Patents Issued in July 25, 2017
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Patent number: 9714534Abstract: A hydraulic door closer is disclosed. The hydraulic door closer may include a top cap surrounded by an O-ring that is located at the top of the hydraulic door closer housing opposite a spindle to seal the hydraulic fluid within the housing. In addition to or in lieu of the top cap design, the door closer may include a locking washer to secure the valves to the housing; epoxy and an O-ring at the interface between the top cap and the housing of the door closer; use of a dual-walled rubber seal around the spindle; use of dual O-rings on each valve stems; use of caps that are made of the same material as the housing instead of aluminum and use of epoxy on the end caps; and/or use of backcheck with an adjustable spring.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: International Door Closers, Inc.Inventors: Danny Dean DeGott, Siho Sung
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Patent number: 9714535Abstract: A vehicle such as an automobile includes: a vehicle body having an opening; an opening-closing member that closes the opening; a drive member that drives the opening-closing member so as to open and/or close the opening; a controller that controls the drive member to control the opening-closing member between a fully open position and a fully closed position; and an elastic member provided at a mating portion of the closed opening-closing member and the vehicle body and inserted between the closed opening-closing member and the vehicle body. The controller controls the drive member in a stopping state of the vehicle and opens the opening-closing member from the fully closed position so as to reduce a pressure acting upon the elastic member.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroshi Natsui, Isao Itoi, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Noriyasu Tanaka, Tetsuro Takahashi, Hiroaki Fujino, Naoto Watanabe
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Patent number: 9714536Abstract: Described are trimless door frames and energy absorbing door stops. The energy absorbing door stop allows for relative movement between the door stop and the surrounding door frame. The relative movement of the energy absorbing door stop helps to distribute and dissipate forces and vibrations from opening and closing a door, reducing the levels of force transferred into the surrounding wall. The reduction in forces applied to the wall allows for the elimination of heavy door framing and trim. Since door trim is no longer necessary, trimless door frames may be installed with a smooth appearance without cracks appearing in the surrounding wall due to stress or fatigue.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: FRY REGLET CORPORATIONInventors: William J. Timko, Mark E. Brinkman
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Patent number: 9714537Abstract: A door communication device for use with a door. The door communication device includes a rotatable message wheel for selectively displaying a selected one of a plurality of messages and a rotatable shaft that provides an optical viewing pathway through the door. The shaft is formed from an intumescent material that expands to block the bore of the shaft when sufficiently heated, such as by a fire, to inhibit the passage of heated air and smoke through the door.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Basic Design Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Jay A. Maher
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Patent number: 9714538Abstract: A includes upper and lower rails, a blind unit, a reel unit, mounted to the upper rail, two pull cords, a retarding unit mounted to the upper rail, and a ladder-string adjusting unit. The retarding unit includes two retarders each of which includes a bracket, a first retarding shaft mounted to a lateral wall of the bracket, and a rod member mounted to an end wall of the bracket. The ladder-string adjusting unit includes two ladder-string seats respectively mounted to the brackets of the retarders, a connecting rod interconnecting the ladder-string seats, and two ladder strings connected to the blind unit. Each of the ladder-string seats is located above the rod member and the first retarding shaft of the corresponding retarder.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: TAICANG KINGFU PLASTIC MANUFACTURE CO., LTD.Inventor: Szu-Chang Huang
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Patent number: 9714539Abstract: A winding shaft drive (1, 1A, 101, 101A, 102, 102A) is arranged for operating a retractable covering for an architectural opening. The winding shaft drive includes an at least partially hollow winding shaft (7); a driving member (3, 103) for inducing rotation to the winding shaft; and a shaft brake adapted to be operated by the driving member. The shaft brake includes a preassembled module (5) for accommodation in the at least partially hollow winding shaft (7) and has first coupling means (67) on one axial end thereof for transmitting rotative forces and second coupling means (69) on the same one axial end for transmitting non-rotative stationary forces. The driving member has a driving hub (11, 111) for removably coupling to the first coupling means (67) and a stationary connector (17, 17A, 117, 117A) for removably coupling to the second coupling means (69). A shaft brake module (5) and a driving member (3, 103) are specifically adapted for use in the winding shaft drive.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2012Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BVInventor: Jorg Bohlen
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Patent number: 9714540Abstract: The present invention concerns a fast roll-up door for closing an aperture (20), said roll- up door comprising: (a) a curtain (1) having two opposite and parallel lateral edges extending along a longitudinal direction, and two opposite end edges joining the lateral edges, the curtain comprising a continuous bead (3b) extending parallel and adjacent to each of the two lateral edges, said continuous beads (3b) being held in, (b) a pair of elongated guiding rails (4) suitable for interacting with the continuous beads (3b) of the lateral edges of the curtain, for holding said lateral edges, and for guiding them as the curtain is being wound or unwound about a rotating axle, X1, characterized in that, the curtain comprises a plurality of windows (8) of same geometry and evenly distributed along a line the continuous beads (3b) of the lateral edges of the curtain and in that, the roll-up door further comprises a speed device (10) for detecting and monitoring during the winding and unwinding of the curtain abouType: GrantFiled: February 10, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: ASSA ABLOY ENTRANCE SYSTEMS ABInventors: Mauro Lorenzani, Armando Vecchi
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Patent number: 9714541Abstract: A ladder top for a stepladder includes a plane having a front and a rear. The plane has a bin for holding small parts and having a shape to hold a propane tank adjacent the front of the plane. The plane has at least one screwdriver hole. The plane has a drill holster. The plane has a hammer/pipe wrench hole. The plane has a channel lock slot. The plane has a pipe holder extending along the length of the pipe for holding pipe. A method for using a ladder top for a stepladder.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Werner Co.Inventor: Kyle G. Astor
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Patent number: 9714542Abstract: A ladder storage assembly for storing tools on a ladder includes a saddle that may be removably coupled to a top step of a ladder. A tray is removably coupled to the saddle. Thus, the tray is secured to the ladder. The tray may contain a plurality of tools thereby facilitating the tools to be accessible from the ladder.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Inventor: Daniel John Harcz
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Patent number: 9714543Abstract: A downhole stabilizer (5), such as a drill motor stabilizer, comprises at least one reaming means and/or reinforcing means (10). The present invention also relates to an assembly (30), such as a downhole drilling assembly (31), comprising at least one such stabilizer (5) and/or a drill bit (40,41) comprising a gauge bit (42) at or near a drilling end (45) thereof, and a connection means (46) for connecting the drill bit (40,41) to a drill motor assembly (60), wherein the drill bit gauge (42) comprises a substantially cylindrical portion having a length less than or equal to approximately 1.0 times the nominal bit diameter. The present invention also relates to a novel locking mechanism (80), such as a lock and key mechanism, to allow locking of a shaft (70?), e.g. a motor drive shaft (71?), through or together with a stabilizer (5?).Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Andrew McPherson Downie, Pascal Michel Vitale, Bachar Boussi
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Patent number: 9714544Abstract: A reamer for use in underground drilling back-reaming operations. The reamer comprises a body comprising a plurality of pockets. The pockets are configured such that an arm, a rolling cutter, and a retainer may fit within each of the pockets. Each of the rolling cutters is connected to each of the arms via a spindle. The rolling cutters are held on the spindle and connected to each of the pockets via a retainer. Each of the arms are secured to each of the pockets via a plurality of fasteners. A mechanical lock is used to secure at least one of the fasteners in place. Each of the arms comprise a grease passage and a pressure compensation system. The rolling cutters are replaceable with rolling cutters of like size or rolling cutters of different sizes and shapes.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventor: Floyd R. Gunsaulis
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Patent number: 9714545Abstract: Polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutting elements include leached and un-leached regions. The leached region may be or include a leached annular region. An inner boundary of the leached annular region remote from a side surface of the polycrystalline diamond may have a non-linear profile in a plane extending through the PDC cutting element along a longitudinal axis of the cutting element. Methods of forming PDC cutting elements include configuring polycrystalline diamond of a PDC cutting element to have such a leached annular region with a non-linear profile. Earth-boring tools may be formed that include such PDC cutting elements.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Anthony A. DiGiovanni, David A. Stockey
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Patent number: 9714546Abstract: An offshore drilling rig comprising a drill deck, at least one work center arranged in the drill deck; a diverter system operatively connectable at least to a riser extending towards the seafloor; a hoisting system adapted for raising or lowering tubular equipment through the work center; wherein the offshore drilling rig comprises a first positioning system configured for positioning at least the work center and/or the diverter system and/or a riser tensioning system selectively at a first horizontal position and a second horizontal position, different from the first horizontal position; and wherein the hoisting system is operable to raise or lower tubular equipment through the work center when said work center is positioned at said first horizontal position.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: MAERSK DRILLING A/SInventors: Michael Kannegaard, Allan McColl, Jesper Holck
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Patent number: 9714547Abstract: A riser joint connection includes a box connector having a box preload fixture, a pin connector having a pin preload fixture, at least one shear element configured to fit into at least one shear element cavity defined by a box connector shear groove in alignment with a pin connector shear groove, wherein the at least one shear element contacts load surfaces of the pin connector and the box connector.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2009Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.Inventors: Jason Post Curtiss, III, Harris A. Reynolds, Jr.
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Patent number: 9714548Abstract: A borehole logging instrument sonde employs a case in which support electronics including a processor are mounted. A rotatable platform is mounted within the case and carries an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a roll axis gyroscope. A motor is adapted to rotate the rotatable platform within the case. The processor receives an input from the roll axis gyroscope and provides an output to the motor responsive to the input for control of rotation of the platform to space stabilize and isolate the IMU from the roll of the instrument sonde.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: FLEXIT AUSTRALIA PTY LTD.Inventors: Timothy M. Price, Cory Wilson, Christopher Thomas Koplan
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Patent number: 9714549Abstract: Adjustable drill string housings are described for use in the directional drilling of wellbores, e.g. wellbores for hydrocarbon recovery wells. The adjustable drill string housings permit adjustment of a bend angle in the housings without removing the housings from a wellbore. In some exemplary embodiments, the bend angle can be adjusted by changing the internal stresses in a support member carried by the housings. In other embodiments, the bend angle may be adjusted by causing failure of sacrificial support members carried by the housings, and the failure may be caused by delivering chemicals through a chemical delivery system to the sacrificial support members. Methods of operating the adjustable drill string housings include multi-lateral drilling operations wherein the bend angle is adjusted when a casing window has been detected.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Gustav E. Lange, Fraser Wheeler
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Patent number: 9714550Abstract: The present invention is a reel apparatus, system and method of using same that may utilize sensors and proximity sensors in determining the rotational direction of an offshore reel as a component of maintaining a constant tension and constant slippage setting on the umbilical of the offshore reel as the radius to the umbilical varies and the deployment direction is reversed.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Reel Power Licensing Corp.Inventor: Benton Frederick Baugh
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Patent number: 9714551Abstract: A plug for well drilling process comprising: (a) a mandrel formed from a degradable material; (b) a pair of rings placed on an outer peripheral surface existing in the orthogonal to an axial direction of the mandrel, at least one of the rings being formed from a degradable material; and (c) at least one diameter-expandable circular rubber member placed at a position between the pair of rings on the outer peripheral surface existing in the orthogonal to the axial direction of the mandrel; the percentage of mass loss in the degradable material after immersion for 72 hours in water at a temperature of 150° C. preferably being from 5 to 100%; and a well drilling method comprising the step of plugging well hole using the plug for well drilling process, wherein part or all of the plug for well drilling process degrades after the plugging.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: KUREHA CORPORATIONInventors: Masayuki Okura, Takeo Takahashi
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Patent number: 9714552Abstract: A well comprising: (a) a safety mechanism, the safety mechanism comprising: (i) an obstructing member moveable between a first position where fluid flow is permitted, and a second position where fluid flow is restricted; (ii) a movement mechanism; (iii) and a wireless receiver, adapted to receive a wireless signal; wherein the movement mechanism is operable to move the obstructing member from one of the first and second positions to the other of the first and second positions in response to a change in the signal being received by the wireless receiver; (b) sensors to detect a parameter in the well, in the vicinity of the safety mechanism; wherein a sensor is provided above and a sensor is provided below the safety mechanism. Embodiments of the invention have acoustic and/or electromagnetic receivers or transceivers.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Metrol Technology LimitedInventors: Shaun Compton Ross, Leslie David Jarvis
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Patent number: 9714553Abstract: A well packer includes an expandable member carried on a mandrel, the mandrel including a groove formed on at least a portion of an outer radial surface of the mandrel; a back-up assembly carried on the mandrel adjacent the expandable member; and a fold back assembly carried on the mandrel adjacent the back-up assembly, the fold back assembly including a snap ring carried on the mandrel and adapted to move into the groove and adjust the expandable member into an expanded position in substantially sealing contact with a tubular.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Robert Delzell, William Mark Richards, William David Henderson, Bryon Mullen
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Patent number: 9714554Abstract: A downhole plug and a method of releasing a portion of the plug. The plug has a run-in configuration, a deployed configuration, and a released configuration. The plug includes a mandrel, a bull nose, and a cone and an expandable slip. The expandable slip has an external gripping surface. The plug includes an inner and outer sleeve, where the outer sleeve is concentric around the inner sleeve and the inner sleeve is concentric with the mandrel. The inner sleeve is slidable about but releasingly coupled to the mandrel. The inner sleeve is slidable about the outer sleeve but releasingly coupled to the outer sleeve in both the run-in configuration and in the deployed configuration. The inner sleeve is coupled with the mandrel in the run-in configuration and in the deployed configuration, but uncoupled and slidable about the mandrel in the released configuration.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Inventors: Robert B. Cook, Glenn M. Walls
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Patent number: 9714555Abstract: A method of plugging a well extending into a hydrocarbon bearing formation fascilitates temporary or permanent abandonment of the well. The method includes detonating one or more explosive charges within a tubular or tubulars extending through the well in order to remove, fragment and or cut one or more sections of the tubulars around the entire circumference of the well to expose the surrounding formation or cement. The well is then filled in the region of the exposed surrounding formation or cement with a sealing material so as to form one or more plugs within the well to seal the well.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: STATOIL PETROLEUM ASInventors: Halvor Kjørholt, Gisle Stjern
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Patent number: 9714556Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid flow from a first location to a second location includes a body, a valve, a shear seal, and a biasing member. The body has a fluid conduit and a chamber. The conduit has an inlet that communicates with the first location and an outlet that communicates with the second location. The valve is disposed in the chamber and has a seal separating the chamber into a pressure section and a flow section. The pressure section communicates with the outlet via an outlet fluid branch. The shear seal has a movable sealing element disposed on the valve and a stationary sealing element disposed in the body. The biasing member urges the valve to a closed position wherein the stationary sealing element sealingly engages the movable sealing element. Pressure communicated by the outlet fluid branch also urges the valve to the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Shawn A. Olsen, Harry W. Bullock
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Patent number: 9714557Abstract: A sliding sleeve opens with a deployed ball. The sleeve has a seat disposed in the housing, and the seat has segments biased outward from one another with a C-ring or other biasing element. Initially, the seat has an expanded state in the sliding sleeve so that the seats segments expand outward against the housing's bore. When an appropriately sized ball is deployed downhole, the ball engages the expanded seat. Fluid pressure applied against the seated ball moves the seat into the inner sleeve's bore. As this occurs, the seat contracts, which increases the engagement area of the seat with the ball. Eventually, the seat reaches the shoulder in the inner sleeve so that pressure applied against the seated ball now moves the inner sleeve in the housing to open the sliding sleeve's flow port.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventor: Cesar G. Garcia
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Patent number: 9714558Abstract: A method for forming a lateral junction in an open hole section of a wellbore includes lowering a tubular member through a cased section of the wellbore. Thereafter, the tubular member is expanded in an open hole section of the wellbore, thereby anchoring the tubular member in the wellbore in a manner that leaves an open hole section of the wellbore between the expanded, tubular member and the cased section. Thereafter, a window is formed in a sidewall of the tubular member, and a lateral wellbore is drilled through the window.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Ronald Gordon Barker, Douglas Brian Farley, William Clifford Hogg
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Patent number: 9714559Abstract: A downhole tool for treating a zone adjacent a wellbore, comprising a body having at least two separable portions, the portions operable to open and close a fluid path through the tool, and at least one manipulator, like a spring-loaded finger, to establish a fluid path between an interior and exterior of the wellbore, thereby permitting a zone adjacent the wellbore to be treated. In another embodiment a method is disclosed for treating a zone of interest adjacent a wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Lev Ring, Cesar G. Garcia
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Patent number: 9714560Abstract: Treatment fluids suitable for use in subterranean operations may include a base fluid; a protected scale inhibitor; and at least one selected from the group consisting of (1) a metal crosslinker and a gelling agent, (2) an amine-based resin curing agent and an epoxy-based composition, and (3) any combination thereof, wherein the protected scale inhibitor is a scale inhibitor with at least one chelating group functionalized with a protecting group.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventor: Thomas Donovan Welton
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Patent number: 9714561Abstract: A method of separating a multiphase fluid, the fluid including a relatively high density component and a relatively low density component, that includes introducing the fluid into a separation region; imparting a rotational movement into the multiphase fluid; forming an outer annular region of rotating fluid of predetermined thickness within the separation region; and forming and maintaining a core of fluid in an inner region. Fluid entering the separation vessel is directed into the outer annular region and the thickness of the outer annular region is such that the high density component is concentrated and substantially contained within this region, the low density component being concentrated in the rotating core. A separation system employing the method is also provided. The method and system are particularly suitable for the separation of solid debris from the fluids produced by a subterranean oil or gas well at wellhead flow pressure.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventor: Hans Paul Hopper
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Patent number: 9714562Abstract: A downhole communications module for connecting with a string of downhole logging tools includes an optical annunciator and a communications port deployed in corresponding apertures in a tool body. The aperture housing the annunciator is sealed by a port plug having an optically transparent window. The aperture housing the communications port is sealed by a removable plug. A controller is deployed in the tool body and includes a memory module in electronic communication with the communications port. The controller is further configured to control operation of the annunciator.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Jonathan Yeboah, Sebastine Ujereh, Emil Steve Macha, Laurent Villegas, Christopher S. Del Campo
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Patent number: 9714563Abstract: A ranging system calculates the distance, direction and orientation of a target well through rotationally invariant analysis of triaxial electric and magnetic field measurements from a bottom hole assembly (“BHA”) having electromagnetic sensors. The triaxial electric and magnetic field sensors can be deployed in any downhole device without explicitly needing to process or retrieve rotational information about the downhole BHA or wireline device. Also, the distance, direction and orientation of the target well can be retrieved from a single measurement position.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Glenn A. Wilson, Burkay Donderici
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Patent number: 9714564Abstract: A method for determining a configuration of a mechanical actuator coupled to a drilling shaft in a drilling shaft deflection device of a rotary steerable subterranean drill. The method includes receiving, at a controller, data representative of a present rotary position of a rotor of an electronically commutated deflector motor of a drilling shaft deflection device of a rotary steerable subterranean drill. The rotor is operatively coupled by a fixed-ratio transmission to a mechanical actuator comprising a drilling shaft receiver coupled about a portion of a deflectable drilling shaft of the drilling shaft deflection device. The method includes determining, at the controller, the present position of the drilling shaft receiver in dependence upon the received data representative of the present rotary position of the rotor of the electronically commutated deflector motor.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC.Inventor: Jonathan Peter Zacharko
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Patent number: 9714565Abstract: A method for using a drilling fluid test device including a test cell including a perforated plate disposed proximate a first end of the test cell, a piston disposed within the cell, a first chamber formed between the perforated plate and the piston, the first chamber configured to receive lost circulation material (LCM), a second chamber formed between the piston and a second end of the test cell, the piston providing a seal between the first and second chambers, a fluid inlet disposed proximate the second end of the test cell configured to introduce fluid into a second chamber of the test cell, a filtrate outlet disposed proximate the first end of the test cell to discharge filtrate, and a pump in communication with the fluid inlet.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: M-I L.L.C.Inventors: Aaron Blue, John D. Moffitt, Ahmed Said Amer
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Patent number: 9714566Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage devices for determining a location of an acoustic source outside of a borehole. The method relates to indicating a radial distance to the borehole, an offset along the borehole, and an azimuthal position around the borehole, of the acoustic source. The method includes receiving acoustic signals from respective acoustic sensors spaced along a tool lowered within the borehole. Using the acoustic signals and a borehole model, stacked energies are calculated for different radial distances from the borehole. At least one of the stacked energies is translated to an indication of a radial distance of the acoustic source from the borehole. The stacked energy for a radial distance is computed by offsetting the acoustic data signals in time in accordance the borehole model, summing the offset acoustic data signals to produce a stacked signal, and evaluating energy of the stacked signal over a time window.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Batakrishna Mandal
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Patent number: 9714567Abstract: A wellbore E-field wireless communication system, the communication system comprising a first E-field antenna, and a second E-field antenna, wherein the first antenna, and the second antenna are both arranged in a common compartment, such as an annulus of a wellbore and further arranged for transferring a signal between a first connector of the first E-field antenna and a second connector of the second E-field antenna by radio waves.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Sensor Development ASInventors: Øivind Godager, Fan-Nian Kong
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Patent number: 9714568Abstract: Event-based telemetry for artificial lift in wells is described. An example downhole system can sense triggering events and anomalies in a well or electrical submersible pump (ESP) string, and send information about the triggering event with priority to a monitoring and control system. A telemetry manager can select specific sensors to address the triggering event, and then determine how frequently the selected sensors acquire or sample sensor data. The telemetry manager may then assemble a data stream that prioritizes the sensor data for transmission on limited bandwidth, thereby sending the most important data about the triggering event with the highest priority, even when there is limited transmission bandwidth available.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Dudi Abdullah Rendusara, Luis Parra, Adrian Ronald Francis
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Patent number: 9714569Abstract: A pressure measurement apparatus for a downhole measurement-while-drilling tool comprises a feed through connector and a pressure transducer. The feed through connector comprises a body with opposing first and second ends, at least one electrical interconnection extending axially through the body and out of both ends, and a pressure transducer receptacle in the first end and a communications bore extending from the receptacle to the second end. The pressure transducer is seated in the receptacle such that a pressure at the first end can be measured, and comprises at least one electrical contact that extends from the pressure transducer through the communication bore and out of the second end. The pressure transducer can take pressure measurements for predicting wear of a primary seal in a motor subassembly of the tool, detect a pressure-related battery failure event, and control operation of a dual pulse height fluid pressure pulse generator.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.Inventors: Aaron W. Logan, Jili Liu, David A. Switzer, Justin C. Logan
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Patent number: 9714570Abstract: A downhole tool having multiple packers and a controller operable to operate the packers to establish upper, middle, and lower intervals. The controller then establishes the upper and lower intervals at formation pressure, and establishes the middle interval at hydrostatic pressure. The controller then creates a pressure signal in one of the upper and lower intervals and then records a resulting pressure transient in both of the upper and lower intervals. The controller is also operable to establish the middle interval at formation pressure and establish the upper and lower intervals at below hydrostatic pressure but above formation pressure, and then create the pressure signal in the middle interval and subsequently record a resulting pressure transient in the middle interval.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: Adriaan Gisolf
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Patent number: 9714571Abstract: A downhole sampling tool includes a cam configured to rotate about a central axis. Two or more pistons engage a cam track such that rotation of the cam causes the pistons to reciprocate between first and second piston positions. Corresponding fluid flow lines are opened and closed when corresponding ones of the plurality of pistons reciprocate between the first and second piston positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: Chen Tao
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Patent number: 9714572Abstract: A reduced noise screw expander is described, which comprises a main rotor and a gate rotor each having an ‘N’ profile. The rotors are designed so that the torque on the gate rotor caused by pressure forces is in the same direction as the torque on the gate rotor caused by frictional drag forces. A method of designing a screw machine exhibiting reduced noise is also described. The screw machine has two or more rotors having an ‘N’ profile, and the method involves determining a ratio r/r1, where r is the main rotor addendum and r1 is the radius of the rack round side, and ensuring that this ratio is greater than 1.1 where the screw machine is to be a screw compressor or less than or equal to 1.1 where the screw machine is to be a screw expander.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: The City UniversityInventor: Nikola Rudi Stosic
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Patent number: 9714573Abstract: A rotor mechanism for use in moving fluid. The rotor mechanism has six rotor units spherically arranged, with at least one rotor unit including a port through it's body. Each rotor has the form of a truncated cone with two symmetric spiral recesses provided on the lateral surface of the rotor which acts to cooperate with the adjacent rotors. Rotation of at least one rotor unit causes rotation of adjacent rotor units which thereby moves fluid without compression between the outside of the mechanism and the port via a central substantially spherical free space cavity formed by the cooperation of inner surfaces of the rotor units. The rotor mechanism is fully submersible.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: ROTOMOTOR LIMITEDInventors: Jonathan Roy Graham Marsh, Victor Darievich Svet, Natalia Nikolaevna Komissarova
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Patent number: 9714574Abstract: A rotatory internal combustion engine includes a power module, a housing configured to retain the power module and including an intake and an exhaust, and a first sleeve including a sleeve intake, a sleeve exhaust, and an injector port. The first sleeve is removably coupleable within the housing to form an intake flow path between the housing intake and the sleeve intake, and an exhaust flow path between the housing exhaust and the sleeve exhaust. The first sleeve is interchangeable with a second sleeve that has at least one of a sleeve intake, a sleeve exhaust, and an injector port different than the corresponding sleeve intake, sleeve exhaust, and injector port of the first sleeve, and that is configured to modify at least one of a torque output of the engine, a power output of the engine, and a fuel timing of the engine, compared to the first sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: GoTek Energy, Inc.Inventors: Steven Lee Herbruck, Bradley Scott Farrenkopf
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Patent number: 9714575Abstract: A propeller is provided including a hub and a first blade group and a second blade group. The first blade group includes at least one first propeller blade and the second blade group includes at least one second propeller blade. The at least one first propeller blade and the at least one second propeller blade are mounted to and equidistantly spaced about the hub. The at least one first propeller blade of the first blade group has at least one geometric characteristic different from the at least one propeller blade of the second blade group. The different blade groups will generate different noise signatures over a wider range of frequencies allowing for the design of low noise propeller systems.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventors: Chad M. Henze, Daniel W. Shannon, Robert Hans Schlinker
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Patent number: 9714576Abstract: A riblet structure for a flow surface is provided. The riblet structure has a multitude of riblets that comprise a matrix material which includes reinforcement elements. The reinforcement elements can be designed as reinforcement fibers that extend in the longitudinal direction or as particles. In this manner the abrasion resistance can be improved and erosion can be retarded.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2012Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBHInventors: Peter Sander, Jan Reh
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Patent number: 9714577Abstract: Embodiments of a gas turbine engine rotor including stress relief features are provided, as are embodiments of method for producing a gas turbine engine rotor. In one embodiment, the method includes producing a hub preform in which a plurality of elongated sacrificial cores are embedded. Blades are attached to an outer circumference of the hub preform by, for example, bonding a blade ring to the outer circumference of the preform. The blades are spaced about the rotational axis of the gas turbine engine rotor and circumferentially interspersed with the plurality of elongated sacrificial cores. The plurality of elongated sacrificial cores are then removed from the hub preform to yield a plurality of stress distribution tunnels extending in the hub preform.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Harry Lester Kington, Brian Hann
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Patent number: 9714578Abstract: A method of depositing abradable coating on an engine component is provided wherein the engine component is formed of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) and one or more layers, including at least one environmental barrier coating, may be disposed on the outer layer of the CMC. An outermost layer of the structure may further comprise a porous abradable layer that is disposed on the environmental barrier coating and provides a breakable structure which inhibits blade damage. The abradable layer may be gel-cast on the component and sintered or may be direct written by extrusion process and subsequently sintered.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Glen Harold Kirby
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Patent number: 9714579Abstract: An airfoil blade (2) of a bearingless rotor of a helicopter. Said airfoil blade (2) has a pitch axis from a tip end to a root end and said root end is provided with junction means for a separable junction arrangement of said airfoil blade (2) with a flexbeam head (13), and a control cuff (4, 22). Said junction arrangement is mechanical with removable fasteners respectively removable connecting said root end of said airfoil blade (2) to said control cuff (4, 22) and said flexbeam head (13). Said root end comprises at least two openings (7, 8) being asymmetric with regard to said pitch axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventors: Gerald Kuntze-Fechner, Markus Bauer, Martin Ortner
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Patent number: 9714580Abstract: This disclosure relates to a gas turbine engine including a first engine component and a second engine component. The first engine component has a mate face adjacent a mate face of the second engine component. The engine further includes a seal provided between the mate face of the first engine component and the mate face of the second engine component. The seal includes least one trough.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas N. Slavens, Sasha M. Moore, Nicholas M. LoRicco
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Patent number: 9714581Abstract: A Rankine cycle apparatus (1A) of the present disclosure includes a main circuit (10), a heat exchange portion (HX), a bypass flow path (20), a flow rate-adjusting mechanism (3), and a pair of temperature sensors (7A). The main circuit (10) is formed by an expander (11), a condenser (13), a pump (14), and an evaporator (15) that are circularly connected in this order. The heat exchange portion (HX) is located in the main circuit (10) at a position between an outlet of the expander (11) and an inlet of the pump (14). The bypass flow path (20) branches from the main circuit (10) at a position between an outlet of the evaporator (15) and an inlet of the expander (11), and joins to the main circuit (10) at a position between the outlet of the expander (11) and an inlet of the heat exchange portion (HX). The flow rate-adjusting mechanism (3) adjusts the flow rate of the working fluid in the bypass flow path (20).Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Atsuo Okaichi, Osao Kido, Takumi Hikichi, Osamu Kosuda, Masaya Honma, Masanobu Wada
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Patent number: 9714582Abstract: A sensor assembly for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The sensor assembly includes a bushing and a probe. The probe includes a body, an anti-vortex tip, and a tip end. The body extends from the bushing and includes a body surface. The body surface is a right circular cylinder with a first diameter. The anti-vortex tip extends from the body and includes an anti-vortex tip surface. The anti-vortex tip surface is a conical surface extending from the body surface to a second diameter at a taper angle from fourteen degrees to sixteen degrees. The tip end extends with a spherical shape from the anti-vortex tip.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Solar Turbines IncorporatedInventors: Rodolfo G. Alonte, Bruno Enriquez Struck
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Patent number: 9714583Abstract: Fan blade containment systems and methods for producing the same are provided. The fan blade containment system comprise a first ballistic material configured to be wrapped in overlapping layers around a fan casing to form a containment covering of a fan containment case for the fan casing. A plurality of patches comprised of a second ballistic material are configured to be loosely disposed between adjacent overlapping layers of the first ballistic material with each patch partially overlapping a circumferentially adjacent patch.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventor: Bill Russell Watson