Patents Issued in July 4, 2017
  • Patent number: 9695603
    Abstract: Modular floor tiles and modular floors are described herein. A modular floor tile may include a top surface layer, a plurality of edge surfaces, an interlocking mechanism for attachment to adjacent tiles, and a support system. The support system may additionally include a first rigid level and at least one resilient support member disposed under the top surface layer, the at least one resilient support member extending to a distance further from the top surface layer than the first rigid level. The at least one resilient support member may be compressible toward the top surface layer. A modular floor may include a plurality of interlocking tiles connected to one another. A method of forming a modular floor that includes an interlocking modular tile is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: SNAPSPORTS COMPANY
    Inventors: Jorgen J. Moller, Jr., Jeremiah D. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 9695604
    Abstract: A device for conveying thick matter including a thick matter pump; a feed line which leads away from the pump; a boom which receives the feed line and which includes at least one boom arm and which is arranged on a swivel bogie, wherein the swivel bogie is rotatable for angular orientation of the boom through a drive, in particular a hydraulic motor with a transmission arranged thereon, and a measuring device which includes rotation angle sensors for measuring the rotation angle of the swivel bogie, wherein the rotation angle of the swivel bogie is measured through direct measurement of a rotation angle of the drive or of the transmission arranged between the motor and swivel bogie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: SCHWING GMBH
    Inventors: Siegfried Trümper, Reiner Vierkotten
  • Patent number: 9695605
    Abstract: A battery powered concrete vibrator is provided with a vibration head; a brushless DC motor disposed in the vibration head; a drive shaft disposed in the vibration head, rotatably disposed through the brushless DC motor, and operatively driven by the brushless DC motor, the drive shaft including a lengthwise groove on an outer surface, thereby rendering the drive shaft unbalanced; and a groove-shaped vibration member put on the drive shaft. The drive shaft can impart rotation to the vibration member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Keyou Jin
  • Patent number: 9695606
    Abstract: An engineered wood flooring removal apparatus for use with a buffer machine to remove bottom ply and adhesive layers of the wood flooring is provided. The apparatus effectively dislodges the bottom ply and adhesive layers with enhanced efficiency while minimizing the production of hazardous airborne particulates. The apparatus includes a base member rotatably mounted to the buffer machine, a support pad coupled to the base member, a disc member coupled to the support pad, and a plurality of cutting members coupled to the disc member. Each cutting member has an upper exposed head and a lower member that extends through the disc member, the support pad and the base member. The upper exposed heads of the cutting members contact the bottom ply and adhesive layers of the engineered wood flooring and dislodge the layers during a rotation of the base member when the buffer machine is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: John Sevier Allen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9695607
    Abstract: A system, device, and method for plugging core holes. A core hole plug includes a top compression plate, a bottom compression plate, and a rubber expansion ring that separates the top and bottom compression plates. A beveled screw hole can be created on the top compression plate. The beveled screw hole matches the angle of the bottom surface of the head of a flat head bolt to ensure that the bolt remains flush with the top compression plate. The rubber expansion ring can be squeezed between the top and bottom compression plates as the flat head bolt is screwed into a threaded receiver nut formed on the bottom compression plate. An installation tool can be utilized to install the core hole plug so that the top compression plate remains flush with an existing floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Mesa Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Stubblefield, Eddy Mindlin
  • Patent number: 9695608
    Abstract: A “future-enabled” rowhouse or similar residential unit is provided that may include a site-adaptable chassis for a rowhouse or similar residential unit construction that can be easily adjusted to varying site conditions (e.g., lot widths and depths) at the time of construction and that allows for cost-effective future reconfiguration of building systems and space configuration over the life of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher D. French
  • Patent number: 9695609
    Abstract: The invention's innovation in the field of safety of aquatic sport of platform diving is a method and apparatus to diminish the risk of the athlete's injury caused by an accidental collision with the platform after the take-off by timely activating a device that places a protective padding covering the top of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventors: Alexander Povzner, Ilia Masliev, Olexandr Ryumshyn
  • Patent number: 9695610
    Abstract: A cover body (22) includes side surface portions (22a, 22b) that surround a housing (2) of a speaker (1) in an installed state, and a ceiling surface portion (22c) that covers the side surface portions (22a, 22b). An open portion (23) that can expose an operation portion (9) of the speaker (1) is formed in one of the side surface portions (22b), and an overhang portion (24) that protrudes from the surface of the side surface portion (22b) is provided above the open portion (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinya Sonoda, Kenji Ishibashi, Akihiro Sonogi, Tsutomu Watanabe, Yuji Sakurai
  • Patent number: 9695611
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new inflatable and flexible modular habitat for welding in wells and/or high fire risk rated facilities, offshore and onshore to trap slag, sparks and the like, by a structure and/or module-based assembly. The structure can be resized and assembled on site to allow it to adapt to different applications of hot work without having to stop the production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Juan Manuel Ceballos Jimenez
  • Patent number: 9695612
    Abstract: A fence having one or more horizontal rails with one or more apertures extending through the one or more horizontal rails, one or more vertical pickets, each of the one or more vertical pickets passing through the one or more apertures, each of the one or more vertical pickets having one or more openings and having one or more walls, and one or more retaining elements fixed within a horizontal rail, each of the one or more retaining elements having a base portion and one or more protrusions, the one or more protrusions engaged with the one or more openings in the one or more vertical pickets to secure the one or more vertical pickets to the one or more horizontal rails. The vertical pickets are fixed against lateral or transverse movement relative to the horizontal rails, and rotatable relative to the horizontal rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Porcelen Limited Connecticut LLC
    Inventor: William Alexander Batts, III
  • Patent number: 9695613
    Abstract: A game fence roll having a panel and skirt is provided along with a process for installation of a fence using the roll. A wire-mesh security fence panel and security fence is provided. In at least on example the fence panel includes: a first set of substantially parallel wires, each wire having a first and a second end; a second set of substantially parallel wires, the second set of wires being welded across the first set on one picket-wire side of the first set; a cross-wire-side connection strip welded across the first end of the first set on the picket-wire side of the first set; and an opposite side connection strip welded across the second end of the first set on the opposite side of the picket-wire side. In one such example each connection strip has an outside edge and each outside edge is equally spaced from the end of the wires to which the strip is welded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: C. E. Shepherd Company, L.P.
    Inventor: G. Maury Shepherd
  • Patent number: 9695614
    Abstract: A door outside handle mounted on a sliding door may include a grip assembly that slides to a front of a vehicle and unlocks a hold-open lock of the sliding door while sliding forward, and a blocking link that prevents the grip assembly from sliding forward by moving ahead of the grip assembly when a door latch is locked with closing of the sliding door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Ki Hwan Jeong
  • Patent number: 9695615
    Abstract: A combination lock is provided, the combination lock having a rotary latch configured for rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position, the rotary latch rotating in a first plane; and a bolt configured for movement between a first position and a second position along a second plane the second plane being oriented at a different location than the first plane, the bolt engaging the rotary latch in the first position such that rotation of the rotary latch from the locked position to the unlocked position is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: ZEPHYR LOCK, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Houlihan, Patrick E. Wind, Douglas Greene
  • Patent number: 9695616
    Abstract: An intelligent door lock system includes a drive shaft of a lock device and a circuit coupled to an engine with a memory. A vibration/tapping sensing device is configured to be coupled to the lock device to lock or unlock the door. A device converts energy into mechanical energy coupled to the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: August Home, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Johnson, Shih Yu Thomas Cheng
  • Patent number: 9695617
    Abstract: An access controlled storage device may include multiple doors, each having a different lock, to insure safety and security of the contents of the storage device. In one example, the access controlled storage may include a first outer door having a physical lock and a second interior door having an electronic lock. The physical lock and the electronic lock may require different keys. Additionally or alternatively, unlocking the interior door may require unlocking of the first door in an authorized manner. Access and inventory data may be transmitted to or received from remote devices through wireless communication networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Pro Tech Systems of Maryland, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Bacarella
  • Patent number: 9695618
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock comprising an actuation/locking lever mechanism, with a first lever and a second lever, both levers being couplable with each other in at least two different relative positions. At least the one, first lever comprises a detent spring connected thereto for engagement with at least one detent recess on the other, second lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thorsten Bendel, Claus Topfer
  • Patent number: 9695619
    Abstract: A galley cart bay door latch system serves to secure catering or galley carts, as are used on commercial aircraft, within the aircraft's galley. The system relies on two substantially horizontally disposed latch levers to secure the galley door which in turn restrains a galley cart in position within the galley. The ends of the latch levers are received in a recess formed in the door to secure the door. Raising the latch lever releases the door and positively pushes the door outwardly. The latching configuration allows the doors to be slammed shut without the need to further manipulate the latch levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter John Leslie Burd
  • Patent number: 9695620
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the force in a door operator or closer includes a tube rotatable about a longitudinal axis and a coil spring therein connected to door operator/closer. A fixed adjusting screw extends along the longitudinal axis of the housing through the coil spring and a spring collar is threaded onto the adjusting screw and rotatable with the tube. The spring collar bears on the distal end of the spring to vary the spring compression upon rotation of the housing and thereby vary force applied by the door operator or closer. The housing has an opening though which the spring is visible, and the tube has markings indicating the degree of spring compression. An indicator is moveable along and visible outside the housing to indicate the compression of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Zasowski, Dustin Lawhon, Robert M. Bell
  • Patent number: 9695621
    Abstract: A rotatably supported door including a hinge including a stationary hinge portion, a leaf hinge portion, which is pivotable about the stationary hinge portion, and a rotating shaft passing through the stationary hinge portion and the leaf hinge portion. The rotating shaft cooperates with an opening and/or closing damping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: DORMA DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Oliver Walhorn
  • Patent number: 9695622
    Abstract: A hinges structure (10) includes a first hinge (12) and a second hinge (14), each of them being fixed at a part to a fixed system F and at the other part to a wing B. The hinges structure (10) includes a cam mechanism for an automatic closing of the wing B and a fluid-operated device adapted to move a fluid from a first chamber to a second chamber through the rotational motion of the wing B. The speed of displacement of the fluid may be conveniently adjusted through a valve and consequently, the closing speed of the wing may be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: INDUSTRIA CASEARIA SILVIO BELLADELLI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Claudio Bongiovanni
  • Patent number: 9695623
    Abstract: A powered folding door or window system includes at least two rigid panels that are linked together by at least one vertical hinge/pivot to fold between a closed state, where the panels extend across an opening, to an open state, where they are retracted to one side of the opening and stacked against each other. The system incorporates a motor and a drive belt mechanism as primary means for driving the panels. The system further includes a powered actuator on one of the panels and a co-operative element on a linked adjoining panel; whereby the powered actuator cooperates with the co-operative element on the linked adjoining panel to move the linked adjoining panel and said one panel about the vertical hinge/pivot linking them; whereby the powered actuator may start the opening of the door or window system and/or complete the closing of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Derek Keith Thomas
  • Patent number: 9695624
    Abstract: A household refrigeration appliance includes a heat-insulated body which has an inner container with a coolable interior for storing foodstuffs, a refrigeration device for cooling the coolable interior, an electromechanical opening assistance device, and a door leaf hinged relative to the body for opening and closing the coolable interior, or a drawer which is pushed into the coolable interior in the closed state, to close the interior, and is withdrawn at least partially from the coolable interior in the open state. The electromechanical opening assistance device has an electromechanical actuator configured when activated to automatically open the closed door leaf or the closed drawer at least partially by repositioning an operating element of the electromechanical opening assistance device. The electromechanical actuator has an electric motor, a drive pinion, a cylindrical gear with dual gearing, and a toothed rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Adolf Heydel, Nikolaus Schmidt, Klaus Dieckmann
  • Patent number: 9695625
    Abstract: This device comprises: a pneumatic cylinder (34), a gas generator (36), a chamber (6, 8) for atmospheric venting, with: an inlet with a connection to the gas generator (36), a first outlet, a second outlet, a valve (16) having a first side (24) and a second side (26) which can change position under the effect of a gas generated by the gas generator and comprising a passage (22) between the two sides (24, 26) obstructed by means which are clearable based on the pressure, where said shuttle-valve (16) is mobile between: a first position allowing connection to the first outlet and the second outlet and isolating the inlet from the first outlet and the second outlet; and a second position allowing connection of the inlet with the first outlet and isolating the second outlet from the inlet and the first outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: RATIER FIGEAC
    Inventor: Eric Delbos
  • Patent number: 9695626
    Abstract: Provided is a door for a refrigerator. The door includes an outer door manufactured by pressing and deforming a metal sheet. The outer door includes a first surface, second to fifth surfaces extending from the first surface, and a plurality of flanges extending from the second to fifth surfaces. The first to fifth surfaces are integrated with each other and defined based on the pressing and deforming of the metal sheet. A door liner is coupled to surfaces of the plurality of flanges of the outer door, and an insulation material is disposed in a space defined between the door liner and the outer door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jinwoo Shim, Youngki Ko
  • Patent number: 9695627
    Abstract: A glazing unit includes a substrate having two opposing external faces and a peripheral edge face linking the two faces, as well as a peripheral sealing arrangement added at the border of the substrate against its edge face and its two external faces, wherein the sealing arrangement includes at least two seals cooperating respectively with the two external faces of the substrate, and with the edge face of the substrate, the two seals forming a zone of overlap over one another on the edge face of the glazing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventor: Adrien Duffour
  • Patent number: 9695628
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) assembly is provided with a protective ring surrounding a portion of a glass pump-out tube extending beyond an outer surface of one of the glass substrates that form the vacuum insulated glass assembly. The vacuum insulated glass assembly may further include a laminated glass substrate in which a hole is formed to accommodate the protective ring and/or pump-out tube portion, wherein the protective ring protects the glass pump-out tube from damage during a lamination process. In addition, a cap may be provided over the laminated substrate to cover the hole in the laminated substrate and further cover the protective ring and sealed pump-out tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Jones
  • Patent number: 9695629
    Abstract: A glazing for daylighting and seasonal thermal control, the glazing including a pane defined between an outside-oriented interface and an inside-oriented interface, the pane comprising a first component and a second component, wherein the first component has a parabolic reflective surface with a focus point located on the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE (EPFL)
    Inventors: André Kostro, Andreas Schüler
  • Patent number: 9695630
    Abstract: An attic-insulation cover designed to cover access doors leading into attic spaces, such as pull down stairs, scuttle holes and vertical attic doors includes an attic insulation flange or border for placement over the attic opening frame, the attic insulation flange having a first top end and a second bottom end, an attic insulation jacket having a top wall, parallel side walls, parallel end walls and a bottom panel; and a closure device at the second bottom end of the attic-insulation flange for connecting the attic insulation flange and the attic insulation jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: SOUTHEAST ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventor: Michael L. Arthur
  • Patent number: 9695631
    Abstract: A built-in blind assembly includes light-transmissive first and second outer panels, a blind unit, a frame unit, a top rail unit, and a cord-driving unit. The first and second outer panels face each other. The blind unit is disposed between the first and second outer panels. The frame unit includes a top frame disposed above the blind unit. The top rail unit includes a top rail seat that is connected to the top frame and that defines a top accommodating cavity having an open side adjacent to the second outer panel, and a top cover that is removably connected to the top rail seat. The cord-driving unit is disposed in the top accommodating cavity, is coupled to the blind unit, and is operable to control operation of the blind unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: SHANGHAI KINGSHINE PLASTIC MANUFACTURE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Szu-Chang Huang
  • Patent number: 9695632
    Abstract: A device for aid in feeding a cord through an opening wherein a U-shaped trough wall is provided at the inlet end of the opening to help collect and consolidate any loose ends of the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Anderson, Robert E. Fisher
  • Patent number: 9695633
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening including a first rail, a second rail moveable relative to the first rail, and a lift assembly coupled to the first rail. The lift assembly includes a drum rotatable about an axis, and a brake selectively engageable with the drum. The brake automatically engages the drum to resist the second rail moving away from the first rail; and the brake automatically disengages the drum in response to the second rail moving toward the first rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: SPRINGS WINDOW FASHIONS, LLC
    Inventors: John Morris, Dustin Johnson
  • Patent number: 9695634
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system for automatic calibration of a blinds system installed in a room, comprising: a controller (1, 8, 9) having a memory, a clock and a processor, an occupancy sensor (2, 7), an interior light sensor (3, 7), an exterior light sensor (4). The control system is characterized in that the control system is arranged to run an automated calibration of the blinds system when the exterior light sensor indicates an outside light level above a predetermined threshold, the occupancy sensor indicates that no person is present in the room, and a predetermined time has passed since the last calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventor: Elmo Marcus Attila Diederiks
  • Patent number: 9695635
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an awning roller assembly is provided. The structure provides an awning roller tube having a first end and a second end with a powered groove extending between the ends, in full or in part. The powered groove includes a plurality of tracks having at least one electrical conductor in each track. An accessory base is provided for connection with a plurality of powered accessories, including but not limited to, lights, fans or audio-video equipment. The accessory base provides electrical connection between the powered groove and the accessory to provide improved function in the outdoor living space beneath and around the awning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Dometic Corporation
    Inventors: Brent Alan Taylor, Clayton Hendry Meyers, Kent A. Becker
  • Patent number: 9695636
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a door frame assembly that includes a frame that defines an opening therein for allowing access therethrough. The door frame also includes a door pivotally coupled to a first vertical wire of the of the frame for pivoting the door between an open position and a close position. The door frame further includes a first coupling mechanism and a second coupling mechanism. The first coupling mechanism releasably couples the door to the frame and is formed by a first horizontal wire. The first horizontal wire forms a hooked end protruding outward toward the door and spaced inwardly of the frame to intersect with the opening. The second coupling mechanism releasably couples the door to the frame. The second coupling mechanism includes a portion configured to limit movement of the door relative to the frame until the second portion is pivoted in a direction toward the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Mid-West Metal Products Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Cantwell, Michael E. Greene, Terrance L. Jones, Stew Kerr
  • Patent number: 9695637
    Abstract: A turbine drive may include a rotor that includes multiple turbine blades arranged in one or more turbine stages, as well as a stator cooperating with the rotor to direct fluid against the turbine blades and convert hydraulic, kinetic energy into rotational energy. The rotor may be fixed to the shaft to rotate synchronously therewith. The stator may be formed of multiple components that can be coupled together to define the stator and encompass the turbine blades of the turbine stages of the rotor. Two stator halves may each include vanes for positioning above and below a corresponding turbine stage, to direct fluid against the turbine blades. The stator may also be connected to a housing that encompasses the stator. Longitudinal slots and tabs on the stator and housing may hold the stator stationary relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Somasundaram Valliyappan, Jeffrey N. Dodge
  • Patent number: 9695638
    Abstract: A moving cavity motor or pump, such as a mud motor, comprising: a rotor, a stator, and one or more apparatus for constraining (i.e., controlling or limiting) the movement of the rotor relative to the stator, where the apparatus for constraining is operable with the rotor catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventors: William Murray, Lance D. Underwood, Peter Thomas Cariveau, Brian P. Jarvis, Nigel Wilcox, Brian Williams, Geoffrey Downton, Lawrence Lee, Shun'etsu Onodera, Daniel Alvarado, Maxim Pushkarev, Gokturk Tunc, Andrei Plop
  • Patent number: 9695639
    Abstract: An assembly for use to cement an uncased wellbore and create a sidetrack of a wellbore with a single trip into the wellbore. The assembly includes a mill selectively connected to a whipstock. A snorkel tube is positioned within a bore of the mill and within a bore of the whipstock. The assembly is connected to drill string and positioned within an openhole portion of the wellbore. After the assembly has been anchored, cement may be pumped down the drill string and through the snorkel tube. The mill may be removed from the whipstock by shearing a shearable device connecting the mill to the whipstock. The mill is used engage a diverting surface on the whipstock and create a sidetrack. The mill may also mill a portion of the snorkel tube or the snorkel tube may be removed from wellbore up the drill string prior to milling the sidetrack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ray P. Vincent, Nicholas K. Tonti
  • Patent number: 9695640
    Abstract: A drill head is provided with three main cutting edges each having a straight direction of extension with a predominant radial direction component. The directions of extension limit two adjacent main bore dust discharge sectors, each spanning a main sector angle. Three drill head cutting legs each forming a main cutting edge where the three main cutting edges have different lengths along their directions of extension. Concentric ring shaped removal areas overlap at least partially such that a triple removal area coverage is provided in an outer ring zone and a double removal area coverage is provided in an inner ring zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: IRWIN INDUSTRIAL TOOL COMPANY
    Inventors: Rainer Eggers, Florian Probst, Walter Hulm, Manfred Geier
  • Patent number: 9695641
    Abstract: A drill bit for drilling a borehole in an earthen formation includes a connection member having a pin end. In addition, the drill bit includes a bit body coupled to the connection member and configured to rotate relative to the connection member about a central axis of the bit. The bit body includes a bit face. Further, the drill bit includes a blade extending radially along the bit face. Still further, the drill bit includes a plurality of cutter elements mounted to a cutter-supporting surface of the blade. Moreover, the drill bit includes a depth-of-cut limiting structure slidably disposed in a bore extending axially from the cutter-supporting surface. The depth-of-cut limiting structure is configured to move axially relative to the bit body in response to rotation of the bit body relative to the connection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL DHT, L.P.
    Inventors: Aaron E. Schen, Curtis Clifford Lanning, Christopher C. Propes, Jacob D. Riddel
  • Patent number: 9695642
    Abstract: A drilling system is disclosed. The drilling system includes a drill string and a drill tool coupled to the drill string. The drill tool includes a cylindrical body. The drill tool further includes a plurality of blades on exterior portions of the cylindrical body. Additionally, the drill tool includes an instrumented cutting element on one of the plurality of blades. The instrumented cutting element includes a cutting table and a substrate coupled to the cutting table. The substrate includes a cavity. The instrumented cutting element further includes a core in the cavity and an electrical connector coupled to the substrate. The instrumented cutting element further includes a coil wire coupled to the electrical connector and surrounding portions of the core. The coil wire is configured to generate a signal in response to the instrumented cutting element being proximate to a magnetizable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Thomas Hay
  • Patent number: 9695643
    Abstract: A pipe mat for use with a tubing tray for receiving, organizing and storing drill pipe tripped out of a drill string on a drilling rig has a plurality of substantially parallel and spaced-apart support rails to form a plurality of drain channels disposed between adjacent pair of support rails. A plurality of substantially parallel and spaced-apart nub rails is disposed on the plurality of support rails. The nub rails are substantially orthogonal to the support rails, thereby forming a lattice structure having openings disposed between the nub rails that are in communication with the drain channels. A plurality of spaced-apart pipe nubs extend upwardly from the nub rails, which hold a drill pipe in place when an end of the drill pipe is placed onto one of the pipe nubs. A method for collecting fluids draining from drill pipe uses the pipe mat with the tubing tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Katch Kan Holdings Ltd.
    Inventors: Quinn A. J. Holtby, Dallas Laird Greenwood
  • Patent number: 9695644
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a smart riser handling tool are disclosed. The riser handling tool may be movable to manipulate an equipment asset, such as a riser component. The riser handling tool may include one or more sensors for measuring one or more properties associated with the equipment asset, and a communication system coupled to the one or more sensors to communicate data indicative of the one or more measured properties to an operator monitoring system. In some embodiments, the riser handling tool may include an electronic identification reader for identifying the equipment asset, and the communication system may be coupled to the electronic identification reader to communicate data indicative of the equipment asset identification to the operator monitoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Drill-Quip Inc.
    Inventors: Blake T. DeBerry, Morris B. Wade
  • Patent number: 9695645
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly positionable in a wellbore includes an upper longitudinal member having an electrical conductor disposed therein; a lower longitudinal member having an electrical conductor disposed therein; a telescoping electrically conductive assembly; and an electrical contact member disposed around and movably contacting the electrical conductor of the lower longitudinal member and movably contacting an inner surface of the upper longitudinal member. The assembly further includes an outer housing including a telescoping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Darin Tilley, John Kenneth Snyder
  • Patent number: 9695646
    Abstract: A wireline coupler that connects a first data wireline to a second data wireline comprises: a first housing that is attached to the first data wireline, wherein the first housing comprises an electromagnet; a second housing that is attached to the second data wireline, wherein the second housing comprises a metal; wherein the electromagnet forms a magnetic field when electrical data flows in the first wireline, and wherein the magnetic field attracts the metal of the second housing and causes the first housing to connect with the second housing, such that first data wireline is operationally connected with the second data wireline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William B Grice
  • Patent number: 9695647
    Abstract: A retainer and guide ring includes a first ring half and a second ring half that when placed adjacent to one another forms a complete ring. The retainer and guide ring also includes a kerf that is formed between ends of each of the first and second ring halves, which ranges from about zero inches to about 0.010 inches. In some exemplary embodiments, the retainer and guide ring is formed by obtaining two identical rings and making a cut along an edge of the diameter on each ring thereby forming a larger ring arc and a smaller ring arc for each of the rings. The two larger ring arcs are used to form the retainer and guide ring. In another exemplary embodiment, the retainer and guide ring is formed by obtaining a single ring and making a cut along the diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: VAREL INTERNATIONAL IND., L.P.
    Inventors: Ross Bassinger, Grey Bassinger, William W. King
  • Patent number: 9695648
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that forms a piping thread form of four threads per inch pipe (TPI). The thread form is configured to have a load flank, a load flank angle, a stab flank, a stab flank angle, a crest, and a root. Hydrostatic pressure tests using the 4-round thread form at pressures of 4,500 psi and greater resulted in failures due to thread leaks. Tensile tests using the 4-round thread form at loads of 187,400 lbs. and greater resulted in shearing at forces of 3,535 psi and greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: FUTURE PIPE INDUSTRIES GROUP LIMITED
    Inventor: Lawrence Moore
  • Patent number: 9695649
    Abstract: An interlock pipe joint includes a first and second tubular member. In some embodiments, an interrupted thread box and pin make up the interlock pipe joint. In other embodiments, a stepped interrupted thread box and pin make up the interlock pipe joint. In other embodiments, a twist-lock box and pin make up the interlock pipe joint. In some embodiments, an external or internal bushing is provided. In a method of operation, the first tubular member is inserted into the second tubular member by an axial insertion followed by a rotation to lock the pipe joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: NABORS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Chris Magnuson, Enrique Abarca
  • Patent number: 9695650
    Abstract: A gripping tool includes a gripping element and at least one gripping surface formed on the gripping element. The at least one gripping surface includes a plurality of teeth extending from the gripping element an outer layer. A method to surface process a gripping surface of a gripping tool includes providing the gripping surface in an environment comprising a source of additive material and heating the gripping surface at a temperature and a time to diffuse the additive material a depth into the gripping surface to form a diffusion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Frank's International, LLC
    Inventors: Brennan S. Domec, Jeremy Richard Angelle
  • Patent number: 9695651
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a tubular connection in the form of a liner tieback connection or a liner hanger in a slim hole well as found in deep wells. When installing the casing sections, a first casing section having a profiled surface distinct from a surface of an adjacent casing section is provided. A liner is run into the first casing section and a part of a portion is radially expanded to morph against the inner surface of the first casing section at the profiled surface and form a sealed joint. Various arrangements of profiled surfaces are provided. The liner may also have a profiled surface. By adapting the casing section to receive the liner directly, a slim hole well construction is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew John Joseph Gorrara, Daniel O'Brien, Peter Wood
  • Patent number: 9695652
    Abstract: A system and method for splicing a non-spoolable tool anywhere along a coiled tubing string. A removable tubing section may be connected along a coiled tubing string by two spoolable connectors. The coiled tubing string may be unspooled from a reel until the removable tubing section and connectors are positioned within a work window. The removable tubing section may be disconnected from the tubing string through the work window and a tool may be connected to the coiled tubing string via the two connectors. The tool may then be positioned within a wellbore by insertion of the coiled tubing string. The tool may aid in the insertion of the coiled tubing string into the wellbore. A portion of the wellhead may be disconnected and raised to expose the connectors to permit the removal of the removable tubing section and the connection of a non-spoolable tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Imcorporated
    Inventors: John G. Misselbrook, Craig Chabert