Patents Issued in May 2, 2017
  • Patent number: 9637942
    Abstract: Costly devices are supported atop telescopically extensible masts of theft resistant mounts well suited to be positioned at temporary, often unattended, outdoor locations. An upper component of each mast carries a torque-disconnect coupler that has two relatively turnable elements, including one fixed to the mast, and another that defines a threaded formation extending along an upstanding axis about which the elements are relatively turnable. A costly device can be tightened to the threaded formation, or can be loosened and removed therefrom—but only when an elongate key-like tool is inserted into aligned passages of the two elements to prevent turning of the threaded formation so a costly device tightened onto the formation can be threaded off of the formation. A shroud cloaks the torque-disconnect coupler and has an opening through which the tool must pass to reach the aligned passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Franklin B. White
  • Patent number: 9637943
    Abstract: A compressible stand for an awning support includes a base plate, a cover, guide posts extending upwardly from the base plate and downwardly from the cover, and a support plate configured with apertures receiving the guide posts in sliding engagement. The support plate supports a leg of the awning support. A biasing member tends to maintain the support plate and leg in a predetermined relationship with respect to the base plate under a normal load. When an additional load is placed on the support plate, the biasing member is compressed, and the support plate and leg are lowered. When the additional load is removed, the biasing member is decompressed, and the support plate and leg may return to their original positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Fiwek, Jeffrey K. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 9637944
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for assembling concrete towers with a decreasing sector for wind turbines which comprises a phase of pre-assembly of concrete tower sections which allows to reduce the space required during the stage of pre-assembly of the different tower section prior to lifting and the civil work associated to set said space up wherein, during the pre-assembly phase, a first annular section is confined at least partially within the inner space defined by a second annular section, the invention also relating to the wind turbine associated to said method of assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Acciona Windpower, S.A.
    Inventors: Teresa Arlaban Gabeiras, Ivan Garcia Maestre, Inigo Rubio Guillen, Jose Luis Aristegui Lantero, Javier Ciaurriz Martin, Jose Miguel Garcia Sayes, Miguel Nunez Polo
  • Patent number: 9637945
    Abstract: A tethermast and frag wall includes a fabric device having a fill volume fillable with a fill material on a flexible or compliant mast system. The fill volume may be a chambered curtain. The tethermast and frag wall is self supporting, easily deployed, and may be used in connection with a structure or may be deployed stand-alone. A tether system for an air beam structure utilizing a flexible tethermast, an external frag wall or frag curtain, soft couplings, air beam slings, or combinations thereof to reduce the effects of pressure waves, such as blast waves, onto and into an air beam structure and any inhabitants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Dynamic Shelters Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Warner, David Ritzel
  • Patent number: 9637946
    Abstract: A tethermast and frag wall includes a fabric device having a fill volume fillable with a fill material on a flexible or compliant mast system. The fill volume may be a chambered curtain. The tethermast and frag wall is self supporting, easily deployed, and may be used in connection with a structure or may be deployed stand-alone. A tether system for an air beam structure utilizing a flexible tethermast, an external frag wall or frag curtain, soft couplings, air beam slings, or combinations thereof to reduce the effects of pressure waves, such as blast waves, onto and into an air beam structure and any inhabitants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Dynamic Shelters Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Warner, David Ritzel
  • Patent number: 9637947
    Abstract: Erectable shelter frame structures including a plurality of rib assemblies. Preferably, each rib assembly has a receptacle for receiving a respective end of a purlin arrangement, the other end of which is attached to a receptacle of a subsequent rib assembly. The joints include toggle clamps that assist in facilitating the ease by which the shelter structure can be assembled or disassembled. Methods of construction and disassembly of the shelter frame structure are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: ShelterLogic Corp.
    Inventors: George LeMoine, Joseph Crute
  • Patent number: 9637948
    Abstract: Disclosed is a ram assembly for use on the top of a tent where tops of supporting rods of the tent are connected to a top connecting seat. The ram assembly includes at least one ram connected to the top connecting seat and located between two adjacent supporting rods. The ram assembly supports an eave tarpaulin and allows the eave tarpaulin to unfold. The eave tarpaulin is located on the top of the tent and between at least the two adjacent supporting rods. An outer edge of the cave tarpaulin sleeves on the ram. The ram assembly is an elastic telescopic rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwanjun Choi
  • Patent number: 9637949
    Abstract: A door handle arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a handle support, a handle, a coupling device, a locking device and a retaining element. When an accelerating force is applied in a first direction, as a result of a motor vehicle accident, the retaining element moves from a basic position in which it is possible to actuate the handle into a direction of blockage in which an actuation of the locking system by the handle and/or the coupling device is blocked. The locking device reliably and securely blocks the handle or the coupling device in the event of a collision. This is achieved in that the retaining element is designed to move from the basic position into the particular direction of blockage when an accelerating force resulting from a motor vehicle accident is applied in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Niegeloh, Markus Bartels
  • Patent number: 9637950
    Abstract: Locks for use with pest-control devices such as bait stations or other loadable devices, kits that include a lock and key, and pest control devices that include a lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: VM PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Larry Covington
  • Patent number: 9637951
    Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (1000) for operating a Security Tag (“ST”). The methods involve rotating a Rotational Clip (“RC”) of ST (132) towards a Housing Base (“HB”) of ST until RC (406) contacts a latch (610) disposed within HB (404), where an article resides between a first pad (602) fixedly coupled to RC and a second pad (604) movably coupled to HB. An angled surface (626) of RC slides against an angled surface (624) of the latch so as to cause compression of a cap spring (614) and a latch spring (612). The cap spring is disposed in HB such that a center axis (818) thereof is perpendicular to a center axis (816) of the latch spring. When the latch becomes aligned with an aperture (628) formed in the rotational clip, the latch travels into the aperture as result from a pushing force applied thereto by the latch spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbH
    Inventor: Danhui Luo
  • Patent number: 9637952
    Abstract: The invention is directed to lock for a vehicle door arrangement, wherein a catch and a pawl are provided. The catch can be brought into an opening position and into a closed position, wherein the catch, which is in the closed position, is or may be brought into holding engagement with a lock striker. The pawl may be brought into an engagement position. A pawl actuation lever is provided for deflecting the pawl into the release position. A switchable coupling arrangement comprises a first coupling lever on the side of the pawl actuation lever, a second coupling lever on the side of the pawl and a moveable coupling element that may be moved into a closing position for a coupling engagement with the two coupling levers and into an opening position for decoupling the two coupling levers. The coupling element is arranged on one of the two coupling levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Brose Schliesssysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Wittelsbuerger, David Rosales
  • Patent number: 9637953
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuation device for a motor vehicle door lock (1), comprising a handle (7), and a locking lever (10) which renders the handle (7) inactive when accelerating forces of a predetermined magnitude occur, for example, in the event of an accident. In the normal operation, the locking lever (10) is displaced when impinged upon by the handle (7) and the handle (7) is simply rendered inactive in the locked operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thorsten Bendel, Claus Toepfer
  • Patent number: 9637954
    Abstract: A door opening prevention mechanism includes a lever member rotatable relative to a base member and swingable in a vehicle inside-and-outside direction, and an urging member to bias the lever member toward a set position. The lever member is held in the set position when an outer handle is located in a door closing position when a given inertial force does not act in a vehicle outside direction during a vehicle collision, and swings in the vehicle outside direction from the set position to be moved to a locked position against an urging force of the urging member when the inertial force acts. When the lever member is in the set position, movement of a connection lever in a door opening direction is allowed. When the lever member is located in the locked position, movement of the connection lever in the door opening direction is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koichi Nagata, Nobukazu Araki
  • Patent number: 9637955
    Abstract: A liftgate/decklid assembly for a motor vehicle includes a liftgate panel hingedly connected to the vehicle to define a liftgate swing arc. A decklid panel is hingedly connected to the liftgate panel to define a decklid swing arc. The decklid and liftgate panels are not aligned, causing the decklid swing arc to be different from the liftgate swing arc. The assembly further includes a liftgate/decklid assembly closure mechanism including an articulating latch member configured for translating as needed between an orientation normal to the liftgate swing arc and an orientation normal to the decklid swing arc prior to engaging a fixed angle striker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Elia, Donald P. Iacovoni, Paul L. Heirtzler, Jr., Henry W. Hausler, John Patrick Doyle, II
  • Patent number: 9637956
    Abstract: A door handle assembly for a motor vehicle includes an operating handle, a coupling device, and a locking device which is moveably retained on a handle mounting. An acceleration force can move the assembly from a resting position in which an actuation of the operating handle is possible, in a first blocking direction in which an actuation of the assembly by the operating handle and/or the coupling device is blocked. The locking device can move from the resting position in a second blocking direction when acted on by an acceleration force, in which an actuation of the assembly via the operating handle and/or the coupling device is blocked, wherein the second blocking direction is in the opposite direction from the first blocking direction. Movement of the assembly is blocked by the operating handle, or the coupling device, even with alternating acceleration forces resulting from a crash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Niegeloh, Markus Bartels
  • Patent number: 9637957
    Abstract: A remote lock assembly includes a housing and a bolt adapted for sliding linear movement within the housing between an extended position and a retracted position. A latch disposed within the housing is adapted to releasably hold the bolt in the retracted position. A trigger disengages the latch from the bolt when contacting the latch. The trigger is biased into a position extending out from the housing. A spring biases the bolt into the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Amesbury Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Hagemeyer, Dan Raap, Gary E. Tagtow
  • Patent number: 9637958
    Abstract: Device for unlocking a door, comprising at least one operating element; a bolt; a coupling which can be placed in the door and which is coupled between the bolt and the operating element, wherein the coupling comprises a pair of scissor arms mounted rotatably around a fixed shaft, and a pair of pivot arms, wherein each pivot arm is connected at a first end for pivoting around a first shaft to a scissor arm and connected at a second end for pivoting around a second shaft to a push part intended to engage against the bolt, such that a tilting of the operating element brings about a movement of the push part, and thus of the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Frans J. R. Vanderick
  • Patent number: 9637959
    Abstract: A gate is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis between opened and closed positions. A latch is provided to retain the gate in a doorway-closing position in a doorway formed in a door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W Marsden, Raul G Pereira
  • Patent number: 9637960
    Abstract: An entry securing apparatus for securing a door is provided that may comprise a rod secured to the door with one or more supports; a door block comprising a slot for receiving the rod and allowing the rod to pass through the door block, the door block moveable from a disengaged position to an engaged position, wherein the door block is in the engaged position when a portion of the door block is overlapping at least a portion of a door frame surrounding the door; and a fastener for securing the door block in the engaged position, whereby opening of the door is restricted by the door block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas C. Caruso
  • Patent number: 9637961
    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 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Gregory A Header
  • Patent number: 9637962
    Abstract: The invention relates to a windbreak system formed by a set of independent, folding panels that move longitudinally along an upper guide rail and another, lower guide rail and a non-movable folding door, in which each panel and the door include a rotating shaft and folding shaft. The panels are moved manually and do not have rollers, the entire weight of the panels resting on two strips of self-lubricating polymer inserted into slots in the lower rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: ALLGLASS CONFORT SYSTEMS S.L.
    Inventors: Francisco Ona Gonzalez, Jorge Luis Perez Falcon
  • Patent number: 9637963
    Abstract: A hinged connector device for hingedly connecting portable wall units together. The hinged connector device includes a first connector assembly including a first engagement member for engaging a first portable wall unit; and a second connector assembly including a second engagement member in pivotable communication with the first engagement member for engaging a second portable wall unit and for connecting the portable wall units together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Emily Patricia Heichel
  • Patent number: 9637964
    Abstract: A cupboard has an up-down louvered door. Wherein the door comprises a plurality of louvers, and a lift rack in which the louvers are configured. When people need to open the door, the lift rack lifts and folds up, causing the louvers to fold up, and thus the door is opened; and when people need to close the door, the lift rack descends and extends, causing the louvers to extend, and thus the door is closed. The door can open adequately so as to facilitate taking out/putting in articles. No more space is occupied while opening the door, and the door is safe when closing. A small driving force can open/close the door, and the cupboard features easy operation, long lifetime, low cost and good stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Cmech (Guangzhou) Ltd.
    Inventor: Ding Gou Kun
  • Patent number: 9637965
    Abstract: This solution will help to detect oncoming traffic and/or nearby external objects when the vehicle door is being opened, and it would automatically stop the vehicle door from opening further if there is a possibility of an accident involving the vehicle doors or its users. This solution will notify vehicle users using an indicator on the vehicle door and/or an existing notification systems in vehicle that vehicle door has been restricted from opening further due to potential of an accident. This invention also has an external alert mechanism, which would generate alert externally that vehicle door is about to be opened, and therefore, help to prevent accidents. This invention will also comprise of an artificial intelligence module within the proactive vehicle door system, where such module would constantly gather data, analyze and provide proactive suggestions or even take necessary actions in order to help prevent any vehicle door related accidents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Ankit Dilip Kothari
  • Patent number: 9637966
    Abstract: A cupboard has a body and an up-down louvered door. The door comprises a plurality of louvers, and a pair of lift racks to which the louvers are attached. The cupboard also includes a motor transmission apparatus, and two belts. When people need to open the door, the motor is actuated, whereby the lift racks lift and fold up, causing the louvers to fold up, and thus the door is opened. When people need to close the door, the motor is reversed, such that lift racks descend and extend, causing the louvers to extend, and thus the door is closed. The door can open adequately so as to facilitate taking out/putting in articles. No more space is occupied while opening the door, and the door is safe while closing. A small driving force can open/close the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Cmech (Guangzhou) Ltd.
    Inventor: Ding Gou Kun
  • Patent number: 9637967
    Abstract: An electrically powered vehicle tailgate operator for pivoting a tailgate of a pickup truck about a horizontal tailgate axis near a bottom edge of the tailgate. The vehicle tailgate operator comprises a cable spool for spooling a cable and a drive gear for transmitting torque from the drive shaft to the cable spool. The vehicle tailgate operator also has a retention system. The cable spool, the drive actuator, the drive shaft, the drive gear, and the retention system are arranged inside of a housing, wherein the spool axis is oriented in parallel to the drive shaft axis and the spool axis is arranged on the same height or above the drive shaft axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Robert J. Hunt, Kyle Schroeder
  • Patent number: 9637968
    Abstract: A center roller assembly for a vehicle slide door includes a support arm having a first end portion hingedly connected to the vehicle slide door and a second end portion. A roller unit includes a load roller rotatably connected to the second end portion by a load roller shaft and first and second guide rollers flanking the load roller and rotatably connected to the second end portion by first and second guide roller shafts. A first drive cable has a first attachment member secured to an end portion thereof and directly connected to the first guide roller shaft. A second drive cable has a second attachment member secured to an end portion thereof and directly connected to the second guide roller shaft. The first and second guide roller shafts are each configured to prevent disengagement of the first and second attachment members from the first and second guide roller shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: James P. Guitar, Steven R. Thiele
  • Patent number: 9637969
    Abstract: A rattle mitigation assembly for a window regulator installed in a vehicle door includes drive unit housing having a port with a mouth of a cylindrical cavity adapted to receive a connector of a sheathed cable; a profiled end face extending around the mouth; and a slot extending radially outward from the cylindrical cavity, along the cylindrical cavity and through the end face. The end face forms a radially sloped ramp profile configured to exert a radial bias on a compression spring surrounding the connector and abutting the end face. An optimal slope angle of the ramp for urging the spring in the radial direction lies in the range of 45° through 80° with respect to a plane extending radially relative to the cylindrical cavity. An optional wedge profile with an increasing elevation along a direction away from the radially sloped ramp profile may be arranged opposite the ramp profile to exert an axial bias on the compression spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Hi-Lex Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Wild, Kevin Koneval
  • Patent number: 9637970
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a double breakout sliding door system for use in retail and other buildings. The system includes left and right doors that are configured to slide open and closed and also breakout in two directions (outward and inward) when a force is exerted on the doors in order to, for example, allow customers and employees to exit a building in the event of a fire and to prevent damage to the doors in the event that a user pushes on them when they are closed. The system also includes a leveling system configured to keep the doors level when they breakout and a ball detent mechanism to alert the user to the proper position of the doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: LANDERT MOTOREN AG
    Inventors: Humberto Rendon, Jr., Jaime Alonzo Ramirez, David Samuel Woodring
  • Patent number: 9637971
    Abstract: A screenlet comprising a frame; a flexible flap secured on one edge thereof to the frame; and an arrangement for securing the frame over an aperture in a screen or window. In a specific embodiment, the flap is made of a flexible material (e.g. rubber) designed to cover the aperture when the screenlet is in use. The aperture allows for a power cord or hose to be passed through the screen when the screenlet is in an open position and for the screen to be secured against insects and other pests when the screenlet is in use or closed. Several arrangements are disclosed for securing the flap to the frame including fastener, hook and loop, magnetic and adhesive embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Bradford Keatts
  • Patent number: 9637972
    Abstract: A roll-up type industrial door including a flexible sheet or woven fabric forming a curtain for closing a door way having an upper end, a lower end and two opposite side edges. The sheet has a main area and elongate side edge sections that are thicker than the main area. A shoulder is formed where each side edge section meets the main area. A curtain winding mechanism is connected to the upper end of the curtain and is used to raise the curtain. A pair of spaced apart guide channels are also provided and the side edge sections are movable therein. Each guide has one or two elastic members which act as locking blades. The locking blades of each guide form an elongate slot that receives a side edge section of the curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems AB
    Inventors: Robert Miller, Michael D. Peters, John Whealon
  • Patent number: 9637973
    Abstract: The system includes a finial that is configured to be removed from a guide cable, while the guide cable is still connected on both ends. The hembar includes a finial on each end, wherein the first finial includes an external channel at an angle and the second finial includes an external channel with an opposite angle. The hembar is rotated in order to receive the guide cable into the external channel, then reverse rotated so the guide cable translates in an internal channel. The system eliminates or reduces the need for a guide cable to be threaded through an eyelet on the finial of the hembar. The system eliminates or reduces the need to detach a cable, prior to uninstalling the shade system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Glen Berman, Xi Ming Liarno, Eugene Miroshnichenko
  • Patent number: 9637974
    Abstract: A roller door system (100) particularly for opening and closing a doorway (120) defined in the wall of a lightweight structure (110) such as a marquee, hangar, field hospital, emergency shelter and the like. The door system comprises a rollable door (150) secured, in use, along one edge of the doorway (152); a roller (140) for rolling and unrolling the rollable door about the roller; an opening mechanism and a closing mechanism for controlling the deployment of the rollable door by translating the roller across the doorway; and reusable sealing means (135, 136, 155, 156) for sealing between the lateral margins of the rollable door and the doorway; characterized in that the rollable door comprises a plurality of collapsible hoses (165, 166) connected to a pressurized fluid power system (160, 161, 163) such that in use a positive pressure applied to the fluid power system causes the rollable door to unroll from the roller and controls the deployment of the rollable door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence
    Inventor: Duncan Godfrey Mervyn Thompson
  • Patent number: 9637975
    Abstract: An apparatus that provides a platform for selectively deployable worker access with fall protection to at least a portion of the top of a container disposed above the ground. The apparatus includes a gate and a ladder extension that selectively operates in an extended mode and a retracted mode with respect to the gate and with respect to an emergency egress ladder extending beneath the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Allan J. Melton
  • Patent number: 9637976
    Abstract: A directional drilling tool includes a housing defining a central cavity for enabling the transmission of drilling fluid through the drill string. A motor contained in the housing includes a rotor-stator assembly, and produces eccentric motion of the rotor. An inverter or shock absorbing assembly disposed along the housing upstream from the motor functions to expend and contract the central cavity in response to fluid pressure changes produced by the drilling fluid flow. A valve assembly, comprising a multi-port flow head that rotates under influence of the motor and a multi-port flow restrictor, creates a varying pattern of pressure spikes in the drilling fluid as the ports of the flow head move into and out of alignment with the ports of the flow restrictor, which in turn induces a percussive effect and axial movement in the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: TLL OILFIELD CONSULTING LTD.
    Inventors: Troy Lorenson, Dave Nicholson, Petr Macek
  • Patent number: 9637977
    Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, Patrick G. Maguire, Tuong Thanh Le, Albert C. Odell, II, David M. Haugen, Frederick T. Tilton, Brent J. Lirette, David J. Brunnert
  • Patent number: 9637978
    Abstract: Offshore system for delivering geotechnical tools to seafloor is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventor: George Leon Holloway
  • Patent number: 9637979
    Abstract: Rotary drag bits comprise a body comprising a face at a leading end of the body. An abrasive-impregnated cutting structure is located at the face of the body. The abrasive-impregnated cutting structure comprises abrasive particles dispersed within a matrix material. The abrasive-impregnated cutting structure exhibits an anisotropic wear resistance. The wear resistance varies at least substantially continuously within the abrasive-impregnated cutting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Van J. Brackin, Jeffrey B. Lund, Danny E. Scott, Marcus R. Skeem, Matthew R. Isbell
  • Patent number: 9637980
    Abstract: A drill bit having a shank and a crown. The crown defines a central axis and has at least one fixed segment. Each fixed segment has a cutting face and a plurality of surface features that are continuous with a distal surface of the cutting face. The plurality of surface features and a distal portion of the cutting face of each segment are integrally formed of a selected matrix material, and each surface feature consists solely of the selected matrix material. The matrix of the selected matrix material is configured to erode to expose abrasive particles within the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: LONGYEAR TM, INC.
    Inventors: Christian M. Lambert, Michael D. Rupp
  • Patent number: 9637981
    Abstract: Wellbore component life monitoring system. A life of a component in a wellbore can be monitored by periodically receiving a load value of a load while the load is being applied to a component in a wellbore. While the load is being applied to the component in the wellbore, a fatigue on the component caused by the load can be periodically determined based, at least in part, on the periodically received load value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Kennedy J. Kirkhope
  • Patent number: 9637982
    Abstract: A percussion drilling apparatus is arranged to affect at least one characteristic of a shock wave produced in a drill string. The apparatus includes an elongate energy transmission adaptor having a shock wave modification sleeve configured with a free end and an attachment end projecting radially from an outer surface of the adaptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: SANDVIK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AB
    Inventors: Tomas Sh Jansson, Andreas Rindeskar
  • Patent number: 9637983
    Abstract: A casing connection is provided having a first sub with a first circular radius face and a second circular radius face. A second sub is provided having a third circular radius face and a threaded profile on at least a portion of an outside surface of the second sub. An adjusting collar is further provided having a fourth circular radius face and a threaded profile on at least a portion of an inner surface of the adjusting collar. Sealing surfaces are formed at connections between the first circular radius face and the fourth circular radius face, the second circular radius face and the third circular radius face and the second sub threaded portion and the adjusting collar threaded portion. Bendability and rotatability of the casing connection is adjustable by tightening or loosening said threaded connection between said second sub and said adjustable collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Klimack Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Brian K. Klimack
  • Patent number: 9637984
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for installing control lines and pipe into a well. The pipe-holding spider that is normally mounted on the rig floor is adapted for easy disassembly and reassembly when the pipe slips within the spider are not engaged with the outer surface of the pipe string so that upon disassembly, a control line guide becomes vertically movable. The control line guide is adapted for being controllably elevated to a distance above the rig floor, thereby providing personnel access to a portion of the length of the pipe string below the elevated control line guide and above the rig floor for securing control line to the pipe string using a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Frank's International, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Michael Webre, Vernon Joseph Bouligny, Jr., Brian David Begnaud, Mark Stephen Sibille
  • Patent number: 9637985
    Abstract: Certain aspects are directed to a device designed to relieve compression in a length of pipe. The device provides a load ring that can absorb and isolate load until a shear sleeve is shifted and shear pins are sheared. A specific aspect provides a packer release compaction joint that has a shifting sleeve having a first internal shoulder configured to engage a shifting tool; a shear sleeve having a raised abutment; a load ring mounted on the shear sleeve, the load ring having an outer diameter and positioned forward of the first side of the raised abutment; a snap ring mounted around the outer diameter of the load ring. Action of a shifting tool against the first internal shoulder of the shifting sleeve causes the snap ring to move away from the load ring and move to the second side of the raised abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Keith Wayne Scott, Colby M. Ross
  • Patent number: 9637986
    Abstract: A temperature actuated element includes a mandrel, a housing coupled to the mandrel, the housing defining a fluid expansion chamber. A piston is positioned within the fluid expansion chamber. A thermally expanding fluid is positioned within the fluid expansion chamber. An end ring coupled to the piston slides along the mandrel in response to a sliding of the piston. A degradable ring is coupled to the mandrel to prevent movement of the end ring before the degradable ring is dissolved. A packer having a first end and a second end, the first end adapted to slide along the mandrel in response to a sliding of the end ring, and the second end fixedly coupled to the mandrel, so that a sliding of the first end of the packer toward the second end causes the packer element to decrease in length and increase in radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: TAM INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Ray Frisby, Arthur Loginov, Iain Greenan
  • Patent number: 9637987
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coring system and a determining method that can determine whether accurate coring was achieved. A coring system according to the present invention includes: a coring part with a core to be filled with an object to be cored; a driving unit controlling upward/downward movement of the coring part; a rope connecting the coring part with the driving unit; and a tensiometer measuring tension in the rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources
    Inventors: Moo Hee Kang, Gee Soo Kong, Kyong O Kim, Jin Ho Kim, Young Ho Yoon, Chang Sik Lee, Kyu Jung Kim
  • Patent number: 9637988
    Abstract: A housing for a downhole tool, having a fluid vent assembly comprising a port passing through the wall of the housing to transmit fluid through the port when the port is open, a sealing device to seal the port, and a cutting device to disrupt the sealing device and permit transmission of fluid through the port. The cutting device is driven axially through the sealing device without relative rotation between the two. The cutting device has an asymmetric blade to cut a coupon from the sealing device by a gradual and progressive disruption of the closure, typically cutting through only a portion the closure device, so that the coupon cut from the closure device remains attached to the closure device when the closure device is ruptured to open the seal. Typically the downhole tool comprises a downhole pump, and the housing comprises the shroud of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: RMSpumptools Limited
    Inventor: Stuart David Gordon
  • Patent number: 9637989
    Abstract: A downhole vibration tool for connection with a pipe string, including a housing, an unbalanced turbine assembly contained within the housing, an inlet for introducing a fluid into the unbalanced turbine assembly, and an outlet for discharging the fluid from the unbalanced turbine assembly. The unbalanced turbine assembly includes a sleeve and at least one annular turbine which is located in an annular bore defined between the housing and the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Gary James Bakken
  • Patent number: 9637990
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a propellant chamber, an expansion chamber, an exit chamber comprising a port providing fluid communication outside the apparatus, and a longitudinal acceleration chamber. The longitudinal acceleration chamber includes a first end in fluid communication with the propellant chamber, a second end in fluid communication with the expansion chamber, and a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end. An acceleration mass is slidably contained in the acceleration chamber. The acceleration chamber includes a propellant side between the propellant chamber and the acceleration mass, and a target side between the acceleration mass and the expansion chamber. A transfer piston is slidably positioned between the expansion chamber and the exit chamber. The transfer piston includes a first end projecting into the expansion chamber and aligned with the longitudinal axis of the acceleration chamber, and a second end projecting into the exit chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventors: Jim Taylor Hill, Wesley N. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 9637991
    Abstract: A method of running a bore-lining tubing string into a bore includes running a tubing string, typically a liner string, into a bore while agitating the string. The agitation may also take place while the tubing is being cemented in the bore. Pressure pulses may be applied to fluid in the bore, which fluid may be cement slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: NOV DOWNHOLE EURASIA LIMITED
    Inventors: Alan Martyn Eddison, Leslie Robertson, Richard Alexander Innes