Patents Issued in January 2, 2018
  • Patent number: 9856673
    Abstract: A tent includes a tent fabric and a supporting pole. The supporting pole is connected to the tent fabric for supporting the tent fabric. The tent further includes a first top pole and a securing and connecting device, and the securing and connecting device is connected to the tent fabric. When the tent is put up, the first top pole is inserted into the securing and connecting device, and the first top pole and the supporting pole are crosswise arranged, the securing and connecting device is located at an extension direction of the first top pole. Since a cross structure is formed at a top of the tent and the first top pole is secured by the securing and connecting device, a supporting plane can be formed at the top of the tent when the tent is put up, expending the usable area at the top of the tent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Topsun Creative Design
    Inventor: Baoqing Yang
  • Patent number: 9856674
    Abstract: A temporary fence assembly includes a plurality of post units. Each of the post units is vertically oriented on a support surface and the plurality of post units is arranged to surround a selected area. Each of the post units is substantially hollow and each of the post units is selectively filled with a liquid thereby increasing a weight corresponding to each of the post units. A plurality of wall units is provided and each of the wall units is slidably coupled between a selected pair of the post units to barricade the selected area. Each of the wall units is substantially hollow and each of the wall units is selectively filled with a liquid thereby increasing a weight corresponding to each of the wall units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Tawny Pond
  • Patent number: 9856675
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a vehicle door handle, comprising an inertial system (17) mobile in rotation around a main rotation axis (A) and configured for activating and preventing the actuation of the door handle (1), the said inertial system (17) comprising a body (23) receiving the main rotation axis (A) and a mobile part (25) comprising an inertial mass (27), the mobile part (25) being mobile in rotation relative to the body (23) around a secondary axis (A,B) sensibly parallel to the main rotation axis (A), the inertial system (17) also comprising means for stopping the rotation of the mobile part (25) in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: U-SHIN ITALIA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Simone Ilardo, Vittorio Giaccone
  • Patent number: 9856676
    Abstract: An external lock assembly for sliding doors or windows comprising a pair of reciprocatingly moving sliding bolt carriage handle members (8a, 8b) that move locking bolt members (7a, 7b) and a pair of associated guide blocks (18a, 18b) fixedly mounted onto the body (12) of the lock assembly. At least one of the guide blocks is provided with a recessed region (20) adapted to accomodate an immobilizer member (21) that maintains at least one corresponding locking bolt member at locked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: CAL-TECH INTERNATIONAL INC
    Inventor: Athanasios Leontaridis
  • Patent number: 9856677
    Abstract: A cylinder lock assembly includes a lock cylinder inserted into a cylindrical chamber of a lock housing, the lock cylinder being formed with plate mounting slots, a latch slot, and a main key slot; primary locking plates inserted in the respective plate mounting slots, each of the primary locking plates being formed with a secondary plate recess, a first key slot, and a first latch groove; secondary locking plates inserted in the respective secondary plate recesses, each of the secondary locking plates being formed with a second key slot and a second latch groove, springs being provided between the primary locking plates and the lock cylinder and between the secondary locking plates and the lock cylinder respectively; and a latch inserted into the latch slot, a latch return spring being provided between the latch and the lock cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: XIAMEN MAKE SECURITY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shaolian Lin
  • Patent number: 9856678
    Abstract: A highly visible single use tag prevents the fraudulent return of garments. Two members are connected by a hinge. The hinge allows the members to move from an open configuration to a closed configuration where the members form and enclose a space. Complementary latch elements on the members engage and hold the members in the closed configuration. At least one of the members has a tack extending inwardly into the space enclosed by the members. This tack pierces a garment intended to be protected by the tag and maintains the tag on the garment. At least one of the members has at least one perforated line across the width of the member. This perforated line allows that member to be pulled apart and the tag removed without the need of any tool to do so.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Xiao Hui Yang
  • Patent number: 9856679
    Abstract: A lid lock device includes: a housing configured to be fixed to a vehicle; a lock member configured to be movably assembled in the housing and to lock a lid of the vehicle in a closed state; a driving source configured to be assembled in the housing and to drive the lock member toward a side where the lock is released; a side surface through-hole formed at a position that opposes a side surface of the lock member in the housing; and a protrusion which is formed in a side surface of the lock member, passes through the side surface through-hole to protrude from the housing, and receives a manual operation force for moving the lock member toward the side where the lock is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshichika Ito, Toshihiro Kitamura, Takumi Niwa, Tatsuya Shimizu, Masayuki Nomura
  • Patent number: 9856680
    Abstract: In order to minimize the sliding friction between the locking parts that is, between the pawl and the rotary latch of a motor vehicle lock, it is advantageous if, during the production process, the different latch surfaces of both locking parts are provided with a stamping contour having straight grooves and with a stamping contour characterized in that the provided grooves are oblique. Said oblique grooves of the latch surface on the pawl are placed in the position indicated in figure such that the entire pawl is twisted about the longitudinal axis thereof. Also, at least two overlapping points are provided between the straight grooves and the oblique grooves such that both of the locking parts come into mutual contact reducing the friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thorsten Bendel, Werner Pohle, Thomas Waldmann
  • Patent number: 9856681
    Abstract: A push lifter includes a body portion; a rod slidably disposed inside the body portion; an urging portion to urge the rod in a direction away from the body portion; and a rotator disposed rotatably about an axial of the rod at the one end of the body portion to lock or unlock the rod. The rod includes a first rib portion, and a second rib portion distanced from the first rib portion in an axial direction of the rod, to rotate the rotator. The rotator includes an inner cam portion so that when the rod is pressed to slide inwardly of the body portion, the first rib portion abuts against the inner cam portion to rotate the rotator, and when the rod is released to project outwardly from the body portion, the second rib portion abuts against the inner cam portion to rotate the rotator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: NIFCO AMERICA CORP.
    Inventors: Raghu Sridhar, Taku Hirama
  • Patent number: 9856682
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficiently restricting access to a classroom is described. The apparatus is particularly well suited for a school teacher needing to quickly barricade the classroom door and restrict access into the classroom. The apparatus of the present invention is efficiently slid under the door and tightened to the door and jamb to restrain the opening of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Shari Cook
  • Patent number: 9856683
    Abstract: A frame for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The frame includes a longitudinal side member, an A-pillar extending upward from the longitudinal side member and defining a front of the cockpit, a B-pillar extending upwardly and rearwardly from the longitudinal side member rearward of the A-pillar and defining a rear of the cockpit, a door positioned between the A-pillar and the B-pillar, and a hinge assembly attached to the B-pillar. The hinge assembly includes an upright hinge pipe that extends vertically through the door to reinforce the door, the upright hinge pipe having a top end and a bottom end, an upper hinge pipe pivotally attached to the top end of upright hinge pipe and fixedly attached to the B-pillar, and a lower pivot connecting the bottom end of the upright hinge pipe to the B-pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jacob O Borth, Tsuyoshi Kumasaka, Sebastian Osorio, Thomas Pollock
  • Patent number: 9856684
    Abstract: A sliding door guide system for replacing a traditional floor track for sliding doors includes a first sliding door that is suspended from a support. A second sliding door is suspended from a support. The second sliding door is aligned with the first sliding door. A guide is coupled to the first sliding door. The guide slidably engages the second sliding door. Thus, the second sliding door is retained at a position relative to the first sliding door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: William Edward Sidwell
  • Patent number: 9856685
    Abstract: An addition to reduce noise made by a garage door hinge by incorporating two Delrin or hard plastic injection molded washers placed between the two halves of the hinges and slide it over the hinge barrel. This provides a friction reducing pivot point and holds in lubricant. An additional improvement is to hold the barrel in place and reduce the problem of the barrel moving side to side. The improvement will stop or at least significantly reduce the extra noise of the garage door hinge as the garage door moves and provide smoother operation of the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Robert A. Kelley
  • Patent number: 9856686
    Abstract: A hinge device includes a first fixed tubular half-shell having a working chamber defining a longitudinal axis, a second tubular half-shell rotatable about the longitudinal axis, a pivot rotating unitary with the latter which includes a single pass-through actuating member having a helical shape, a plunger member slidable along the longitudinal axis, and a tubular bushing having a pair of guide cam slots. A pin inserted within the pass-through actuating member is provided to allow the mutual engagement of the pivot and the bushing. The first tubular half-shell includes an end portion susceptible to rotatably support the pivot, the second tubular half-shell and the bushing are coaxially coupled to each other, and the bushing and the first tubular half-shell are mutually unitarily coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: IN & TEC S.R.L.
    Inventor: Luciano Bacchetti
  • Patent number: 9856687
    Abstract: A vehicle window opening device includes an open-close controller, a drawing determination unit, a restriction unit, and an initial mask zone setting unit. The drawing determination unit determines that a vehicle window has drawn in an object when a characteristic value of a motor is greater than or equal to a determination threshold value. The open-close controller executes anti-drawing control based on the drawing determination. The restriction unit restricts the open-close controller from executing the anti-drawing control when the vehicle window is located in the initial mask zone. The initial mask zone setting unit sets an initial mask zone to a normal value when a position where the vehicle window starts to open is located outside a fully closed region and to a fully closed region value that is greater than the normal value when the position where the vehicle window starts to open is located in the fully closed region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: ASMO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Shibata, Masaru Kubota, Masaki Amakawa
  • Patent number: 9856688
    Abstract: A bi-directional element drive system includes a motor having a drive shaft, a cable anchor and a cable connector. The cable connector is carried on the drive shaft and has two ends connected to the cable anchor. In addition the drive system includes a support and a driven element. The driven element is displaced between a first position and a second position relative to the support by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Dean Elie, John W. Jaranson, Timothy J. Potter, Robert F. Novak, Michael M. Azzouz, Gerald J. Heath, Jeff A. Wallace
  • Patent number: 9856689
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an electric window lift system for electrically moving a vehicle door window by means of a cable, according to which, based on the length change of the cable, the offset of the movement of the window is determined, in which the charge modification of the electric motor is monitored, the offset being used to exactly position (opening, closing) the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Pruessel, Scott Averitt, Kumar Saurabh
  • Patent number: 9856690
    Abstract: A shower threshold and a method of implementing a shower threshold are disclosed. The shower threshold includes an elongated base component having one or more sidewalls extending from a base region of the elongated base component to an apex of the elongated base portion. The shower threshold also includes a flexible cap coupled to and extending from the elongated base component along the apex of the elongated base component. The flexible cap may be composed of a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers includes a core layer and a shell layer. The core layer is composed of a material that is softer than the shell layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Matthew Joseph Ball, Weerasak Taingtae
  • Patent number: 9856691
    Abstract: A sliding window assembly (35) including a window frame and at least two glass panes (38, 39). At least one of the glass panes (38, 39) slides within the frame between an open position and a closed position, wherein one of the edges of each pane overlaps to form overlapping edges (42, 43). First and second rails (44, 45) are connected to the overlapping edges (42, 43) and cooperate to form a seal between them in the closed position. Each rail (44, 45) is formed from a metal component (46) and a plastic component (51) that are formed separate from each other and are assembled in nesting connection. The seal in the overlap between the overlapping edges (42, 43) in the closed position of the panes (38, 39) is formed between the plastic components (51) of the first and second rails (44, 45). The metal components (51) of the first and second rails (44, 45) are spaced from contact with each other and extend to overlie outwardly facing surfaces of the first and second panes (38, 39).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: JELD-WEN, Inc.
    Inventors: Lars Søgaard Nielsen, Richard James Mckenna
  • Patent number: 9856692
    Abstract: The reduced pressure double glazed glass panel of the present invention includes an outside glass sheet, an inside glass sheet, and a gap portion that are joined together, with the gap portion being formed between the glass sheets and sealed under reduced pressure. Here, the outside glass sheet has a first glass surface disposed to face the outdoor space and a second glass surface disposed to face the gap portion. A Low-E film is formed on the second glass surface. The following relations hold: (Emissivity of Low-E film ?)?0.067; 31%?(Solar reflectance on First glass surface RG(solar))?40%; (48?RG(solar))%?(Solar absorptance on First glass surface AG(solar))?17%; (AG(solar))?{18.3?(0.07×RG(solar))+(20×?)}%; (Solar heat gain coefficient SHGC)?0.50; and (Thermal transmittance U value)?1.2 W/m2·K or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: NIPPON SHEET GLASS COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Daisuke Inaoka, Yoshifumi Kijima, Tetsuo Minaai
  • Patent number: 9856693
    Abstract: A corner fitting for a door element, in particular for a glass door element, includes a first fitting element and a second fitting element, which each include, at least sectionwise, a locating portion. The locating portion includes an intermediate layer able to contact the door element. The fitting elements delimit the restraining area, wherein a holding element is in operative connection with a connecting element, which serves for supporting the door element on a center of rotation and/or an axis. At least one variably adjustable distancing element is disposed between the fitting elements outside the locating portions, wherein the distancing element forms a counter-bearing to the locating portions and the door element, which can be restrained in the restraining area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: DORMAKABA DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Holger Herth, Jorg Sunderbrink, Kenan Aykas
  • Patent number: 9856694
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a water-blocking device that can be easily installed in a short time and can surely prevent water intrusion. The water-blocking device 1 includes a water-blocking plate 2, a first band 3 for fixing the water-blocking plate 2 to the installation surface 10, at least one first band passer 5 mounted near an installation location of the water-blocking plate on the installation surface 10, third band passers 7 mounted on left and right walls, etc., 11, 12 defining an entrance or exit S, and second bands 4 for fixing the water-blocking plate 2 to the walls, etc., 11, 12. The water-blocking plate 2 is provided with at least one second band passer 6 and fourth band passers 8. The first band 3 is wound through the first band passer 5 and the second band passer 6 in such a manner that a pressing force toward the installation surface 10 is exerted onto the water-blocking plate 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Yamagen Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuka Taniyama
  • Patent number: 9856695
    Abstract: There is provided a system for an integrated magnetic slider assembly. The system has the integrated magnetic slider assembly with a slider portion, a hanger portion coupled to or integrated with the slider portion, and one or more magnets coupled to the hanger portion. The system further has a longitudinal hanging device configured for coupling to and suspending the slider portion of the integrated magnetic slider assembly. The system further has at least one hanging partition configured for coupling to the hanger portion of the integrated magnetic slider assembly, the at least one hanging partition having a plurality of pleats. All the magnets in a plurality of integrated magnetic slider assemblies are vertically aligned with respect to each other to cause a magnetic attraction between adjacent magnets in order to hold the plurality of pleats together, when the at least one hanging partition is in a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Todd J. Leadens, II, Jing (Kelly) Zhang, Ada Mbata, Will J. Roach
  • Patent number: 9856696
    Abstract: A system includes a window treatment adjacent to a window of a room. At least one motor drive unit is associated with the window treatment, for varying the position of the window treatment. A sensor measures a light level (e.g., an outdoor light level) at the window. A controller provides signals to the motor drive unit to automatically adjust the position of the window treatment so as to control a penetration distance of sunlight into the room when the window treatment is partially opened. The controller is configured to position the window treatment in a bright override position if the measured light level is at least a bright threshold value. The controller is configured to select the bright threshold value from among at least two predetermined values. The selection depends on an angle of incidence between light rays from the sun and a surface normal of the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Lundy, Brent Protzman, Brian Michael Courtney
  • Patent number: 9856697
    Abstract: An elevator climbs and lifts loads along the length of a double ladder. The double ladder comprises a first ladder and a second ladder that join together to form an overlap portion. The overlap portion is wider and generally less stable than the individual ladders. The elevator helps overcome the physical barriers imposed at the overlap portion. The elevator utilizes guiding mechanisms having different orientations and designs to smoothly cross over misalignments and instable structures in the double ladder. The elevator includes a housing. The underside of the housing includes guide units that ride the side rails to align a first ladder and a second ladder. Rollers press the housing in contact to the ladders. Notched rollers suppress vibrations on the housing. The guide mechanisms selectively engage the ladders and the overlap portion based on the position of the elevator. A motorized platform extends from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Eutimio Reyes
  • Patent number: 9856698
    Abstract: A self-propelled, towable coring apparatus includes a base structure having at least one primary wheel. A rotary spindle drives a coring element. A support mechanism supports the rotary spindle and displaces the rotary spindle upwardly and downwardly relative to a ground surface. At least one engine is supported by the base structure and provides power to the at least one primary wheel to propel the apparatus, and to the rotary spindle to drive the coring element. A tow member is connected to the base structure for trailering the apparatus by a towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: UTILICOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Edward Marshall Pollock, Andrew Leslie Pollock, Pasquale Colangelo
  • Patent number: 9856699
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a hole in ground (10) includes a mounting plate (60) mounted to a loader (80). A probe (11) is coupled with the mounting plate (60) through a hydraulic motor (120) having an output shaft (122). The probe (11) is driven into the ground along the vertical axis by movement of the mounting plate (60) by the loader (80), and an upper portion of the probe (11) is simultaneously wobbled about two axes that are perpendicular to each other and to the vertical axis while the output shaft (122) is rotating. The probe (11) is then moved out of the ground to leave a hole (100) in the ground. To provide a rolling action against the sides of the hole (100), the upper end of the probe (11) is moved about an annular path around the vertical axis while the probe (11) is rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Paul L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 9856700
    Abstract: A method for forming lateral boreholes from an existing parent wellbore is provided. The wellbore has been completed with a string of production casing. The method generally comprises providing a downhole tool assembly having a whipstock. The method also includes running the assembly down into the parent wellbore. A force is applied to the assembly to cause the whipstock to rotate within the wellbore into an operating position. In this position, a curved face of the whipstock forms a bend-radius substantially across the inner diameter of the casing. A jetting hose is run into the wellbore. Upon contact with the curved face of the whipstock, the jetting hose is re-directed through a window in the production casing. Hydraulic fluid is injected under pressure through the hose to provide hydraulic jetting. The hose is directed through the window and into the formation to create a lateral borehole extending many feet outwardly into a subsurface formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Coiled Tubing Specialties, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce L. Randall, Michael J. Brogdin, David Brisco
  • Patent number: 9856701
    Abstract: A rolling cone drill bit for drilling in earthen formations. In an embodiment, the drill bit comprises a plurality of rolling cone cutters. Each cone cutter includes a plurality of gage cutting elements, a first plurality of bottomhole cutting elements, and a second plurality of bottomhole cutter elements. Each of the first plurality of bottomhole cutting elements is staggered relative to the gage cutting elements on each cone cutter, and the profiles of the gage cutting elements and the first plurality of bottomhole cutting elements on each cone cutter overlap in rotated profile view. Each of the second plurality of bottomhole cutting elements is staggered relative to the first plurality of bottomhole cutting elements on at least one cone cutter, and the profiles of the first plurality of bottomhole cutting elements and the second plurality of bottomhole cutting elements on at least one cone cutter overlap in rotated profile view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Gary Ray Portwood, Luca Tedeschi, Giampaolo Ferrari, Joshua Gatell, John Clunan, Allen Dean Chester White
  • Patent number: 9856702
    Abstract: A cutting element for a cutting tool. The cutting element may be at least partially made from a composite material including a carbide material, a binder material, and a plurality of diamond particles. The carbide material may be from 55 wt % to 97 wt % of a total weight of the composite material. The binder material may be from 3 wt % to 20 wt % of the total weight of the composite material. The plurality of diamond particles may be from 0.1% to 25% of the total weight of the composite material. The carbide material and the binder material may be combined and sintered together prior to being combined with the plurality of diamond particles, such that the carbide material and the binder material form a plurality of pellets having an average cross-sectional length from 10 ?m to 250 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Sike Xia, Xin Deng
  • Patent number: 9856703
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for operating a drilling rig on a drilling vessel, the system comprising a drilling tower (2) having at least two segments (4, 5), a first segment (4) is fixedly connected to the drilling vessel (1), a second segment (5) is connected to the first segment (4), said second segment (5) is adapted to move longitudinally relative the first segment (4) by raising and lowering means. A tool (8) is suspended from at least one wire (16), said at least one wire (16) is extending over at least one sheave (7a, 7b) on top of the second segment (5), said at least one wire (16) is coupled to with a passive compensator arrangement (20) and a winch (14), said passive compensator (20) is connected to the winch (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Castor Drilling Solution AS
    Inventors: Paal Anders Taraldrud, Øyvind Vaagland Reiten
  • Patent number: 9856704
    Abstract: A slip joint assembly that is usable with a well includes first, second and third tubular housing sections; and first and second mandrels. The first tubular housing section is adapted to connect to a first tubing string segment; the second tubular housing section is adapted to connect to a second tubing string segment; the third tubular housing section disposed between the first and second tubular housing sections; the first mandrel forms a slidable connection with the first tubular housing section; and the second mandrel forms a slidable connection with the second tubular housing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edgar Jose Montiel, Michael Gratzinger
  • Patent number: 9856705
    Abstract: Embodiments of an offshore drilling rig including—a drill floor deck having a hole defining a first well center;—a first mast upwardly extending relative to the drill floor deck;—a first hoisting system supported by the first mast and configured for hoisting and lowering tubular equipment through the first well center; wherein the load bearing structure of the first hoisting system is displaced from and located on a first side of the first well center;—first pipe handling equipment for moving tubular equipment to the first hoisting system so as to allow the first hoisting system to hoist or lower the tubular equipment through the first well center; wherein the first pipe handling equipment is operable to move tubular equipment at least partly underneath the load bearing structure and/or through a gap formed in said load bearing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: MAERSK DRILLING A/S
    Inventors: Michael Kannegaard, Allan McColl
  • Patent number: 9856706
    Abstract: Methods and systems for delivery and retrieval of fluids to and from a downhole location are disclosed. A dual string pipe (202) is provided which comprises an outer pipe (206), an inner pipe (204) positioned within the outer pipe, and a bottom hole assembly (210) fluidically coupled to the outer pipe and the inner pipe. A diverter sub (208) is coupled to the inner pipe and is selectively operable in a normal drilling mode and a high flow mode. In the normal drilling mode a fluid is directed downhole through the inner pipe and in the high flow mode a return fluid is directed uphole through the inner pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael John McLeod Strachan
  • Patent number: 9856707
    Abstract: A capillary injection system delivers chemical with a capillary string to a targeted area in a wellbore such as adjacent a rod pump of a reciprocating pump system. The capillary string is disposed along the production string and delivers the chemical downhole. A tubing anchor disposed on the production string anchors the production string in tension in the casing. The tubing anchor has a mandrel coupled to the production string and has a housing disposed on the mandrel. The mandrel accommodates the capillary string outside thereof and defines a guide slot for controlling relative movement of the mandrel and the housing engaged with the guide slot. The housing has a slip movable outward from the mandrel. The mandrel is in a set condition is moved axially in the guide slot, and the slip is moved outward from the mandrel against the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: James Bracken
  • Patent number: 9856708
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a seat assembly for a drill string, the seat assembly having an outer tubular member and a seat disposed therein. The seat has a bore having a central axis. A plurality of cuts extends radially from the bore to an outer perimeter of the seat, the plurality of cuts also extending a distance longitudinally along the length of the central axis. Each of the plurality of cuts is present at an angle oblique to the peripheral circumference of the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Kendall Lee Pacey
  • Patent number: 9856709
    Abstract: A core sample catcher for a coring tool includes at least one flap catcher member movably coupled to an inner barrel of the coring tool. The at least one flap catcher member is configured to move between a first position and a second position. A passageway extending through the inner barrel is at least substantially un-occluded by the at least one flap catcher member in the first position and at least partially occluded by the at least one flap catcher member in the second position. The core sample catcher also includes a piston member located and configured to retain the at least one flap catcher member in the first position. The piston member is sized and configured to release the at least one flap catcher member as the piston is forced upward within the inner barrel by the core sample. Components are provided and assembled to form core sample catchers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Christoph Wesemeier, Thomas Uhlenberg, Sabine Grieschek
  • Patent number: 9856710
    Abstract: An well assembly having a housing with an inner surface, the assembly including a tubular member inserted in the housing and having an outer surface. The assembly further includes a plurality of protrusions extending from one of the inner or outer surfaces, the protrusions separated by gaps defined between adjacent protrusions. In addition, the well assembly includes a metal to metal seal pressed against and deformed by the protrusions. A plurality of hollow tubes are provided for insertion in the gaps between the protrusions, the tubes being collapsible upon engagement with the metal to metal seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Baozhi Zhu, Jeffrey Allen Raynal, Nicholas Peter Gette
  • Patent number: 9856711
    Abstract: A connection assembly for connecting a control line to a component is provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a control line coupled to a tubing hanger with a connection assembly. The connection assembly includes a first fitting connected to the control line and to the tubing hanger, with the first fitting sealing against the control line and the tubing hanger, and a main body disposed about the control line and connected to the tubing hanger with the main body sealing against the tubing hanger. The connection assembly also includes a second fitting connected to the control line and to the main body so as to seal against the control line and the main body, an internal cavity, and a test port. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis P. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9856712
    Abstract: A system includes a subsea chemical injection system configured to inject a chemical into a well, wherein the choke trim comprises a first cylinder comprising a first plurality of spiral flow paths, a second cylinder comprising a second plurality of spiral flow paths, wherein the first cylinder is disposed within the second cylinder, and an outer portion comprising a plurality of axial passages, wherein the second cylinder is disposed within the outer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Peter Minnock, Abinesh Gnanavelu, Padraic Edward McDonnell, Edmund Peter McHugh, Michael David Mullin, Declan Elliott
  • Patent number: 9856713
    Abstract: A rotating flow head (RFH) has a housing having an internal bore with diameter substantially equal to that of a riser and at least one flow port proximate one longitudinal end thereof. First and second arrays of radially extensible and retractable locking elements are disposed circumferentially around the RFH housing. The RFH has a bearing assembly (BA) housing having an exterior diameter selected to fit within the internal bore of the RFH housing so as to provide an annular space therein. The BA housing engages one of the arrays of locking elements when extended. A mandrel is rotatably, sealingly supported within the BA housing. Another end of the BA housing and the other array of locking elements provide longitudinal force on the BA housing when the other array is extended. A seal element disposed in the annular space is energized by the longitudinal force applied to the BA housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Zaurayze Tarique, George James Michaud
  • Patent number: 9856714
    Abstract: A stage tool operable with a plug is used for cementing a tubing string in a wellbore annulus. The tool can have a housing with a closure sleeve movably disposed in the internal bore of the housing. When pressure is applied downhole to the tool, a breachable obstruction on an exit port of the tool's bore opens and allows fluid such as cement slurry to communicate to the wellbore annulus. When cementing through the open tool is finished, a plug can be deployed downhole lands on a seat in the closure sleeve, and applied fluid pressure in the tool's bore against the seated plug closes the closure sleeve relative to the housing's exit port. Rotational catches between the housing's bore and the closure sleeve prevent the closure sleeve from rotating. A hydraulic mechanism on the tool can facilitate movement of the closure sleeve in response to a fluid pressure component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Richard L. Giroux
  • Patent number: 9856715
    Abstract: A stage tool and a method for stage cementing a wellbore annulus. The method includes: running into a wellbore toward bottom hole with a tubing string to a position in the wellbore; setting the tubing string in the wellbore to create the wellbore annulus between the tubing string and a wall of the wellbore; opening a cementing port through a side pocket structure positioned alongside the tubing string; pumping cement through the cementing port; and closing the cementing port to hold the cement in the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel Jon Themig, Robert Joe Coon
  • Patent number: 9856716
    Abstract: An apparatus is for a drill rig platform configured to be operative with a casing system having a check valve fixedly positioned in a casing joint. The apparatus includes a casing pressure relief assembly fixedly positionable relative to the check valve positioned in the casing system. The casing pressure relief assembly is configured to actuate the check valve in such a way that the check valve actuatably releases internal pressure from the casing system. In this manner, the internal fluid pressure of the pressurized fluid trapped in the casing system is released once the casing pressure relief assembly actuates the check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventors: Quentin J. Reimer, Colby L. Nafziger
  • Patent number: 9856717
    Abstract: In wellbore completions it is desirable to access multiple formation zones in a single well where the more formation zones that can be accessed tend to make the well increasingly economically viable. In an embodiment of the current invention a dart having a tapered or angled spline with a particular width on the darts exterior surface is pumped into a casing string having a number of devices Incorporated at strategic locations along the casing string. Each of the devices incorporated into the casing string have a slot as a part of the device. Each slot also has a particular width. As the dart passes through the devices incorporated in the casing string but towards the surface of the targeted device, the width of the tapered or angled spline is less than the minimum width of the slots in each of those upper devices. Therefore the dart does not engage or otherwise affect any of the upstream devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Shale Oil Tools, LLC
    Inventor: Brian Kennedy
  • Patent number: 9856718
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively treating different zones in a wellbore includes running a tubular string into the wellbore, the string having at least two housings disposed therein, the housings separated along the string, each housing having a fluid path between an interior of the housing and a zone of interest and each housing having an individual profile for mating with an individual insert and running a second, smaller diameter tubular string into the wellbore, the string including an insert, the insert constructed and arranged to mate with a predetermined one of the plurality of housings and to initially seal the fluid path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: John Patrick Broussard
  • Patent number: 9856719
    Abstract: A system for supplying power for drilling operations has a main powerhouse and a drill floor powerhouse in which the drill floor powerhouse is movable in relation to the main powerhouse. The main powerhouse has an generator/generator, a mud pump, and a mud pump drive thereat. The mud pump drive is supplied with power from the engine/generator. The drill floor powerhouse as an energy storage system connected or interconnected to an output line from the engine/generator such that power from the engine/generator is directed to the energy storage system. The drill floor powerhouse has a load connected to the energy storage system such that power from the energy storage system is directly transferred to the load and such that power from the engine/generator is isolated from the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Kevin R. Williams
  • Patent number: 9856720
    Abstract: Bidirectional flow control device for attachment to a tubular member including a nozzle insert comprising a first sealable surface, the nozzle insert comprising a nozzle passage, and a second sealable surface for mating with the first sealable surface, and a first biasing member seat; a cover plate positioned adjacent the first end of the nozzle insert, the cover plate comprising a production orifice and a plurality of stimulation orifices in fluid communication with a plurality of stimulation passages, the cover plate further comprising a second biasing member seat and a biasing member positioned between the first biasing member seat and the second biasing member seat, the biasing member to exert a biasing force to place first sealable surface and second sealable surface in sealing engagement when internal tubular pressure is below a set-point value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventor: Marcel A. Grubert
  • Patent number: 9856721
    Abstract: A well pump assembly has a motor operatively connected to a well pump that has an intake. The well pump assembly has a capillary tube that extends alongside the tubing and has an outlet at the well pump assembly. A chemical injection pump is connected to an upper end of the capillary tube adjacent a wellhead of the well. A logic system detects well fluid falling back downward in the tubing and out the intake into the well, and in response turns on the chemical injection pump, which pumps a chemical down the capillary tube into the well adjacent or within the well pump assembly. Once upward flow of well fluid in the tubing has been established, the chemical injection pump may be turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE Company, LLC
    Inventors: Leslie C. Reid, Jordan Kirk, Brian W. Messer, Gary L. Allred
  • Patent number: 9856722
    Abstract: Power systems and methods are disclosed herein. The systems and methods use a switching system coupled with a power source and subterranean pumps for pumping a resource from beneath a surface of earth. A first capacitor is between a first switching device and a first transformer, and stores electric energy received from the first transformer to activate the first switching device. A bias capacitor is between the first capacitor and the first switching device, and receives a bias voltage via a second transformer. The bias capacitor applies the bias voltage to the first switching device to prevent the first switching device from activating unless a combination of the voltage received by the first switching device via the first transformer and the bias voltage is at least as large as the activation voltage of the first switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dong Dong, Antonio Caiafa, Mohammed Agamy, Ahmed Elasser