Patents Issued in June 27, 2017
  • Patent number: 9689184
    Abstract: A door outside handle for a vehicle may include a handle lever configured to be mounted on a grip handle, a rotating lever configured to be rotatably connected with the handle lever via a lever shaft, and a rotating lever restriction part configured to be included in the handle lever and the rotating lever and release a restriction of the rotating lever to rotate the rotating lever when side crash accidents occur and restrict the rotation of the rotating lever when the side crash accidents do not occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Bo Ram Kang
  • Patent number: 9689185
    Abstract: A hinge assembly is disclosed that may include one or more leaves that can be connected to a panel. The hinge assembly may further include a barrel having a passage through which a pivot pin passes. A spacer is positioned in an opening between a first barrel section and a second barrel section. Bushings are disposed within the first and second barrel sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Caldwell Manufacturing Company North America, LLC
    Inventor: James McInnis
  • Patent number: 9689186
    Abstract: A hinge and an electronic device are provided according to the present application. The hinge includes a spindle, a spindle sleeve arranged with respect to the spindle, and a first material with a variable state arranged between the spindle and the spindle sleeve, and a torsion of the spindle is variable according to the variable state of the first material. The electronic device includes the hinge, a first body and a second body; and the first body and the second body are rotatably connected via the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Lenovo (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xiangtao Liu
  • Patent number: 9689187
    Abstract: A multiple direction railroad gate release mechanism which is attached between the mount arms of a railroad gate actuator and a crossing arm to prevent breakage of the crossing arm due to impingement in either a frontal or rearward direction by a vehicle or other outside force. A primary pivot arm assembly allows a released movement of the crossing arm in reaction to frontal impingement and returns the crossing arm to the original and detent position subsequent to an impingement in order to maintain grade crossing protection. Spring assemblies, a shock absorber and a spring centering assembly act to return the primary pivot arm assembly and attached crossing arm to a normal detent position. A secondary pivot arm assembly is secured to the primary pivot arm assembly whereby the secondary pivot arm assembly can act independently of the primary pivot arm assembly to allow released movement and return of the crossing arm in reaction to rear impingement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: MTR Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin J. Luetzow
  • Patent number: 9689188
    Abstract: A spindle drive for an adjustment element of a motor vehicle is provided. The spindle drive has a drive unit and a spindle-spindle nut transmission arranged downstream of the drive unit in terms of drive for generating linear drive movements. The drive unit has a tubular drive unit housing and therein a drive motor. In some cases an intermediate transmission is arranged downstream of the drive motor in terms of drive. The drive unit and the spindle-spindle nut transmission are arranged one behind the other on the geometrical spindle axis, and a spindle drive housing is provided with a tubular inner housing and a tubular outer housing. The inner housing runs in a telescope-like manner in the outer housing. In some cases the outer housing of the spindle drive housing accommodates the drive unit with the drive unit housing and is connected to the drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Hallstadt
    Inventors: Uwe Fischer, Christian Saxstetter, Robert Neundorf
  • Patent number: 9689189
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gate. More specifically, the present invention relates to a gate having at least one arm, wherein the at least one arm is configured to extend and retract. When the at least one arm is substantially extended, the at least one arm substantially prevents access through the gate. When the at least one arm is substantially retracted, the at least one arm no longer substantially prevents access through the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Stephen Douglas Zinda
  • Patent number: 9689190
    Abstract: The present invention provides an intelligent control system for remote control of doors and windows, comprising an intelligent control end, a server and a control terminal of doors and windows. The intelligent control end sends a remote control command to the control terminal of doors and windows through the server. The control terminal of doors and windows processes the received remote control command and executes a corresponding control action to finish remote control of doors and windows, wherein the control terminal of doors and windows comprises an MCU. The MCU is connected with a signal receiving/transmission component, a mechanical component for control of doors and windows, a detection component of doors and windows, a position detection component of doors and windows and an anti-theft component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Hao Wu
  • Patent number: 9689191
    Abstract: A power tailgate control device and method can prevent a collision with an obstacle during the opening or closing of a tailgate by determining whether an obstacle is present or not and whether the collision with the obstacle would occur or not by using a rear lamp and a rear camera. The power tailgate control device includes: a command input unit receiving a tailgate open or close command from an operator; a rear camera mounted on a tailgate; and a controller controlling the opening or closing of the tailgate by determining whether a collision with an obstacle would occur or not, on the basis of R values of pixels in a difference image between a first image captured in a state in which a rear lamp is turned on and a second image captured in a state in which the rear lamp is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Cheol Han Kim
  • Patent number: 9689192
    Abstract: The present application refers to a closing system for through openings, comprising a quick opening door provided with a vertically moveable flexible panel, running between a pair of vertical guides and being attached by its upper end to a motor driven drum for its actuation, the system having in combination with the quick opening door a fire door mounted with capacity to move between an opening position and closing position, being the quick opening door and the fire door arranged for its alternate actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: AMISERRU, S.L.
    Inventor: Miguel Angel Iglesias Ballester
  • Patent number: 9689193
    Abstract: Modular elements for safe container comprising Type A, Type B, and Type C edge rails that first are formed from two different widths of flat strips and then cut to the size of each panel sides, where Type A and Type B edge rails are used to assembly the container walls, floor, and roof of the safe, and are joined together by embedded high grade carriage bolts to form the safe body, while Type C edge rails are used to assembly the door panel that is joined hingedly with the safe body and have embedded fasteners for attaching door's locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Ryszard Gulik
  • Patent number: 9689194
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a glazing unit (1) comprising a glazed element (2) optionally equipped with a portion of a profiled strip (3), said glazing unit (1) having at least one flexible part and/or one hard part, said flexible part belonging to said profiled strip (3) and said hard part belonging to said glazed element (2) or to said profiled strip (3), characterized in that at least one film (4) comprising a substrate (40) having a rear face (41) and a front face (42), on which a decorative coating (45) is positioned, is applied to said glazing unit (1), the film (4) being pressed against the glazing unit by applying at least one punch (54) against the rear face (41) of the substrate (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Adele Verrat-Debailleul, Pascal Lefevre, Loic Froissard
  • Patent number: 9689195
    Abstract: Vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units and edge seals for VIG units are provided. The VIG units include an edge seal that includes a viscous material, and is configured to allow the glass sheets to move laterally relative to one another when the glass sheets experience differential thermal strain and further configured such that viscous shear occurs within at least a portion of the viscous material when there is relative lateral movement between the glass sheets. The edge seals comprise a cavity that contains at least a portion of the viscous material, wherein at least a portion of a boundary defining the cavity is reversibly expandable and collapsible such that the viscous material and the cavity are configured to maintain volume compatibility when one or both of the viscous material and the cavity undergo a temperature-induced volume change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Robert S. Jones
  • Patent number: 9689196
    Abstract: The technology disclosed herein generally relate to assembly equipment for window units. In one embodiment, a window unit assembly system is taught that has a frame component that is configured to support equipment for a window unit assembly line. A pane conveyor is supported by the frame component and is configured to move panes along the window unit assembly line. A spacer conveyor is supported by the same frame component as the pane conveyor and is configured to move spacer elements along the window unit assembly line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: GUARDIAN IG, LLC
    Inventors: Corey E. Pemberton, Eric B. Rapp, Robert J. Onesti, George Longo
  • Patent number: 9689197
    Abstract: The present latch apparatus includes a swinging piece having first and second independent latches or sliders sliding in first and second slots. The first and second sliders slide independently of each other. The first and second sliders engage an undersurface of an extension of a first object such as a gate. If either the first or second slider is engaged on the undersurface, the swinging piece is locked and is not swingable such that the first object such as the gate cannot itself swing away from a second object such as a barrier section. Only when each of the first and second sliders has been slid beyond the undersurface can the swinging piece swing to permit the first object such as the gate to be released and thus swingable itself relative to the second object such as the barrier section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Carlson Pet Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Flannery, Brian M. McMahon, Caleb Summers, Brian G. Linehan
  • Patent number: 9689198
    Abstract: A window conduction heat shielding apparatus capable of shielding heat conducted from the outdoors in the summer season and efficiently conducting heat to the outdoors in the winter season in a window of a computer room, thereby reducing a load of air conditioning is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro Maeda
  • Patent number: 9689199
    Abstract: A lift-cord guide for window blind is disclosed to include a roller holder including a pull cord inlet and a pull cord outlet extending in a perpendicular manner relative to the pull cord inlet, and a first guide roller rotatably mounted in the roller holder at the intersection between the extending direction of the pull cord inlet and the extending direction of the pull cord outlet. The axial direction of the first guide roller obliquely intersects with the extending direction of the pull cord inlet, and defines with the extending direction of the pull cord outlet a contained angle smaller than 90-degrees. Thus, the lift-cord guide of the invention effectively reduces the turning angle of the pull cords, and smoothens the operation to open or close the blind slats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: CHIN-FU CHEN
    Inventor: Chin-Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 9689200
    Abstract: A roller blind including a sheet element secured at one end to a roller tube mounted for rotation, and secured at its opposite end to a fixed element located adjacent to the roller tube such that the sheet element defines a return portion located between the two ends; and a roller blind bottom bar located within the return portion, wherein the roller blind bottom bar includes a tubular body and an end cap carried by each end of the tubular body, the end caps including a proximal portion located adjacent to the tubular body, a distal portion spaced from the tubular body, and an outwardly flared portion located between the proximal and distal portions such that the end cap flares outwards from the proximal portion to the distal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Louver-Lite Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Greening
  • Patent number: 9689201
    Abstract: A screen system for use with a sliding panel of a window or door is used to screen an opening as the sliding panel or door is opened. The screen is attached to the edge of the sliding panel adjacent the opening, and is wound onto a spindle. The spindle is rotatably mounted adjacent the screen opening around which the screen is wound so that the screen can be unwound from or wound onto the spindle. A cord is connected between the sliding panel and the spindle pulley via an idler pulley. In this arrangement the spindle is caused to rotate so as to wind the screen back onto the spindle as the sliding panel is slid towards the closed position. While the screen is wound off the spindle, the cord is wound onto the spindle pulley and vice versa. As the A tension adjustment arrangement can also be provided that is configured to adjust the tension in the cable as the screen is wound and unwound from the spindle due to the change in diameter of the cord around the spindle pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SCREENAWAY PTY LTD
    Inventors: John Riemelmoser, Concetta Antonina Riemelmoser, Kenneth Robert Doley, Mark Leslie Schmick
  • Patent number: 9689202
    Abstract: A roll control device for a vehicle curtain has a damper, a speed-reduction device, and a unidirectional transmission device. The speed-reduction device is connected to the damper and has a sleeve, a gear mount, and multiple planet gears. The sleeve is hollow and has multiple inner teeth annularly arranged in the sleeve. The gear mount is mounted in and extends out of the sleeve and is connected to the damper. The planet gears are mounted rotatably on the gear mount and engage with the inner teeth in the sleeve. The unidirectional transmission assembly is connected to the speed-reduction device and has a transmission member and a unidirectional transmission device. The transmission member has a gear segment extending into the gear mount and engaging with the planet gears. The unidirectional transmission device is connected to the transmission member to control the transmission member to rotate in unidirectional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Macauto Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Lin, Wei-Ting Chen
  • Patent number: 9689203
    Abstract: A barrier opening system for emergency escape and rescue comprises a vertical acting barrier device, an escape device, and a rescue device, the vertical acting barrier device winds a barrier via a winding shaft; a prestressed spring preloaded on the winding shaft for storing a restoring force when the barrier is unwound by the winding shaft; a brake mechanism for stopping the winding shaft from rotating; a brake release mechanism for releasing the winding shaft under an abnormal condition; an escape device comprising an identification unit and a master key for activating the brake release mechanism; the identification unit identifies a rescue personnel's identity before allowing the personnel to use the master key to activate the brake release mechanism; when the emergency button and/or the master key activate(s) the brake release mechanism to release the winding shaft, the barrier can be lifted up by the restoring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Lawrence Roll-Up Doors, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Freberg, Paul Lawrence, Steve Hahn
  • Patent number: 9689204
    Abstract: A stepladder provided with a coupling frame in the shape of an equilateral triangle, a front support, a rear right support, a rear left support, and spread stoppers for stopping the front support, the rear right support, and the rear left support from spreading. The front support is rotationally attached to a front shaft of the coupling frame, the rear right fixing member is rotationally attached to a right shaft, and the rear left fixing member is rotationally attached to a left shaft. The rear left support and the rear right support are detachably mounted to the rear left fixing member and the rear right fixing member, respectively. The supports of the stepladder are coupled by the spread stoppers, whereby the three supports are restricted from being displaced forward, to the right rear, and to the left rear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventors: Tokuo Aoi, Tazuko Aoi
  • Patent number: 9689205
    Abstract: A ladder accessory device for insertion into an opening in a prior art ladder rung, wherein the ladder accessory device provides an elevated work environment that is out of the path of an individual ascending/descending the ladder. The accessory device is preferably comprised of a rung insert, a rung insert locking device, a support arm, a platform arm, and a platform arm locking device. The rung insert locking device permits the support arm to be rotated about the rung insert locking device, and the platform arm is likewise rotatable about the support arm. A wide arrange of accessories may also be removably attached to the platform to increase the overall usefulness of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventors: Kayenta Saucier, Andrew M. Visinski, Josef F. Visinski, Adam Goldberg
  • Patent number: 9689206
    Abstract: A ladder safety device and kit includes gutter grabber devices that attach to a gutter. The gutter grabber devices are mounted on the gutter lip and fit the ladder's rail to neutralize side to side movement as the ladder rail potentially can slide across the gutter's edge as the user climbs it and mounts the roof. The safety device also includes a ratchet and lashing strap device to hold the ladder firmly to the gutter when any force, such as accidental kickback, pushes the ladder away from the gutter. Working in tandem, the gutter grabber devices and the safety strap with a ratchet and hooks virtually eliminate significant side to side as well as front to back movement of the ladder, preventing the ladder from slipping, while having a convenient and compact design allowing it to be carried around easily by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph M. Weston
  • Patent number: 9689207
    Abstract: Systems and methods for wellbore optimization, which include numerical procedures for selecting an optimal wellbore trajectory and casing strength based on Formation Loading Potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Landmark Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: Xinpu Shen, Mao Bai, William Bradley Standifird
  • Patent number: 9689208
    Abstract: A method and system for a hole opener are provided. The hole opener includes a shaft including a plurality of axial slots formed in an outer periphery and spaced circumferentially about the shaft, a plate coupled to the outer periphery between each pair of slots, the plate including fastening wings that extend radially outwardly from each circumferential end of the plate, and a blade extending radially outwardly from a respective one of the plurality of axial slots between a fastening wing of each of adjacent plates, the blade coupled to each fastening wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Bit Brokers International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Timmy Dean Thomas, Cliff Allen Thomas
  • Patent number: 9689209
    Abstract: A downhole tool and associated methods. The downhole tool includes a body with a throughbore; at least one extendable cutting member; and an actuation member. The actuation member is operatively associated with the extendable cutting member and movable relative to the body to extend the cutting member laterally from the body along an extension axis. The extension axis is offset from a radius of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: NOV Downhole Eurasia Limited
    Inventor: Mark Adam
  • Patent number: 9689210
    Abstract: A core drill bit includes an elongate hollow cylindrical body having opposite first and second end sections, a plurality of cutting segments with a connecting portion joined to the second end section, a plurality of reinforcing members joined to the second end section between the cutting segments and contacting adjacent cutting segments to offer rotational support thereto, and a plurality of current concentrators disposed on one or both of the second end section and the connecting portion. The cutting segments being capacitive discharge welded to the second end section whereby the surface of the second end section melts during the welding to affix the cutting segments with the tool body. The cutting segments include diamonds dispersed therein with portions having varying diamond concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: DIAMOND PRODUCTS, LIMITED
    Inventors: Karl H. Moller, Thomas G. Ruffner
  • Patent number: 9689211
    Abstract: A wireline connector device (10) for use in wireline intervention operations comprises a housing (18) connected to a first wireline conduit (L), a piston sleeve (46) located within the housing, and a collet device (60) configured to receive and retain a second wireline conduit, the collet device having a plurality of collet fingers (58) arranged within the piston sleeve, which is movable within the housing to open and close the collet fingers. Optionally a restrictor (57) can be configured to control the movement of the piston sleeve, and can be adjustable to lock the piston sleeve in the second position when the collet fingers are closed around the second wireline conduit. Typically at least one indicator rod (55) projects from the housing, and the piston sleeve engages indictor rod in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco UK Limited
    Inventors: Runi Joensen, Christopher McLaren
  • Patent number: 9689212
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for directional drilling of a borehole in a formation along a predetermined trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Pieter Van Nieuwkoop
  • Patent number: 9689213
    Abstract: A drill string stabilizer has an elongated cavity formed in an exterior surface of the body. An elongated blade is generally disposed to extend from the cavity. The blade is extended or retracted by rotating a stud threaded on opposite ends with left and right handed threads. Rotation of the stud causes axial movement of slide blocks threadingly engaged to the stud. A follower and track between the body and the slide blocks causes the slide blocks to slidingly engage the body. The blade track is inclined relative to the body track so that the blade radially retracts or extends relative to the body as blocks are moved along their respective tracks by rotation of the stud. The position of each stabilizer blade is independent of the other blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashish Prafulla Khaparde, Krunal Kanubhai Mehta, Ragi Lohidakshan Poyyara
  • Patent number: 9689214
    Abstract: Earth-boring casing shoes include a crown configured for at least one of drilling and reaming a wellbore when the crown is attached to a section of casing and the casing is advanced into a wellbore. The crown includes a body comprising a corrodible composite material, and at least one cutting structure carried on the body. The casing shoes further include a connection structure configured for attachment to a section of casing. Methods are used to form such casing shoes, and such casing shoes are used to install casing within wellbores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: James Andy Oxford
  • Patent number: 9689215
    Abstract: The present invention is a computer controlled reel apparatus, system and method of using same that may generally maintain constant tension on a reel umbilical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: REEL POWER LICENSING CORP.
    Inventor: Benton Frederick Baugh
  • Patent number: 9689216
    Abstract: A connection assembly for automated lifting and positioning of a chiksan or other fluid conduit in proximity to a fluid inlet of a device such as, for example, a cement head. Once a chiksan or other flow line is positioned in a desired location, a secure connection is made between the outlet of the chiksan or other fluid conduit and the fluid inlet of a cement head including, without limitation, when the cement head is positioned at an elevated location above a rig floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Blackhawk Specialty Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Ron D. Robichaux, James G. Martens, John E. Hebert, Juan Carlos E. Mondelli, James Champagne, Joseph Boudreaux, Scottie J. Scott, Jeremy LeCompte
  • Patent number: 9689217
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for containing fluid or gas that is released when two adjoining sections of pipe are disconnected. The apparatus can comprise two or more arcuate sections hinged together to form a generally cylindrical or tubular containment chute that can be releasably enclosed around a pipe joint. Latching mechanisms can hold the apparatus around the pipe joint. The apparatus can have one or more sealing members at each end of the containment chute that engage the pipe above and below the pipe joint so that the pipe joint is completely enclosed and sealed off. A spout located on the sidewall of the apparatus allows fluid or gas that is released when the pipe joint is broken to flow from the apparatus through the spout into a hose connected to the spout, whereby the hose can divert the fluid or gas to a receptacle or container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Katch Kan Holdings Ltd.
    Inventors: Quinn A. J. Holtby, Dallas Laird Greenwood
  • Patent number: 9689218
    Abstract: A drill cuttings diverter system for distributing downhole drill cuttings inside a cuttings box, where the drill cuttings diverter system is equipped with a diverter conduit having a bottom that is concaved toward a side opening. The diverter conduit is rotatably inserted through an opening in the cuttings box so that the operator can rotate the side opening at the bottom of the diverter conduit to change the direction of the drill cuttings being fed into the cuttings box, and thereby prevent the drill cuttings from accumulating in a single pile inside the cuttings box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas McDaniel
  • Patent number: 9689219
    Abstract: A method for activating a shifting tool comprises introducing a shifting tool in a desired wellbore zone where it is exposed to a pre-determined hydrostatic pressure. The shifting tool comprises at least one key that is configured to be expanded and released from a retracted position when the shifting tool is subjected to the pre-determined hydrostatic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Frosell, Mark Douglas Macek
  • Patent number: 9689220
    Abstract: A setting tool (10) for use in a downhole wellbore is described as having a hydraulic fluid pumping mechanism (78) for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid. A piston mechanism (116) is moveable by said pressurized hydraulic fluid acting upon a portion of the piston mechanism (116). A resetting mechanism (84) is provided which when operated releases the pressurized hydraulic fluid from acting upon said portion of the piston (116) and which results in the resetting of the setting tool (10). In addition, a method for resetting a setting tool (10) is described including the steps of: (i) running the setting tool (10) downhole; (ii) actuating the setting tool (10) and thereby deploying an apparatus (203) downhole; (iii) retrieving the setting tool (10) to surface; and (iv) bleeding off pressure to reset the setting tool (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Isle Tools Limited
    Inventors: Iain Morrison MacLeod, Andrew Fraser, Andrew John Elrick
  • Patent number: 9689221
    Abstract: A setting tool comprises a centralizer section, a latching section configured to selectively engage the packer, and a setting section configured to provide a setting force to the packer through the setting sleeve. The centralizer section is configured to centralize a setting sleeve within a packer, and the centralizer section is configured to control the rate at which the setting sleeve engages the packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Edward Harms, William Mark Richards
  • Patent number: 9689222
    Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include a core barrel assembly including external fluid pathways extending generally axially long the outer surface of the core barrel assembly. The one or more external fluid pathways can allow for increased fluid flow around a latch mechanism. The increased fluid flow around the latch mechanism can allow the core barrel assembly to travel faster within the drill string, can allow drilling fluid to pass by the latch mechanism when engaged. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including external fluid pathways, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: LONGYEAR TM, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher L. Drenth
  • Patent number: 9689223
    Abstract: A system can include multiple explosive assemblies, each assembly comprising an outer housing, an explosive component rotatable relative to the housing, and a selective firing module which causes detonation of the component in response to a predetermined signal. A method can include assembling multiple explosive assemblies at a location remote from a well, installing a selective firing module, an electrical detonator and an explosive component in a connector, and connecting the connector to an outer housing, and then transporting the assemblies from the remote location to the well. A well perforating method can include assembling multiple perforating guns, each gun comprising a gun body, a perforating charge, and a selective firing module which causes detonation of the charge in response to a predetermined signal. The guns are installed in a wellbore, with the charge of each gun rotating relative to the respective gun body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy G. Schacherer, Marvin G. Batres, Tommy Thammavongsa, Randall S. Moore
  • Patent number: 9689224
    Abstract: A cable-operated jar comprising a releasable coupling is arranged for connection to a piece of downhole equipment, in which a mandrel is connected to a cable comprising a hammer section. The hammer section is arranged to strike, on the release of a mandrel coupling, against a shoulder section in a housing, and the mandrel is pre-tensioned in a releasable position with a spring arrangement. The spring arrangement includes an adjusting mechanism operated by the cable alternately being tensioned and relaxed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Brilliant Oil Tools AS
    Inventor: Ken Erik Steine
  • Patent number: 9689225
    Abstract: A tubing hanger assembly for suspending a tubing string into a wellbore comprises a hanger body having a radially outer surface including external threads having a first thread handedness. In addition, the assembly comprises a load ring coaxially disposed about the hanger body. The load ring has a radially inner surface including a first set of internal threads that matingly engage with the external threads of the hanger body and a second set of internal threads having a second thread handedness that is opposite the first thread handedness. The load ring also has a radially outer surface including a frustoconical cam surface. Further, the assembly comprises an expandable ring disposed about the hanger body adjacent the lower end of the load ring. The expandable ring has a radially inner surface including a frustoconical surface that slidingly engages the cam surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Harsono Harsono, Andre Willy
  • Patent number: 9689226
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly values) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member or the indicator. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a valve or to reset a “tripped” indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: GULFSTREAM SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Phil Barbee, Michael Mire, Joey Naquin
  • Patent number: 9689227
    Abstract: A wellbore isolation device comprises a first material and pieces of a second material, wherein the first material: is a metal or a metal alloy; forms a matrix of the portion of the wellbore isolation device; and partially or wholly dissolves when an electrically conductive path exists between the first material and the second material and at least a portion of the first and second materials are in contact with the electrolyte, wherein the pieces of the second material: are a metal or metal alloy; and are embedded within the matrix of the first material; wherein the first material and the second material form a galvanic couple and wherein the first material is the anode and the second material is the cathode of the couple. The isolation device can also include a bonding agent for bonding the pieces of the second material into the matrix of the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Zachary R. Murphree, Zachary W. Walton
  • Patent number: 9689228
    Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a wellbore, the downhole tool having: a mandrel, a bearing plate, and at least one metal slip having a one-piece configuration. The mandrel is made of a composite material, and has a lower sleeve threaded therewith. The bearing plate has an angled inner plate surface configured for engagement with a corresponding angled surface of another part of the downhole tool. The one-piece configuration is defined by at least partial connectivity around the entirety of the metal slip body. The metal slip has at least one lateral groove therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Downhole Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Duke VanLue
  • Patent number: 9689229
    Abstract: Rotating mandrel casing hangers are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a casing hanger having a lower end configured to engage a casing string and a running tool configured to engage the casing hanger. The system is configured to facilitate rotation of the casing hanger within a casing head to rotate the casing string while cementing the casing string within a well. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew R. Hanson, James D. Cavanagh, Michael F. Levert, Jr., Brandon B. Shirley, Kyle A. Sommerfeld, Timothy W. Lim, Adam J. Christopherson
  • Patent number: 9689230
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a valve assembly, the valve assembly including a tubular member and a valve connected thereto, wherein the valve permits fluid flow through the tubular member in a first direction and prevents fluid flow through the tubular member in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. A plug is adapted to be secured to the valve assembly so that the plug is prevented from moving, relative to the valve assembly, in the first and second directions. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus is a cementing plug apparatus, which can plug a tubular string or casing so that fluid flow therethrough is prevented. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular string or casing may be positioned within a preexisting structure such as, for example, a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Top-Co Cementing Products Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory James Alexander Andrigo
  • Patent number: 9689231
    Abstract: A wellbore isolation device comprises: a first material and a second material, wherein the first material and the second material form a galvanic couple and wherein the first material is the anode and the second material is the cathode of the galvanic couple, and wherein the second material is a fiber or a plurality of fibers. A method of removing the wellbore isolation device comprises: contacting or allowing the wellbore isolation device to come in contact with an electrolyte; and causing or allowing at least a portion of the first material to dissolve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Zachary R. Murphree, Zachary W. Walton
  • Patent number: 9689232
    Abstract: An actuating apparatus for actuating a downhole tool in a wellbore casing comprising an actuating member and a holding device. The actuating member disposed within an outer housing of the downhole tool and the holding device mechanically coupled to the arming member. When a ball deployed into the wellbore casing passes through the downhole tool in a downhole direction and moves back in an uphole direction due to reverse flow, the ball engages on the holding device and functions the actuating member such that a port in the downhole tool is exposed to uphole pressure and actuates the actuating member to travel in an uphole direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: John T. Hardesty, Kevin R. George, Raymond C. Shaffer, Michael D. Wroblicky, Dennis E. Roessler, Varun Garg, Philip M. Snider, David S. Wesson
  • Patent number: 9689233
    Abstract: A platform and a system including the platform are used for a ram blowout preventer including a bonnet and/or one or more components adjacent the ram blowout preventer. The platform includes a frame with a deck supported within the frame, and a support structure coupled to the frame to support the platform on the bonnet of the ram blowout preventer. The platform may further include a connector to removably couple the platform to the bonnet of the ram blowout preventer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Hoan Phuoc Nguyen, Vallie Hodges