to the energy source to receive energy from the energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: August Home, Inc.
    Inventors: Shih Yu Thomas Cheng, Jason Johnson, Christopher Kim, Joseph Aranda
  • Patent number: 9470019
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for a heavy duty lock designed for manual gates which is designed to be tamper proof, for universal mounting, for left and right hand applications and for use on swing gates and slide gates. The lock has a housing having a lock release mechanism having a release arm thereon which is suitable for use with a key which release arm manually contacts and slides a latch release slide upwardly and downwardly which then contacts a removable latch plate which in an open position allows the latch bar to be removed from the latch bar guide and cover so that the gate can be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Roger Davis
  • Patent number: 9470020
    Abstract: A cover opening/closing device includes an engage mechanism and a lock mechanism. The engage mechanism is provided in an apparatus body. The lock mechanism is provided in a cover. The lock member includes a button, a lock member, and an interlocking mechanism. The button is provided to be able to move linearly. The lock member is provided to be able to move linearly between a lock position and an unlock position. The interlocking mechanism interlocks a movement of the button with a movement of the lock member. The interlocking mechanism includes a return member, an oblique groove, and a projection part. The return member returns the button to an initial position. The projection part fits movably along the oblique groove. The oblique groove guides a relative movement of the projection part so as to interlock an operation of the button with a movement of the lock member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Daisuke Eto
  • Patent number: 9470021
    Abstract: A twistable security cable including a cable and a coupling device. The cable includes a central core, two or more wire groups positioned about the central core, and an outer coating. The central core is structured to retain a shape to which it is deformed, and each of the wire groups includes two or more braided or twisted wires. The coupling mechanism is structured to selectively retain first and second ends of the cable in close proximity to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Hugh Kindstrand, Donald H. Warren
  • Patent number: 9470022
    Abstract: Vehicles, vehicle doors, and door handle systems are provided. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a vehicle door, a fixed door handle, and at least one pressure switch. The vehicle door has an outer door panel with an outer side facing an outside of the vehicle door and an interior side facing an interior of the vehicle door. The fixed door handle is at least partially disposed to the outside of the vehicle door. The at least one pressure switch is disposed in the interior of the vehicle door and is coupled with the fixed door handle such that an actuation force on the fixed door handle is at least partially transmitted to an actuation pressure on the at least one pressure switch. The at least one pressure switch indicates the actuation pressure for generating a vehicle command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Lange, David T. Proefke
  • Patent number: 9470023
    Abstract: A diagonal draw bar having a micro ventilation function includes a first lever, a second lever, a retaining lever, a spring, a latching member, and an actuating lever. The first lever defines a first rivet hole, a second rivet hole, and provides a positioning hook. The second lever defines a third rivet hole and connects with the first lever. The retaining lever defines a fourth rivet hole and connects with the retaining lever, the retaining lever defines a through hole. The spring is latched within the through hole. The latching member extends through the spring. The actuating lever is provided with a projection for pushing the latching member upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: GUANGDONG KIN LONG HARDWARE PRODUCTS CO., LTD
    Inventor: Baokun Bai
  • Patent number: 9470024
    Abstract: Closure assemblies for movable partitions may include a leading end assembly having a first side and a second side and a latching assembly coupled thereto. The latching assembly may include a first latching member having a portion thereof positioned proximate to the first side and a second latching member having a portion thereof positioned proximate to the second side. Movable partition systems may include a plurality of hingedly coupled panels movably coupled to a track, and a leading end assembly coupled to at least one panel of the plurality of hingedly coupled panels. The leading end assembly may include at least two latching features positioned on the leading end assembly. Methods of securing a movable partition may include retaining a first latching member and a second latching member in a retracted position and extending the first latching member and the second latching member to an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: Tracy M. Knight, Michael D. George, W. Michael Coleman, John G. Garrett, III
  • Patent number: 9470025
    Abstract: A snap assembly may include a cantilever snap and a retention body. The cantilever snap may include an orifice in a surface of a first component. The orifice may be defined between sidewalls. The cantilever snap may further comprise a cantilevered-slant protrusion extending between the sidewalls and out of the orifice at an angle relative to the surface. The retention body may be attached to a second component and configured to be inserted into the orifice from a side of the first component that is opposite of a side of the first component away from which the cantilevered-slant protrusion extends to secure the retention body to the cantilever snap. The retention body may include a retaining extension comprising a holding assembly. The holding assembly may comprise a plurality of teeth that are arrayed to form a series of step-like protrusions that step away from a contact face of the retention body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventors: Eric Canonge, John Southwell
  • Patent number: 9470026
    Abstract: Disclosed is a long arm quick release hinge comprised of a hinge cup pivotally connected to a hinge body with a hinge pin via a hinge arm and a link in a four-bar linkage arrangement. The link is a collection of plates with interlocking projections and indentions arranged adjacent to each other and separated by resilient shock absorbing spacers. The hinge body is adjustably connected to a connecting plate with an overlay screw and an adjustment screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: HARDWARE RESOURCES, INC.
    Inventors: Grant Nuckolls, Travis McElveen
  • Patent number: 9470027
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus is housed within a housing. A cover covers an opening in the housing. Connecting members connect the cover and the housing. A shaft supporting section of each connecting member supports a shaft. A first extending section extends from a bearing in a direction orthogonal to the shaft. The first extending section and the bearing are rotatable with respect to the shaft supporting section. A stopper is not adjacent to the first extending section in the shaft direction when the first extending section is within a first angle range with respect to the shaft supporting section. The stopper is disposed at a position of sandwiching, with the shaft supporting section, the extending section in the shaft direction by being adjacent to the first extending section in the shaft direction, when the first extending section is within a second angle range with respect to the shaft supporting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Minoru Ikemoto
  • Patent number: 9470028
    Abstract: A sliding door assembly for incorporation within a wall, the assembly comprising a sliding door panel, a top rail guide and a bottom rail guide operatively associated with respective top and bottom ends of the sliding door panel to guide the same within a pair of cooperating guide tracks provided within each of the top rail guides and bottom rail guides, the top and bottom rails guides are not vertically interconnected whereby the pairs of cooperating guide tracks extend in a separate plane from that of the wall so that when the sliding door panel is fully opened it is disposed behind the wall. The invention includes a guide track that is bifurcated to provide multiple sliding door panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Gregory A. Header
  • Patent number: 9470029
    Abstract: A casement window includes a lower hinge that has an oil-impregnated roller to facilitate easy opening and closing of the window, particularly with larger, heavier casement windows. In some instances, the lower hinge includes a housing having a roller portion and a guide portion. A roller can be disposed within the roller portion and a guide can be snap fitted into the guide portion. In some cases, a removable shipping spacer fits under the lower hinge and helps to support the weight of the sash during transport and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Pella Corporation
    Inventors: Jaden Vos, Evan Vande Haar, Andrew P. Schirz
  • Patent number: 9470030
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for aligning a cover with an opening in a housing. The apparatus includes at least one hinge member securable to a housing and moveable between open and closed positions about a hinge axis, at least one attachment member for mounting a cover member to the moveable hinge member, and at least one alignment member for guiding the cover member into an aligned position when the cover member is moved with the hinge member towards the closed position, wherein the attachment member is adapted to allow the cover member to move in a perpendicular direction relative to the hinge axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: NCR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ian M Denny
  • Patent number: 9470031
    Abstract: An opening/closing body control device for a vehicle includes: a drive section for driving an opening/closing body; a controller for controlling the drive section; a handle unit that is operable by an manipulation input in an opening direction and is operable by an manipulation input in a closing direction; a manipulation input detector for detecting the manipulation input for the handle unit and the direction of the manipulation input; and an operation position detector for detecting the operation position of the opening/closing body. When the opening/closing body is in a fully open position, the controller executes closing operation control in order to bring the opening/closing body into closing operation in both a case where the manipulation input in the closing direction is detected and a case where the manipulation input in the opening direction is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeshi Nishikibe, Toshihiko Ishida, Tsuyoshi Kamiya
  • Patent number: 9470032
    Abstract: A door stop device is described, having a first magnet connected to a door and a second magnet connected to a floor. The first magnet can be mounted on a movable arm so as to allow the first magnet to move upwards and downwards. The arm can be bias in an upward position via a spring or a third magnet so as to be maintained in an upward position when the first and second magnets are not aligned, but moves downward when the first and second magnets are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: DOORDOTS, LLC
    Inventor: Arthur Swanberg
  • Patent number: 9470033
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a computer in a vehicle, and the computer includes a processor and a memory. The computer is configured to determine that a user is located within an operating region for an access component of the vehicle, collect image data of an object in a gesture path for the access component, compare the object image data to activating gesture parameters, and operate the access component when the comparison identifies an activating gesture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Patent number: 9470034
    Abstract: A hatch control system for a vehicle includes a camera disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle and having a rearward field of view that encompasses a region at the rear of the vehicle that is swept by a hatch or liftgate or deck lid or door of the vehicle as the hatch is opened and closed, such as via a powered hatch opening/closing system. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the camera to determine if an object is present in the region that is swept by the hatch to determine if the hatch may collide with the detected object when the hatch is being opened/closed. Responsive to determination of a potential collision of the hatch with a detected object, the vehicle hatch control system may stop movement of the hatch and/or may move the hatch to a holding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Joern Ihlenburg, Michael Schaffner
  • Patent number: 9470035
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for mounting to the side of a safe enclosure housing of a Self-Service Terminal (SST), such as an Automated Teller Machine (ATM). The apparatus comprising a plurality of sheet portions arranged to define an outer housing, and a plurality of elongate reinforcement portions connected together to form at least one closed reinforcement assembly provided inside the outer housing for supporting the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: NCR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ian M Denny
  • Patent number: 9470036
    Abstract: An installation assembly includes an installation member for use along a rough opening frame. The installation member includes a locking ridge. A fenestration interface is provided for use along a fenestration unit. The fenestration interface includes a fenestration anchor near the first end. The fenestration interface is movable within the rough opening frame from an unlocked configuration to a locked installed configuration. In the unlocked configuration the fenestration anchor slides over the locking ridge as the fenestration unit with the fenestration interface is seated within the rough opening frame. In the locked installed configuration the fenestration anchor slides off the locking ridge and the locking ridge is in an intercepting position relative to the fenestration anchor to fix the fenestration interface and the fenestration unit within the rough opening frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Marvin Lumber and Cedar Company
    Inventors: Peter Hodgson, Chris Ylitalo
  • Patent number: 9470037
    Abstract: A thermal break system, comprising an inside steel panel having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a C-shaped section extending about a periphery thereof with a portion of the C-shaped section extending in part parallel to the inner surface of the inside steel panel; an outside steel panel having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a C-shaped section extending about a periphery thereof with a portion of the C-shaped section extending in part parallel to the inner surface of the outside steel panel; and an insulating material interposed between respective C-shaped sections of the inside steel panel and the outside steel panel to thermally isolate the inside steel panel and the outside steel panel from each other, and said inside steel panel and outside steel panel being secured together at respective C-shaped sections to form the thermal break system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Donatello Doors Inc.
    Inventor: Robin Haynes
  • Patent number: 9470038
    Abstract: The invention relates to a windbreak system formed by: a set of independent panels that can be controlled individually, by moving the same longitudinally along an upper rail and a lower rail: and a folding door at one of the ends. Each panel and door comprises a rotation shaft and a folding shaft. The panels are moved manually, without bearing on rollers, and the entire weight of the panels rest on two strips of self-lubricating polymers that are inserted into two slots in the lower rail. The upper and lower rails are identical and have a rectangular cross-section and the panels are made from glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: ALLGLASS CONFORT SYSTEMS S.L.
    Inventors: Francisco Ona-Gonzalez, Jorge Luis Perez-Falcon
  • Patent number: 9470039
    Abstract: A framed architectural mesh panel system including a mesh panel; a frame assembly; and a tensioning system; wherein the tensioning system is integrated within the frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Cambridge International, Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9470040
    Abstract: An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a window covering actuation mechanism and a gearbox assembly configured to electromechanically operate the window covering actuation mechanism. A pull cord is configured to receive “cord gestures” from a user. These “cord gestures” may include one or more of pull sequences, pull durations, numbers of pulls, durations between pulls, and strength of pulls. In certain embodiments, “cord gestures” may also be defined by pull direction. A controller receives the cord gestures and translates the cord gestures into commands for controlling the gearbox assembly. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: David R. Hall
  • Patent number: 9470041
    Abstract: A rail and post assembly that allows for onsite fence and gate panel construction. A shear block is affixed to each end of a rail. The shear block and rail are then fed through an opening in a post. Fasteners then secure the shear block to the post, which thereby provides a rail and post assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Gary W. Ash
  • Patent number: 9470042
    Abstract: A drilling assembly positionable in a well bore includes a turbine motor couplable to a drill string and a harmonic drive transmission coupled to the turbine motor. The harmonic drive transmission includes a circular spline, a wave generator, a flexspline, and a sealing subsystem. The sealing subsystem defines a substantially sealed volume containing the circular spline, wave generator, and flexspline, and isolates the circular spline, wave generator, and flexspline from drilling fluid exiting the turbine motor and flowing through the harmonic drive transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: John Kenneth Snyder, Richard Thomas Hay
  • Patent number: 9470043
    Abstract: An insert for a drill bit may include a metallic carbide body; an outer layer of polycrystalline diamond material on the outermost end of the insert, the polycrystalline diamond material comprising a plurality of interconnected first diamond grains and a first binder material in interstitial regions between the interconnected first diamond grains; and at least one transition layer between the metallic carbide body and the outer layer, the at least one transition layer comprising a composite of second diamond grains, first metal carbide particles, and a second binder material, wherein the first metal carbide particles form a matrix in which the second diamond grains are dispersed, wherein the first metal carbide particles are present in the at least one transition layer in an amount ranging from about 15 to 50 volume percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Nephi M. Mourik, Peter T. Cariveau, Frederico Bellin, Yi Fang
  • Patent number: 9470044
    Abstract: A process for treating a pin having an external threaded portion and a box having an internal threaded portion wherein the process provides a threadable joint having a high galling resistance. One embodiment of the present invention includes applying a lubricant on the threaded portion of at least one of the pin and box. The threadable joint is made up by threadably engaging the threaded portions of the pin and box to a recommended torque according to the American Petroleum Institute and then breaking out the threaded joint. The making up and breaking out step with lubricant applied on the threaded portion of at least one of the pin and box is performed a plurality of times. One of the threaded portions of the pin and box is then case hardened. The threadable joint made from this process is highly resistant to galling without the requirement of any lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Pegasis S.r.l.
    Inventors: Alberto Alaria, Angelo Canavera
  • Patent number: 9470045
    Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus wherein a rotating and reciprocating swivel can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections with the mandrel of the swivel being comprised of double box end joints and using double pin end subs to connect a plurality of such mandrel joints together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet, Terry P. Robichaux
  • Patent number: 9470046
    Abstract: A casing pipe assembly can include a first casing pipe having a top coupling member and a pipe curvature, where the top coupling member has first threads in a first direction, and where the pipe curvature substantially corresponds to a wellbore curvature. The casing pipe assembly can also include a second casing pipe having a bottom coupling member and substantially the same pipe curvature, where the bottom coupling member has second threads in a second direction. The casing pipe assembly can further include a coupling device having a bottom coupling member and a top coupling member, where the bottom coupling member has third threads in the first direction that threadably couple to the first threads of the first casing pipe, and where the top coupling member has fourth threads in the second direction that threadably couple to the second threads of the second casing pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventor: George Taylor Armistead
  • Patent number: 9470047
    Abstract: A centralizer includes a body having a bore with an axis, the bore being configured to receive a tubular to be centralized, the body having at least one resilient device configured to extend radially from the axis of the bore, wherein the body has at least one collar member extending radially inwards from the centralizer body adjacent to an end of the body. The collars are fixed co-axially in the bore to be resistant to axial movement of the collar member, and can be retained in the body by radially extending a lip formed by forcing material radially inwards into the bore to retain the collar. The body is adapted to receive within the bore an anchoring device for connection to the tubular. The anchoring device is configured to engage the collar member within the bore so that relative movement of the centralizer and the tubular is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Downhole Products Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Kirk, Ian Kirk
  • Patent number: 9470048
    Abstract: A bidirectional stabilizer which reduces impact damage while rotating into and out of a wellbore. The bidirectional stabilizer can be coupled on a first end to a drill string and on a second end to a drill bit. The bidirectional stabilizer can have an annulus configured for maximum wellbore fluid flow. A cutting portion can be formed on a shaft with a plurality of helical blades between the first shaft end and the second shaft end. The plurality of helical blades of the cutting portion can be on a first plane and a plurality of cutting nodes can be on a second plane for smoothing a wellbore. The plurality of cutting nodes can have at least one impact arrestor mounted directly adjacent each cutting node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: ALASKAN ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
    Inventors: Lee Morgan Smith, Betty A. Eastup-Smith
  • Patent number: 9470049
    Abstract: A cylinder accumulator system is disclosed. The system includes a cylinder comprising a cylinder rod, a cylinder barrel coaxial to the cylinder rod, a cylinder end cap coupled to the cylinder barrel and the cylinder rod, and a cylinder piston assembly disposed within the cylinder barrel. The cylinder piston assembly further includes a dynamic sealing arrangement, which comprises one or more dynamic seals. The system further includes a first annular volume coaxial to the cylinder rod and the cylinder barrel, and a second volume disposed within the cylinder piston assembly. The system also includes a piston disposed within a bore of the second volume and between a hydraulic fluid located on a first side of the piston and a gas media located on a second side of the piston. The system also includes an external high-pressure accumulator, a low-pressure accumulator, and one or more tube manifolds coupling the external high-pressure accumulator and low-pressure accumulator to the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: Fife B. Ellis, Steven Hafernik
  • Patent number: 9470050
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a catwalk system. The catwalk system includes a base unit and a carriage disposed on the base unit and coupled to the base unit at one end and extends towards an opposite end of the base unit. The carriage is movable between a horizontal position and a sloped position, and between an extended position and a retracted position. The catwalk system further includes a racking system coupled to one or both sides of the base unit. The racking system includes a plurality of racking layers configured to store and support a plurality of rods and/or tubulars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: KEY ENERGY SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Derrek Yorga, Derrick Jackson, Paul Knapp, Dave Richard, Minhao Yin, Harold James Miller
  • Patent number: 9470051
    Abstract: Fiber laden fluids may be used to separate two wellbore-service fluids as they travel through a tubular body, preventing their commingling. Such fluids obviate the need for mechanical devices such as wiper plugs, or special adjustment of the wellbore-service fluids' rheological properties. The wellbore-service fluids may be drilling fluids, spacer fluids, chemical washes, cement slurries, acidizing fluids, fracturing fluids, formation-consolidation fluids or gravel-pack fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gerard Daccord
  • Patent number: 9470052
    Abstract: A method of assessing hole cleaning effectiveness of drilling comprises a) determining a mass of cuttings removed from a well wherein determining the mass of cuttings removed from a well comprises: i) measuring a total mass of fluid entering a well; ii) measuring a total mass of fluid exiting the well; and iii) determining a difference between the total mass of fluid exiting the well and total mass of fluid entering the well; b) determining a mass of rock excavated in the well; and c) determining a mass of cuttings remaining in the well wherein determining the mass of cuttings remaining in the well comprises: determining a difference between the determined mass of rock excavated in the well and the determined mass of cuttings removed from the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: David Alston Edbury, Jose Victor Guerrero, Duncan Charles MacDonald, James Bryon Rogers, Donald Ray Sitton, Jason Norman
  • Patent number: 9470053
    Abstract: A method to be used when performing drilling in a well bore and a device for performing the method are disclosed. The method includes positioning in the well bore a drill string comprising at least two pipe conduits, an upper end, and a lower end comprising a drilling tool, thereby forming an outer annulus between the well bore wall and the drill string. A well bore section comprising at least one u-shaped section is drilled. A first fluid with a first density is fed into the outer annulus above the u-shaped section, and a second fluid with a second density is provided within the drill string and around the tool, where the first density is larger than the second density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: REELWELL AS
    Inventor: Ola Michael Vestavik
  • Patent number: 9470054
    Abstract: A petroleum well intervention winch system includes a high pressure confining housing for a drum for a rope to a tool string. The pressure confining housing has a connector with an aperture for the rope to a top of a tool string gate chamber on vertical bore BOP valves on a wellhead on the petroleum well. The rope runs through the aperture via a capstan to the drum. The capstan is driven by a first motor through a first high pressure proof magnetic coupling across a wall of the housing. The drum is driven by a second motor through a second high pressure proof magnetic coupling across the wall of the housing. The capstan is subject to a load tension from the rope and is provided with a hold tension on the rope from the drum. The second motor exerts a constant hold tension on the rope via the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: CAPWELL AS
    Inventors: Morten Talgø, John Helvik
  • Patent number: 9470055
    Abstract: A technique employs the use of oscillations downhole to facilitate a desired functionality of a downhole tool. According to this technique, a tool is initially conveyed downhole and operated to perform a function that relates to a downhole application. The operational efficiency of the tool is improved by creating oscillating forces which vibrate the tool to achieve a desired result, e.g. freeing the tool from a stuck position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Harrigan, Jahir Pabon, K. N. Satish Kumar, Sashank Vasireddy, Murat Ocalan, Shunfeng Zheng
  • Patent number: 9470056
    Abstract: A fibre composite rod fishing tool includes a ring base with an axis and provided with peripherally arranged, axially extending radially resilient arms with slips with a common axial bore being tapered-off towards a rod receiving aperture opposite of said ring base, said common axial bore provided with teeth of common radial cutting depth, said teeth's engaging edge having the tapering off of the common axial bore, so as for the outer set of teeth's engaging edge to be most blunt, and each consecutive set of teeth's engaging edge extending higher and being sharper inwards toward the common axis, as counted in the direction away from said rod receiving aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: C6 TECHNOLOGIES AS
    Inventor: Kenny Armstrong
  • Patent number: 9470057
    Abstract: A gate valve assembly (100) for use in subsea workover systems is disclosed. In an embodiment, the gate valve assembly (100) includes a valve block (102). The valve block (102) includes a cutting gate (204) disposed in a valve cavity (206) such that the cutting gate (204) can engage in a reciprocating motion in the valve cavity (206) between an “open” position and a “closed” position. The reciprocating motion of the cutting gate (204) results in a cutting operation of a tubing conveyed string passing through the gate valve assembly (100). The gate valve assembly (100) further includes a slug pit (202) formed in the valve block (102) alongside the valve cavity (206). The slug pit (202) defines an opening which can contain one or more cuttings from tubing conveyed springs resulting from the cutting operation. The reciprocating motion of the cutting gate (204) transports one or more cuttings of the tubing conveyed string to the slug pit (202).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: AKER SUBSEA
    Inventors: Jan Herland, Lars Lundheim