Patents Issued in February 15, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180044964
    Abstract: A vehicle window glass raising/lowering device includes a drive mechanism, a control unit for controlling the drive mechanism, a camera for capturing an image of a detection line. The camera includes an optical system. The control unit includes a detection means for detecting a blocked state in which the detection line captured in an image by the camera is at least partially blocked by a foreign object, and a pinching prevention means when the blocked state is detected by the detection means during when the window glass is moved by the drive mechanism. The optical system is arranged at a position corresponding to an opening formed on an upper surface of a door trim so that an optical axis of the optical system passes through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: MITSUBA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki IKEDA, Hideaki TAKEHARA, Yasuhiro SAITO, Sadaji UMEHARA, Tsuyoshi KONDO, Masakane YOSHIZAWA, Hideaki KASHIWAGI, Mayu KOBAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20180044965
    Abstract: An actuator includes an actuator main body, an operating shaft attached to a tail gate, a vehicle body-side socket that fixes the actuator main body to an attachment surface of a bracket, and a guide part installed between the attachment surface of the bracket and the vehicle body-side socket, wherein the vehicle body-side socket is fixed to the bracket via the guide part, and the guide part restricts rotation of the vehicle body-side socket about an arbitrary straight line crossing a line in a direction normal to the attachment surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Takashi Takizawa, Takahiro Sakiyama
  • Publication number: 20180044966
    Abstract: An automatic mechanism for operating sliding doors or windows, e.g., for fully or partially closing and fully or partially opening sliding doors or windows. Each of a plurality of sliding panes of doors or windows may comprise a corresponding automatic mechanism that may be operated independently of any of the other automatic mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Dvir BRAND, Gal SHNER, Evgeny UMANSKY
  • Publication number: 20180044967
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to the field of barrier control systems and in particular relates to barrier control systems, such as a garage door opener, with auxiliary power supply and auxiliary power supply for barrier control systems. A barrier control system, such as a garage door opener, with an auxiliary power supply and an auxiliary power supply for a barrier control system are described. The auxiliary power supply includes a backup battery and a light source that is operable on DC power. The auxiliary power supply includes a sensor to detect whether a DC motor of the barrier control system is powered by the backup battery, and switches on the light source upon detecting the DC motor being powered by the backup battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Philip Y.W. TSUI, Gallen K.L. TSUI
  • Publication number: 20180044968
    Abstract: A vehicle window regulator includes a slider base supported on a guide rail; a drive wire connected to the slider base; a wire guide supported at one end of the guide rail and having a winding part, onto which the drive wire is wound, at a position offset from the guide rail in a vehicle width direction; and a driver which raises and lowers the slider base via the drive wire. The wire guide is supported by the guide rail by a retainer and a pressing portion, the retainer engaged with the guide rail, and the pressing portion being engaged with the guide rail to press the guide rail toward the other end of the guide rail. The pressing portion is formed at a position toward the other end and formed at a position offset from the retainer toward the winding part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: SHIROKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi MURAMATSU, Kenji YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20180044969
    Abstract: The invention aims to integrate the activation of the opening/closing phases around a single electric motor, including the treatment of the external window that may be present. An airplane electric door according to the invention has a locking system provided with means for locking a safety catch and a system (200) for coordinating door movements having a single actuating electric motor (2), a cylindrical support (501) having a vertical rotation axis (Z?Z), said support (501) being intended to be rotated by the motor (2), and a fixed guide (91).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: LATECOERE
    Inventors: Cyrille BESSETTES, Damien BUCHET, Nicolas LUTZI, Renaud OTHOMENE
  • Publication number: 20180044970
    Abstract: A door frame assembly, comprising a first frame member comprising a first door frame casing for one side of a doorway and jambs projecting therefrom, a second frame member comprising a second door frame casing for another side of the doorway and jambs projecting therefrom, wherein the two frame members are arranged to fit together in a plurality of overlapping positions to form the door frame assembly such that the jambs of the first frame member overlap the jambs of the second frame member by different respective amounts in each of the plurality of overlapping positions to allow the door frame assembly to be applied to walls of different thicknesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventor: Benjamin HALL
  • Publication number: 20180044971
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to vacuum insulating glass units having edge seals based on solder alloys that, when reactively reflowed, wet metallic coatings pre-coated on the glass substrates' perimeters, and/or associated methods. The alloys may be based on materials that form a seal at temperatures that will not de-temper glass and/or decompose a laminate, and/or remain hermetic and lack porous structures in their bulks. Example alloys may be based on inter-metallics of Sn and one or more additional materials selected from post-transition metals or metalloids; Zintl anions (e.g., In, Bi, etc.) from Group 13, 14, 15 or 16; and transition metals (e.g., Cu, Ag, Ni, etc.); and excludes Pb. Thin film coatings in certain example embodiments work with the solder material to form robust and durable hermetic interfaces. Because low temperatures are used, certain example embodiments can use compliant and visco-elastic spacer technology based on lamellar structures and/or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Vijayen S. VEERASAMY, Martin D. BRACAMONTE
  • Publication number: 20180044972
    Abstract: An assembly press for producing an insulating glass element with two panes includes: two press elements arranged opposite each other with a working chamber defined by a spacing therebetween, the spacing being adjustable in a first direction to press together the panes; and a conveying device to transport the panes into and out of the working chamber in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, at least one of the press elements being adjustable in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. The conveying device comprises first and second drivable conveying elements respectively including first and second support mechanisms to respectively support lower faces of the two panes during transport in a first and second transport planes. The first and second conveying elements are adjustable independently of each other such that the transport planes are located at different positions in the third direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Michael BAUER, Christian SCHREINER, Andreas REICKERSDORFER
  • Publication number: 20180044973
    Abstract: A system for updating or upgrading onsite the outside or inside faces, or both, of a garage door, such as, but not limited to, a standard steel, aluminum, plastic or vinyl sectional garage door, without painting or replacing the entire door. The system includes a plurality of dimensional overlay pieces, which may be cut to width and length and thickness. The overlay pieces may comprise wood, wood-based products, OSB, plastic, vinyl, similar materials, or combinations thereof. The overlay pieces are applied over and fastened to the exterior or interior faces of the garage door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventor: ADINA BARNES
  • Publication number: 20180044974
    Abstract: A molded access door assembly for an access opening in a covering material of a wall or ceiling is disclosed. The door assembly includes a frame defining a frame opening. The frame is positionable against the covering material with the frame opening in alignment with the access opening. The frame includes a lip extending about a perimeter of the frame opening for bearing against the covering material adjacent the access opening, and a plurality of fastener holes passing through the lip for receiving fasteners to secure the frame against the covering material. The door assembly further includes a molded door hingedly connected to the frame. The door is movable between an open position providing access to the frame opening and the fastener holes, and a closed position in which the door covers the frame opening and an entirety of the fastener holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Vitaliy Ivasiv, Igor Ivasiv
  • Publication number: 20180044975
    Abstract: An earthquake resisting door has locking mechanisms between the door panel top, sides, and the bottom foundation. Included are self-contained limited uplift resisting end posts, one or more door panels made of wood, steel, or other suitable material that can act as a shear wall or brace frame, and segmented door panels that can be designed for roll-up or folding. The segments interlock to create one solid wall or arrangement of segments that creates brace frame action. An inter-locking mechanism engages adjacent door leaves in a casement arrangement and creates one panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventor: Massoud Abolhoda
  • Publication number: 20180044976
    Abstract: A shutter assembly including a plurality of shutter panels arranged side-by-side. Each shutter panel has a respective plurality of louvers and a respective operable tilt mechanism configured to adjust the tilt angle of the respective plurality of louvers. A control shaft operates the tilt mechanisms. The control shaft is configured to drive simultaneously the respective tilt mechanisms of all of the plurality of shutter panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventor: Ken Rotchell
  • Publication number: 20180044977
    Abstract: An overhead, rolling door includes a peripheral seal construction that restricts air flow heat transfer through the periphery of a door opening. The door comprises a flexible curtain mounted on an overhead drum located above the door opening. The curtain may be unwound from the drum and lowered to close the door opening and engages the seal to preclude air flow energy loss through the door opening. The seal is comprised of unitary, elastomeric, elongate, flexible blades mounted on brackets positioned around the periphery of the door opening. The blades function as flexible cantilever mounted seals with an outer end that fits tightly against the surface of the closed door to form an uninterrupted seal of the closed door opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Joel M. Bonnell, Matthew S. Reutzel
  • Publication number: 20180044978
    Abstract: A Roman shade includes a top rail having multiple hooks, and a shade connected to the top rail and including multiple slots. Multiple magnetic members connected to the slots of the shade. Each magnetic member includes a first part and a second part. The first part has a first magnet received therein. Two hooking members extend from the first side thereof. The second part includes a recess in which a second magnet is received. The second part includes two holes with which the hooking members of the first part are engaged. When the shade is folded upward section by section, the first magnets and the second magnets are magnetically attracted to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: SHENG YING HSU, CHUN JAN HSU
  • Publication number: 20180044979
    Abstract: A window curtain control device includes a top box having a room therein, and a fixed part and a scrolling member are respectively positioned on two ends of the room. A curtain is connected to the top box, and a bottom rail is connected to the lower end of the curtain. A movable part is movably located between the fixed part and the scrolling member. A tension rope has one end fixed to the fixed part, and the other end of the tension rope wraps around the fixed part and the movable part. A driving rope has one end fixed to the movable part and the other end of the driving rope includes an operation portion which extends through the top box. The curtain is moved by operating the operation portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: SHENG YING HSU, CHUN JAN HSU
  • Publication number: 20180044980
    Abstract: A transmission device of a window shade includes a top box, a bottom bar and a shade located between the top box and the bottom bar. A first scrolling member and a second scrolling member are respectively connected to the first and second rails in the top box, and a movable unit is movably engaged with the first rail and between the first and second scrolling members. A transmission cord wraps around the first and second roller units of the movable unit, and the transmission cord wraps around the first and second roller units of the first scrolling member. Two ends of the transmission cord extend through the top box, the shade and are connected to the bottom bar. The length of the transmission cord can be stored between the first and second rollers so as to be cooperated with a longer shade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: SHENG YING HSU, CHUN JAN HSU
  • Publication number: 20180044981
    Abstract: The invention discloses a curtain controller comprising a cover plate, a housing, a clutch head, a clutch device, a pushing device and a pull rope; wherein the pull rope drives the pushing device for forward movement to push the clutch device to be engaged with the clutch head; and after the pull rope is released, the pushing device moves backward to drive the clutch device to be disengaged with the clutch head and the pull rope is wound onto the pushing device. The curtain controller of the invention has a simple structure and few parts and components to reduce the production cost, and provides simple operation to facilitate maintenance and replacement when a fault occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventor: Haifeng WANG
  • Publication number: 20180044982
    Abstract: A retract gate has an upper roller assembly, a lower roller assembly, an axial tube, a holding pole, and a screen body. The upper roller assembly has a rolling mechanism and a controlling mechanism. The controlling mechanism has a switch and an engaging component, the engaging component selectively sticking the differential crown gear. Two ends of the axial tube are connected with the upper roller assembly and the lower roller assembly. Two ends of the screen body are securely fixed on the holding pole and the axial tube. When the upper roller assembly is turned on, the rolling mechanism is released; when the upper roller assembly is turned off, the rolling mechanism can memorize the maximum length of the screen body and make the screen body not able to be unrolled further. Consequently, the retract gate can restrict babies and pets within a safe area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: YEAGLE DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tsung-Hsiang WANG
  • Publication number: 20180044983
    Abstract: Yard fences and land enclosures typically have a gate or other door structure that requires some sort of hinge, latch and looks different in overall appearance from the rest of the structure (just as the front door of a house appears different from the outer wall). Presented here is a simple mechanism by which any part of commonly used fences can be implemented as a fence opening. When closed, it appears as a continuous fence. However, when implementing the teaching herein, the space between any two fence posts can become a fence opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventor: Rajiv R. Prasad
  • Publication number: 20180044984
    Abstract: A gate comprises a spring-loaded hinge arrangement defining a rotational axis. A gate structure having a first support arm connected to a first end of the hinge arrangement is also provided. The gate structure is rotatable about the rotational axis. A spring-loaded hinge arrangement includes an outer hinge tube fixedly connectable to an adjacent structure and an inner hinge tube received in the outer hinge tube. The inner hinge tube has a first portion and a second portion movable with respect to each other, the second portion of the inner hinge tube being fixed with respect to the outer hinge tube and the first portion of the inner hinge tube being fixed with respect to the support arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Robert W. Honeycutt, Carson Allan Jones
  • Publication number: 20180044985
    Abstract: A boat or recreational vehicle ladder apparatus is provided. One aspect of the present ladder apparatus includes an elongated extension handle including a slot adjacent a lower end thereof. Another aspect of a boat or recreational vehicle ladder apparatus provides a snap-on step tread which can be mounted to a dual-tubular ladder step structure. Another aspect of a boat or recreational vehicle ladder apparatus employs a laterally expandable ladder step which can be retrofit onto an existing ladder. A further aspect employs clasps or hooks to attach and retain a ladder step to generally vertical ladder rails in a tool-free and fastener-free manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: Bobo Ladders LLC
    Inventors: ROBERT J. ORSCHELN, Jeffrey Earl Tayan, Wayne Lawrence Soucie, Larry Brian Champ, Michael Herbert Schmidt, Michael Lee Ashton
  • Publication number: 20180044986
    Abstract: A mobile work stand for working on work areas including a fence. The fence includes a plurality of adjacent first and second fence sections that are pivotally connected to each other to enable the fence to be configurable in different fence positions. Each fence position is configured to enclose a different configured work area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventor: Rebecca L. Cook
  • Publication number: 20180044987
    Abstract: Provided is a braking system for use with an extension ladder having a base section and a fly section movable relative to the base section via an adjustment rope. The braking system includes a bracket for attachment to the fly section. A pulley and an arm are secured to and movable relative to the bracket by the adjustment rope between a first position when no tension is applied to the rope and a second position when tension is applied to the adjustment rope. A cam is movable between an engaged position when the pulley and arm are in the first position with the cam engaging with the base section to prevent movement of the fly section relative to the base section, and a disengaged position when the pulley and arm are in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventor: PHILIP F. LANZAFAME
  • Publication number: 20180044988
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a ladder guide device. A guide device may include at least one hook configured to couple to a ladder. The guide device may also include at least one surface configured to guide an object over a discontinuity in the ladder as the object moves in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the ladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Mark S. McCall, Kunio Hasebe, Willard S. MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20180044989
    Abstract: Ladders, ladder components, adjustment mechanisms and related methods are provided herein. In one embodiment, a ladder may include an adjustment mechanism for adjusting, for example, a leveler, a stabilizer, or any two relatively displaceable components of the ladder. The adjustment mechanism may include an actuating mechanism having a first structure and a second structure slidably disposed adjacent the first structure, the second structure having a plurality of engagement surfaces. A body is coupled with the first structure. At least two engagement pins are slidably displaceable relative to the body, wherein the plurality of engagement surfaces and the at least two engagement pins are arranged such that only a single engagement pin of the at least two engagement pins is in abutting engagement with an engagement surface of the plurality of engagement surfaces at one time. At least one biasing member is configured to bias the at least two engagement pins towards engagement with the engagement surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: N. Ryan Moss, Gary Jonas, Brian Russell, JR., Sean R. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20180044990
    Abstract: A ladder rail grip for placement over a ladder that includes: an elongated body, where the elongated body includes three sides; an opening along the length of the elongated body, where the opening is adapted for placement over a side rail of the ladder; a slot through the elongated body; a strap extending through the slot, where the strap secures the rail grip to the ladder; and a first indentation in the elongated body to accommodate a rung on the ladder. The elongated body includes a textured surface. The strap includes a buckle that slides through a slot that goes through one side of the ladder rail grip. Further, the first indentation is at a midpoint of the elongated body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Travis Smith, Mike Magneson
  • Publication number: 20180044991
    Abstract: A dual circulation fluid hammer drilling system (10) has a fluid hammer (12) which is coupled to a drill string (14). The system (10) utilises a first fluid (16) and a second fluid (18). The first fluid (16) is delivered through the drill string (14) to drive or otherwise power the fluid hammer (12). The second fluid (18) is also delivered through the drill string (14) but in isolation of the first fluid (16) so they do not mix within the drill string (14). The second fluid (18) passes through a hammer bit (38) of the hammer drill (12) and is directed to flow out from a bit face (20). Thus when the system (10) is in use the second fluid (18) will flow across the bit face (20). The first fluid (16) also exits the drilling system (10) at the hammer drill (12). However the first fluid (16) exits upstream or up-hole of the bit face (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: Strada Design Limited
    Inventors: Ian Speer, Warren Strange
  • Publication number: 20180044992
    Abstract: Cutting elements for use with earth-boring tools include a cutting table having at least two sections where a boundary between the at least two sections is at least partially defined by a discontinuity formed in the cutting table. Earth-boring tools including a tool body and a plurality of cutting elements carried by the tool body. The cutting elements include a cutting table secured to a substrate. The cutting table includes a plurality of adjacent sections, each having a discrete cutting edge where at least one section is configured to be selectively detached from the substrate in order to substantially expose a cutting edge of an adjacent section. Methods for fabricating cutting elements for use with an earth-boring tool including forming a cutting table comprising a plurality of adjacent sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Danny E. Scott, Timothy K. Marvel, Yavuz Kadioglu, Michael R. Wells
  • Publication number: 20180044993
    Abstract: A rock bit for blast hole drilling includes: a bit body having a coupling formed at an upper end thereof, a plurality of lower legs, a dome formed between the legs, and a bore formed through the coupling and the dome; a plurality of skirts, each skirt covering a gap formed between adjacent legs and each skirt mounted to edges of adjacent legs; a plurality of roller cones, each rotary cone rotatably mounted to a respective bearing shaft of a respective leg; a row of gage cutters mounted to each roller cone; a row of inner cutters mounted to each roller cone; one or more nose cutters mounted to each roller cone; and a center jet secured in the bore. Each cutter is an insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: TONY JACK BEAVERS, AMNACH KONGAMNACH
  • Publication number: 20180044994
    Abstract: Earth-boring drill bits include a bit body, an element having an attachment feature bonded to the bit body, and a shank assembly. Methods for assembling an earth-boring rotary drill bit include bonding a threaded element to the bit body of a drill bit and engaging the shank assembly to the threaded element. A nozzle assembly for an earth-boring rotary drill bit may include a cylindrical sleeve having a threaded surface and a threaded nozzle disposed at least partially in the cylindrical sleeve and engaged therewith. Methods of forming an earth-boring drill bit include providing a nozzle assembly including a tubular sleeve and nozzle at least partially within a nozzle port of a bit body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventor: Oliver Matthews
  • Publication number: 20180044995
    Abstract: A derrick structure may include a plurality of drilling rotating/hoisting/circulation (RHC) traveling block/top drive like systems that can move between and are fully functional on multiple well centers. With such a configuration, one RHC can be disconnected from the drill lines and suspended in the drilling derrick allowing two hoisting systems with separate motors to function simultaneously on a single well center, thus doubling the lifting capability on that well center. For example, one traveling block may be suspended and its associated drill line and winch coupled to another traveling block on a different well center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: Transocean Sedco Forex Ventures Limited
    Inventor: Brendan B. Braniff
  • Publication number: 20180044996
    Abstract: A marine riser system, a buoyancy system, and a method of buoying a body. A riser joint includes a body, a buoyancy module, a thrust collar, and a reaction collar. The buoyancy module is coupled around the body and configured to produce a buoyant force when submerged at a subsea location. The thrust collar is coupled around the body and engaged with the buoyancy module to transfer the buoyant force to the body. The reaction collar is engaged with the body such that movement of the buoyancy module is restricted by the reaction collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Jim Britton
  • Publication number: 20180044997
    Abstract: A driveshaft transmission assembly may include a catch assembly having a catch mechanism and pressure plugs. The catch assembly may prevent the loss of certain driveshaft transmission assembly components downhole in the event of a failure of the driveshaft transmission due to dynamic loads produced during operation in a drilling system. The catch mechanism may be coupled to a radial bearing assembly by the pressure plugs. The pressure plugs may secure the catch mechanism to the radial bearing assembly during operation of the driveshaft transmission assembly using a normal force created by a pressure differential between downhole pressure external to the catch mechanism and ambient pressure sealed in the recesses of the radial bearing assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventor: Hossam Mohamed Gharib
  • Publication number: 20180044998
    Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include drill string components having a thread extending around a body. The leading end of the thread can have a configuration that resists jamming and cross-threading. In particular, the leading end of the thread can include a planar surface normal to the body. The leading end of the thread can provide an abrupt transition to full thread depth that helps reduce or eliminate cross-threading. The leading end of the thread can be oriented at an angle relative to the axis of the drill string component. When mating male and female threads are similarly structured, the mating threads slide together along an interface at the thread start face and are drawn into a fully thread-coupled condition. The thread starts may have full circumference mating with no jamming positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER L. DRENTH, KEITH WILLIAM LITTLELY
  • Publication number: 20180044999
    Abstract: A device and method for securing a sleeve (for sacrificial wear and/or electrical isolation) inside a conduit. In one embodiment, the retention device sits adjacent one end of the sleeve and comprises a ring having a protuberance or lip extending parallel to and against the end of the sleeve, thus pressing the end of the sleeve against the inner surface of the conduit. This has the advantage, in situations where fluids are flowing through the conduit, of reducing the risk of fluids moving behind the sleeve and collapsing it inwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Luke Anthony Stack, Dave Switzer, Justin Christopher Logan, Aaron William Logan
  • Publication number: 20180045000
    Abstract: An adaptable pipe transitioning system and method that can easily be used with drilling platforms varying in height is provided. The adjustable pipe handler includes a base having a surface forming a track for receiving at least one pipe, a lift arm having a first end being pivotally mounted to the front section of the base and a second end resting against the elevated platform, the lift arm being positionable at an incline from the base, and forming a channel operably corresponding to the track of the base for receiving the at least one pipe therefrom, and a transitioning arm, movably connected to both the base and the lift arm, for positioning the lift arm, the transitioning arm also forming a channel operably corresponding to the track of the base for receiving at least one pipe therefrom and guiding the pipe along the lift arm to the elevated platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Todd MCCORRISTON, Daniel HUVENAARS, Colin IRVING, Patrick MCDOUGALL, Ronald POLLARD
  • Publication number: 20180045001
    Abstract: A bell nipple for use in an offshore wellbore operation comprising an upper tubular member and a lower tubular member connected telescopically via a slip joint, one or more pistons at the level of the radial plane which is defined by the lowest point of the side outlet and each substantially not axially movable relative to the lower tubular member, wherein the total cross sectional area of the one or more pistons is substantially the same as the cross sectional area of the slip joint less the cross sectional area of the drillpipe. The one or more pistons in the bell nipple provides passive heave compensation in the system, so that the flow rate of drilling fluid measured along the flowline is free from perturbation due to heave during offshore operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventor: Ashley Bernard Johnson
  • Publication number: 20180045002
    Abstract: A packoff pressure prevention system includes an internal pressure sensor to measure fluid pressure within a drillstring. The system further includes an annular vent to, when open, enable fluid to escape from within the drillstring into an annulus. The system further includes a processor coupled to receive pressure measurements from the internal pressure sensor and coupled to signal the annular vent to open if the fluid pressure within the drillstring rises a first threshold amount over a second threshold time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Henrik Erevik Riise, Helge Rorvik
  • Publication number: 20180045003
    Abstract: A well tool apparatus comprises a control arrangement configured to control response of the downhole tool by varying a bore-annulus pressure difference. The control arrangement includes a valve piston longitudinally slidable in a generally tubular controller housing that is in operation substantially co-axial with the wellbore, to open or close a valve port to a fluid flow connection between the drill strings interior and the tool. A latch mechanism is configured to latch the valve piston against movement in one axial direction, keeping the valve piston in an open or a closed condition. Unlatching of the valve piston requires displacement thereof in the other axial direction to a mode change position. A stay member is automatically displaceable under hydraulic actuation responsive to bore-annulus pressure differences above a trigger threshold value, to obstruct movement of the latched valve piston under hydraulic actuation to the mode change position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John Gerard Evans, Bradley David Dunbar, William Browning Bradford, David Wayne Cawthon, Jean-Pierre Lassoie
  • Publication number: 20180045004
    Abstract: A pin whose movement triggers setting of the borehole tool, is initially held by a collet that is supported off a surrounding housing. A spring is supported off the pin and would push a housing that locks the collet to the pin axially to unsupport the collet but for the presence of a Kevlar® wire that has an associated heater. The wire pulls the housing that locks the collet against the spring bias and has an end attached to the pin. Melting the wire allows the spring to move the housing that traps the collet to the pin. At that point hydrostatic pressure can move the pin to either open a port on the borehole tool to set it hydrostatically or to move an actuation rod attached to the pin to set the borehole tool mechanically or with a combination of mechanical and hydraulic force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Keven O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20180045005
    Abstract: A hydraulic disconnect tool that includes a lug retaining sleeve, the lug retaining sleeve having an upper portion, a base portion and a lower portion. The tool also includes at least one primary prong for engaging at least one primary prong receiver disposed in a latch housing. Furthermore, the hydraulic disconnect tool can includes at least one secondary prong for selectively engaging at least one secondary prong receive disposed in the latch housing when the at least one primary prong fails to properly engage the at least one primary prong receiver and a prop slidably disposed in the lug retaining sleeve, preload sleeve and the latch housing. Fluid can be pumped into and through the hydraulic disconnect tool and the latch housing can be disengaged from the lug retaining sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventor: Aaron Holmberg
  • Publication number: 20180045006
    Abstract: An arrangement for accelerating a workpiece including a system inductor configured to be supplied a current, a workpiece positioned magnetically proximate to the system inductor, a workpiece inductor associated with the workpiece and configured to magnetically interact with the system inductor. A method for moving a workpiece in a magnetic pressure arrangement comprising increasing inductance of a workpiece subsystem of the arrangement by disposing a workpiece inductor at the workpiece. A method for moving a workpiece in a magnetic pressure system comprising tuning one or more of a resistor, capacitor or inductor of the system to adjust a phase angle of a magnetic pressure produced in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Carlos Prieto, Christopher Ryan Hern, Daniel Ewing
  • Publication number: 20180045007
    Abstract: A method for installing a tool in a downhole system including running the tool to a target location within a tubular structure, creating a magnetic pulse, and urging the tool toward the tubular structure at a minimum velocity of 200 meters per second with the magnetic pulse. A method for actuating a downhole tool including creating a magnetic pulse, coupling the magnetic pulse to a workpiece and moving the workpiece with the pulse, the workpiece achieving a minimum velocity of 200 meters per second.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Carlos Prieto, James Joseph Freeman, Daniel Ewing, John K. Wakefield, Partha Ganguly
  • Publication number: 20180045008
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods and apparatus for collecting and preserving core samples from a reservoir. In some embodiments, a method includes obtaining core samples from a reservoir using a rock and fluid sampling tool and depositing the core samples in a vessel filled with a hydrogen-free fluid such that a portion of the hydrogen-free fluid is displaced by the core samples and the core samples are immersed in the hydrogen-free fluid. The method also includes transferring a gas into the vessel to occupy a space in the vessel and sealing the vessel via a cap on an end of the vessel. Methods of analyzing the core samples core samples collected from a reservoir and a rock and fluid sampling tool are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Anuj Gupta, Daniel T. Georgi, Katherine L. Hull
  • Publication number: 20180045009
    Abstract: Tubing in a borehole is removed using a rotary milling tool comprising a plurality of elements projecting from or extensible from the body of the tool. The elements are distributed azimuthally around the tool body. The elements comprise cutters to remove material from the tubing and outward facing guide surfaces for sliding contact with an inner surface of the tubing. As the tool is rotated and advanced, forward cutters contact the inner surface removing material from the tubing and exposing a renewed interior tubing surface with a diameter swept out by the cutter. The outward facing guide surfaces extend the same distance from the tool body as the forward cutters producing a sliding contact with the newly created inward facing surface. Further cutters, disposed behind the outward facing guide surfaces, with respect to motion of the tool through the tubing, remove the remaining portion of the tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Ashley Bernard Johnson, Jonathan Robert Hird
  • Publication number: 20180045010
    Abstract: A method can include deploying a plugging device into a well, the plugging device including a body, and an outer material enveloping the body and having a greater flexibility than a material of the body, and conveying the plugging device by fluid flow into engagement with the opening, the body preventing the plugging device from extruding through the opening, and the outer material blocking the fluid flow between the body and the opening. In another method, the plugging device can include at least two bodies, and a washer element connected between the bodies, the washer element being generally disk-shaped and comprising a hole, a line extending through the hole and connected to the bodies on respective opposite sides of the washer element, the washer element preventing the plugging device from being conveyed through the opening, and the washer element blocking the fluid flow through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Gary P. FUNKHOUSER, Brock W. WATSON, Andrew M. FERGUSON, Jenna N. ROBERTSON, Roger L. SCHULTZ
  • Publication number: 20180045011
    Abstract: A blowout preventer (“BOP”) includes a housing comprising a vertical bore extending through the housing and a packer assembly movably positioned within the housing and configured to form a seal within the housing. The packer assembly includes an elastomeric body comprising an elastomeric material and inserts positioned within the elastomeric body and in parallel alignment with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Nicolas J. Arteaga, Taylor R. Mozisek, Oscar Jones, David Rossi
  • Publication number: 20180045012
    Abstract: This disclosure includes manifolds, subsea valve modules, and related methods. Some manifolds and/or subsea valve modules include one or more inlets, each configured to receive hydraulic fluid from a fluid source, one or more outlets, each in selective fluid communication with at least one of the inlets, and one or more subsea valve assemblies, each configured to selectively control hydraulic fluid communication from at least one of the inlets to at least one of the outlets, where at least one of the outlets is configured to be in fluid communication with an actuation port of the hydraulically actuated device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Guy Robert BABBITT, James Edward KERSEY, Nicholas Paul ECHTER, Kristina WEYER-GEIGEL
  • Publication number: 20180045013
    Abstract: A valved tree member (50) for inclusion in a riser completion system (35) and suitable for use in the region of a moon pool (14) on a floating vessel (8), the valved tree member (50) comprising: one or more valve members (70) adapted to selectively permit and prevent flow of fluid therethrough, and one or more moveable stab members (76) adapted to respectively selectively provide a sealed fluid communication path between a throughbore of the riser system and the one or more valve members (70). A telescoping device (60) and a flow diverter member (66) for inclusion in the riser completion system (35) are also provided, as well as a riser completion system (35) incorporating the valved tree member (50), the telescoping device (60) and the flow diverter member (66).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: OIL STATES INDUSTRIES (UK) LIMITED
    Inventor: GARRY ROBERT STEPHEN