Patents Issued in March 20, 2018
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Patent number: 9920554Abstract: A vehicle door latch assembly for maintaining the vehicle door in a closed position including during an angled impact to the door latch of the vehicle. The latch assembly includes a catch, a pawl, and an actuator coupled to a door latch base. The catch is movable to and from a closed position wherein the catch is configured to grasp a portion of a striker coupled to the vehicle to maintain the door closed. The catch is also movable to and from an open position wherein the catch is configured to release the striker to allow the door to open. The pawl is configured to maintain the catch in the closed position until the door handle is actuated. The latch assembly includes a blocking plate including an extension member which is deformable during an impact to align with one of or both a pawl lifter and the pawl member to prevent their rotation and thereby maintain the latch assembly and the vehicle door in a latched position during such an impact.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2017Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Daniel Carl Bejune, Kosta Papanikolaou
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Patent number: 9920555Abstract: A lock with a locking mechanism includes a rotary catch and a pawl for engaging the rotary catch, and a releasing lever for opening or releasing the locking mechanism. The lock may include a blocking lever capable of blocking the pawl if the latter is located in its catching position. If the releasing lever is actuated, the pawl or the blocking lever is thereby moved out of its blocking position if the releasing lever is not excessively accelerated. If excessively large accelerations of the releasing lever occur, as can be caused by a crash, then an arresting device of the lock prevents the releasing lever from being able to move the pawl or the blocking lever out of its blocking or latching position, respectively. The lock is therefore incapable of opening if the releasing lever is accelerated in the event of a crash.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Kiekert AGInventors: Robert L. Brickner, Robert S. Pettengill
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Patent number: 9920556Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a tailgate for a vehicle includes a latch device provided in the tailgate and an actuator. The latch device includes a claw to engage with a striker provided at a vehicle body side, a pawl to engage with the claw to maintain the claw in a locked position, and an unlocking lever to operate the pawl to unlock the claw. The actuator includes a cinching/release lever to selectively operate a cinching cable connected to the claw to rotate the claw from an unlocked position to the locked position, and a release cable connected to the unlocking lever to operate the claw from the locked position to the unlocked position.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Min Hyung Byun, Dong Wuk Choi, Hyun Woo Kim
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Patent number: 9920557Abstract: Disclosed are a fixing device and a refrigerator having the same. The fixing device includes a clasp (400) installed to a first member (12), the clasp having a contact portion (402, 404) defining a plane, and a coupler (500) installed to a second member (100), the coupler serving to fix the second member to the first member to enable selective coupling or release of the second member and the first member. The coupler includes a hook (510) having a protruding tip portion (511) configured to come into contact with the contact portions (402, 404) so as to be caught by the contact portion (404), the hook being rotatable, and an elastic member (52,0) configured to elastically support the hook such that the hook is rotated toward the clasp. A contact position of the protruding tip portion and the contact portion is spaced apart from a rotation center of the hook by a predetermined distance (d).Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Nami Kim, Jaeyoul Lee, Sunghun Lee, Jindong Kim, Jihyun Im, Hyunbum Kim
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Patent number: 9920558Abstract: An easily assembled and disassembled connecting assembly includes a first connecting plate provided with a first edge and a second edge in opposite to the first edge; a second connecting plate removable and pivotally combined with the first edge for allowing the second connecting plate and the first connecting plate to open and close; and a fastening structure disposed between the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate for fastening and fixing the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate when the two connecting plates are arranged in a close status. Therefore, the two connecting plates are able to be easily assembled and disassembled.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Inventor: Calvin Chou
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Patent number: 9920559Abstract: An adjustable sliding privacy screen for a premium class passenger suite may include a guide rail mounted to a wall partition. The adjustable sliding privacy screen may also include a yaw and roll adjustment bracket slidingly attached to the guide rail and to the screen. The yaw and roll adjustment bracket may include a flanged adjustment screw for adjusting the yaw and roll of the screen and a locking screw for securing the yaw and roll adjustment of the screen. The screen may also include a ball joint adjustment bracket slidingly attached to the guide rail and to the screen. The ball joint adjustment bracket may include a ball joint and adjustment screw for adjusting the pitch of the screen and a locking nut for securing the pitch adjustment of the screen. The device of the present invention thus allows for the adjustment of the yaw, roll, and pitch of the screen.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: David J. Druckman, Ian L. Frost
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Patent number: 9920560Abstract: In at least some implementations, a motor vehicle window assembly includes a guide rail, a movable pane movable along the guide rail between open and closed positions and a defroster. First and second guide rail conductors are carried by the guide rail and adapted to be connected to a power source. First and second movable conductors are each electrically communicated with a respective one of the first and second guide rail conductors, each electrically coupled to the defroster and each movable with the movable pane relative to guide rail when the movable pane is moved between the open and closed positions. To provide power to the defroster, the movable conductors are in contact with the guide rail conductors when the movable pane is in the closed position and during movement of the movable pane between the open and closed positions.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Dura Operating, LLCInventors: Ronnie G. Gipson, Kenneth E. Keck, II
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Patent number: 9920561Abstract: A door closer capable of adjusting door closing speed, includes a pneumatic cylinder on the door frame, a hydraulic cylinder on the door, and a lever. One end of the lever is movably connected to the pneumatic cylinder, and the other end is connected to the hydraulic cylinder. The pneumatic cylinder includes a sliding rail, and a sliding member cooperated with the sliding rail. A hermetic chamber is formed by the sliding member and the sliding rail. An adjusting valve, for adjusting the air exhaust of the hermetic chamber, is provided on a wall of the hermetic chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Cmech (Guangzhou) Ltd.Inventor: Shuiwang Fan
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Patent number: 9920562Abstract: A door closing device for installation between a door and a door jamb includes a closer rod having an end configured to be fixed to the door jamb, the closer rod being movable between a withdrawn position in which the door is closed and an extended position in which the door is opened. The device also has a hold-open mechanism that includes a driver fixed to the closer rod and movable between a release position that permits movement of the closer rod, and a hold position that holds the closer rod in the extended position, and a resilient retainer configured to capture the driver in the hold position. The driver is separated from the retainer by a disengagement force applied to the retainer.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: HAMPTON PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventor: Lucas Jeffrey Stanton
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Patent number: 9920563Abstract: A damping unit includes a cylinder which is filled with a damping fluid and in which a piston rod is guided, the piston rod associated with a bottom surface which has at least one axial through-hole which defines an effective flow cross section for the damping fluid; wherein the piston rod includes: a sleeve element which is fixed on the piston rod in the axial direction; a piston bottom element which is supported on the piston rod so as to be axially slidable and includes the bottom surface; a resilient element; and a termination element which is fixed on the piston rod in the axial direction and forms an indirect or direct stop for the piston bottom element in the insertion direction of the piston rod.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Stabilus GmbHInventors: Lars Löhken, Ulrich Probst, Michael Hewel
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Patent number: 9920564Abstract: A control system for a closure element arrangement of a vehicle includes at least one linear distance sensor to detect operator control events. A control arrangement monitors the distance sensor for one of the operator control events. A longitudinal movement cycle of a body part of an operator in a longitudinal direction comprises one of the operator control events and can be detected using the distance sensor. The control arrangement detects a transverse movement cycle of the operator body part as another one of the operator control events. The transverse movement cycle runs in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction. The closure element arrangement can be driven in response to detecting either one of the operator control events.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, HallstadtInventor: Frank Ebert
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Patent number: 9920565Abstract: The present application discloses systems and methods for marking an individual with an identifying substance. The system includes a spray delivery device configured to release a pressurized substance in response to an activation signal, an activation device configured to transmit an activation signal to the spray delivery device, and a power supply, configured to provide power to at least one of the activation devices and the spray delivery devices. The method includes storing a pressurized substance, receiving an activation signal at a spray delivery device, and releasing the pressurized substance in response to the received activation signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATIONInventor: Thomas G. Bolden
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Patent number: 9920566Abstract: An encapsulated glass assembly includes a glass panel and a plastic frame coupled to the glass panel and an encapsulant for securing the frame to the panel. The frame includes at least three sides, wherein at least two and less than all of the at least three sides of the frame have a C-shaped channel extending within an outer frame surface and wherein another one side of the at least three sides does not have a C-shaped channel. The panel is introduced onto the inner surface of the lower wall portion of the another one side and then slid within each one of the C-shaped channels on the at least two sides. An encapsulant is bonded onto the panel and frame to secure the frame to the panel. The encapsulant has a Shore hardness less than the Shore hardness of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignees: AGC AUTOMOTIVE AMERICAS R&D, INC., AGC FLAT GLASS NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Daniel Bennett, David W. Lahnala, Joel Jerrim
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Patent number: 9920567Abstract: A threshold system and threshold insert for transitions through doorways. An insert for a threshold saddle to be used with a door includes an elongated member for providing a seal along a bottom edge of the door and to be received in a seat in the saddle. The insert defines a door engagement surface adapted to extend across both the seat and the change in elevation to engage the door to provide the seal. When installed for use, the door engagement surface, the saddle adjacent to the sides of the seat, or both provide an overall slope of at least or approximately 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical. A threshold system includes a saddle and the insert. The door or an appurtenant door shoe may have an angled surface to interface with the door engagement surface of the insert.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: PEMKO MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Ellen Amanda Jetton, Gary Lawrence Higginbotham, Jr., Philip Anthony Goossens
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Patent number: 9920568Abstract: A composite profile for doors, windows, or other facade elements includes a first and second metal profile between which at least one intermediate metal profile is provided. The first metal outer profile is connected to the intermediate metal profile in a first insulating web zone via one or more insulating web(s), and the second metal profile is connected to the intermediate profile in a second insulating web zone via one or more insulating web(s). Both the first and second insulating web zones have different shear strengths orthogonally in relation to the cross-sectional plane of the composite profile.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: SCHÜCO INTERNATIONAL KGInventors: Anke Rethmeier, Mathias Schiller
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Patent number: 9920569Abstract: A closure member of a preferred configuration and the method of making the same. The closure member has a board with a major axis and two panels to sandwich a hollow interior that is partitioned by a plurality of ribs positioned at intervals within the hollow interior, the hollow interior is delimited in a first direction by a pair of opposite end walls. The hollow interior is accessible in a second direction which is substantially traverse to the first direction, and at least one of the two panels is textured during the formation of the board to form a textured outer surface of the closure member, or the hollow interior is filled with a preferred reinforcement means.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: NAN YA PLASTICS CORPORATIONInventor: Kuei-Yung Wang
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Patent number: 9920570Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a window sill flashing comprising a base having a substantially rectangular shape. A front flange projects perpendicularly downward from a front edge of the base and at least one side flange extends vertically from a side edge of the base. The side flange includes a front surface. The window sill flashing is made from a rigid homopolymer vinyl film.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: PN II, Inc.Inventors: Robert Patrick Broad, Jay K. McDonald
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Patent number: 9920571Abstract: An integrated controller for an operator unit for powering an overhead garage roller door or roller shutter is described. The operator unit comprises a motor, an output drive assembly, a timing assembly unit, and a clutch assembly for providing selective engagement between motor powered operation and manual operation (provided by a chain rotating a chain wheel). The motor is arranged to drive a shaft which, in turn, provides drive to the roller door or shutter assembly (not shown), which includes an axle around which the roller door or shutter is wound. The integrated controller comprises an inverter for receiving a single phase power supply and supplying three phase power to drive the motor; and a drive controller in operable association with the inverter for providing active management of the operation of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Automatic Technology (Australia) Pty. Ltd.Inventors: Travis William Smith, Geoff Baker, Nikolai Klepikov, Jasbir Singh, Ray Hawkins
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Patent number: 9920572Abstract: Stepladders and related methods of using and manufacturing stepladders are provided. In one embodiment, a stepladder is provided that comprises a top cap, a first assembly and a second assembly. The first assembly has a pair of spaced apart rails pivotally coupled with the top cap. The second assembly includes at least one rail pivotally coupled with the top cap. The first assembly and second assembly are configured to be displaced relative one another such that the stepladder is selectively positionable between a first, deployed state and a second, collapsed state. The first assembly, the second assembly and the top cap are cooperatively configured such that the at least one rail of the second assembly is at least partially nested within an envelope defined by the pair of spaced apart rails of the first assembly with the step ladder is in a collapsed state.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Wing Enterprises, IncorporatedInventors: N. Ryan Moss, Gary M. Jonas, Sean R. Peterson, Ryan Crawford
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Patent number: 9920573Abstract: A drill string coupling and uncoupling method includes forming a well bore by conducting a drilling operation using a drill string having a first drill string segment and a second drill string segment detachably coupled to the first drill string segment; immobilizing the second drill string segment in the well bore; uncoupling the first drill string segment from the second drill string segment; at least partially retracting the first drill string segment in the well bore away from the second drill string segment; reinserting the first drill string segment in the well bore to the second drill string segment; and re-coupling the first drill string segment to the second drill string segment.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Inventor: Christopher A. Branton
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Patent number: 9920574Abstract: An apparatus for providing pressurized fluid to a formation that includes a power source body configured to contain a gas-generating fuel and a tool body comprising a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is configured to hold a fluid, and the second chamber is configured to receive gas from the gas-generating fuel within the power source body. The apparatus further comprises a piston sealed between the first chamber and the second chamber and configured to stroke through the first chamber in response to a pressure increase within the second chamber, and a hose configured to generate a high-pressure jet of the fluid and to extend from the tool body or a diverter sub into the formation when the piston strokes through the first chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Robertson Intellectual Properties, LLCInventor: Michael C. Robertson
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Patent number: 9920575Abstract: Earth-boring tools include a cutting element positioned on a drill bit body at a radial distance from a longitudinal axis thereof. At least two formation-engaging elements are positioned at the same radial distance from the longitudinal axis as the cutting element. The formation-engaging elements are recessed from a cutting profile of the cutting element by a distance within about 10% of d, wherein d=(?*x)/(1800*y), where ? is an angle between the formation-engaging element and the cutting element, x is a rate of penetration of the drill bit body, and y is a rotation speed of the drill bit body. Additional earth-boring tools include at least one cutting element and at least two formation-engaging elements recessed from a cutting profile of the at least one cutting element at a common angle. Methods relate to forming such earth-boring tools.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Matthew J. Meiners, Scott F. Donald, Reed W. Spencer
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Patent number: 9920576Abstract: A cutting element for an earth-boring tool includes a substrate and a volume of superabrasive material disposed on a substrate. The volume of superabrasive material has an exposed outer surface with a non-planar geometry. The cutting element is configured to be located and oriented on an earth-boring tool so as to remove subterranean earth formation material by compressing and fracturing or plastically deforming the formation material with at least a portion of the exposed outer surface of the volume of superabrasive material during use of the earth-boring tool in an earth-boring operation. The exposed outer surface of the volume of superabrasive material includes a first area having a first average surface finish roughness and a second area having a second average surface finish roughness greater than the first average surface finish roughness. Earth-boring tools carrying such cutting elements and methods of forming such earth-boring tools are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLCInventor: Reed W. Spencer
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Patent number: 9920577Abstract: Polycrystalline compacts include non-catalytic nanoparticles in interstitial spaces between interbonded grains of hard material in a polycrystalline hard material. Cutting elements and earth-boring tools include such polycrystalline compacts. Methods of forming polycrystalline compacts include sintering hard particles and non-catalytic nanoparticles to form a polycrystalline material. Methods of forming cutting elements include infiltrating interstitial spaces between interbonded grains of hard material in a polycrystalline material with a plurality of non-catalytic nanoparticles.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Anthony A. DiGiovanni, Danny E. Scott
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Patent number: 9920578Abstract: A superabrasive cutter and a method of making the superabrasive cutter are disclosed. The superabrasive cutter may comprise a plurality of polycrystalline superabrasive particles and about 0.01% to about 4% by weight of the superabrasive particles of a dopant as evaluated prior to a high pressure/high temperature process. The dopant may be immiscible with a catalyst for forming the polycrystalline superabrasive particles.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: DIAMOND INNOVATIONS, INC.Inventors: Andrew Gledhill, Christopher Allen Long
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Patent number: 9920579Abstract: For drill bit cutter indexing, a housing is disposed in a drill bit. An indexing cog is in physical communication with a cutter and interlocks with the housing in a first index position of a plurality of index positions in response to a first compressive load applied to the cutter. A motivator disengages the indexing cog from the housing and positions the indexing cog to interlock with the housing at an initial second index position in response to a removal of the compressive load from the cutter.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventor: Cole Newman
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Patent number: 9920580Abstract: A monohull offshore drilling vessel includes a hull having a moonpool; a multiple firing line hoist system mounted on the hull at the moonpool and including a mast having a top side and a base connected to the hull, wherein the mast has a hollow construction with a first side and an opposed second side; a first hoisting device having load attachment means displaceable along a first firing line extending on the outside of and adjacent to the first side of the mast; a second hoisting device having load attachment means displaceable along a second firing line, which on the outside of and adjacent to the second side of the mast; wherein the first and second hoisting devices each include cable(s) and associated winch(es), the winches disposed in the hollow construction of the mast, to manipulate the position of each of the load attachment devices relative to the mast.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: ITREC B.V.Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Diederick Bernardus Wijning
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Patent number: 9920581Abstract: A wired pipe assembly includes a first wired pipe segment including a first body extending from a first box end to a first pin end and a second wired pipe segment including a second body extending from a second box end to a second pin end. The assembly also includes an electromagnetic directional coupler including an input line disposed in the first wired pipe segment and an output line disposed in the second wired pipe segment.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventor: Thomas Bratschke
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Patent number: 9920582Abstract: A method for reducing fluid loss from a water-based wellbore servicing fluid is disclosed. The method includes preparing a fluid loss control additive that is substantially stable even at a high temperature of about 350° F. The fluid loss control additive may be formulated by dry mixing of a natural starch and sodium monochloroacetate for a first predetermined reaction time period; spraying an alkaline solution onto the dry mixture for a second predetermined reaction time period to form a complex starch mixture; and treating the complex starch mixture for a third predetermined reaction time period with a diluted cross-linking agent.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: OREN HYDROCARBONS PRIVATE LIMITEDInventor: Mahaboob Subhahani
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Patent number: 9920583Abstract: Drill string check valve apparatus comprises a tubular body and a flapper valve mounted in the body with a flapper movable between an open position and a closed position. An axially extending valve retainer is also mounted in the body and is translatable from a running position to a drilling position. In the running position the valve retainer extends through the valve to maintain the flapper in the open position. In the drilling position the valve retainer permits the flapper to move to the closed position to prevent flow up through the body.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Churchill Drilling Tools LimitedInventor: Andrew Philip Churchill
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Patent number: 9920584Abstract: A collet lock assembly for use on a downhole tool allows repeat cycling of a “RELEASE” and “SET” position. In the “RELEASE” position, the collet lock assembly allows bi-directional relative movement of the mandrel in relation to the collet lock assembly, while in the “SET” position, the assembly allows bi-directional load transfer along the mandrel directly into the slip assembly while diverting axial loads away from components positioned along the downhole tool.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2012Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Christopher Michael Pelto, Jeremy Lynn Stanley
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Patent number: 9920585Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising providing a flowable component comprising syntactic foam, communicating the flowable component into a wellbore, and allowing the flowable component to be removed from the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Zachary R. Murphree, Michael L. Fripp, Zachary W. Walton
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Patent number: 9920586Abstract: An apparatus for containing leaks from a stuffing box on a wellhead production assembly, the apparatus comprises a containment vessel consisting of two half shells that are joined below the stuffing box. Additionally, the apparatus comprises a transparent lid having an upper opening to receive a polished rod extending from the stuffing box. The lid is secured to the containment vessel in a liquid tight manner such that the stuffing box is substantially isolated from the environment so that any leaks originating from the stuffing box will be contained in the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Anti-Pollution Technology, L.P.Inventors: Jack G. Brewer, Steven L. Shroyer, Darrel B. Fruit, Darrel G. Fruit, Christopher Joe White, William Joseph Bickel, Jr., Jerry Douglas Leopold
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Patent number: 9920587Abstract: Certain aspects are directed to a testable isolation packer that sets and provides the ability to test upper and lower packer elements. In one aspect, the testable isolation packer includes at least two packer elements, a packer element setting system, a bypass system, and a testing subassembly. The testing subassembly generally includes a moveable element with an outer port and a sealing element, an inner mandrel with an inner port, and a shear mechanism to cause travel of the moveable element close the bypass system and to open the testing subassembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: William David Henderson, Timothy Edward Harms, William Mark Richards
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Patent number: 9920588Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an anchor seal for an expandable tubular assembly. In one aspect, an anchoring seal assembly for creating a seal portion and an anchor portion between a first tubular that is disposed within a second tubular is provided. The anchoring seal assembly includes an expandable annular member attached to the first tubular. The annular member has an outer surface and an inner surface. The anchoring seal assembly further includes a seal member disposed in a groove formed in the outer surface of the expandable annular member. The seal member has one or more anti-extrusion spring bands embedded within the seal member, wherein the outer surface of the expandable annular member adjacent the groove includes a rough surface. The anchoring seal assembly also includes an expander sleeve that is configured to radially expand the expandable annular member to create the seal portion and the anchor portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventor: Rocky A. Turley
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Patent number: 9920589Abstract: A system for use with a well can include a perforating assembly with at least one perforator, the perforating assembly conveyed through a wellbore with fluid flow through the wellbore, and plugging devices spaced apart from the perforating assembly in the wellbore, the plugging devices conveyed through the wellbore with the fluid flow. A method of deploying plugging devices in a wellbore can include conveying a perforating assembly including a dispensing tool through the wellbore, the dispensing tool including a container, and then releasing the plugging devices from the container into the wellbore at a downhole location. Another method of deploying plugging devices in a wellbore can include conveying the plugging devices through the wellbore with fluid flow through the wellbore, and conveying a perforating assembly through the wellbore while the plugging devices are being conveyed through the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Roger L. Schultz, Gary P. Funkhouser, Jenna N. Robertson
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Patent number: 9920590Abstract: A wellhead assembly including a tubing hanger adapted to be connected to a tubing string and landed in a wellhead, and defining a tubing annulus between the tubing string and casing in a well. The wellhead assembly also includes a tubing annulus upper access bore extending downward from an upper end of the tubing hanger, and a tubing annulus lower access bore extending upward from a lower end of the tubing hanger and misaligned with the upper access bore, the lower access bore adapted to communicated with the tubing annulus. A communication cavity connects the upper and lower access bores within the tubing hanger. A remotely actuated valve is in the communication cavity for selectively opening and closing communication between the lower access bore and the upper access bore.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Vetco Gray, LLCInventor: Rodney Mark Fenwick
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Patent number: 9920591Abstract: A toe circulation sub for a wellbore liner, the toe circulation sub comprising: a body including a connection for connecting the body to a wellbore liner to define an inner facing portion open to an inner diameter of the liner and an outer facing portion open to an outer surface of the liner; a bore through the body from the inner facing portion to the outer facing portion; and, a ball seat in the bore formed to stop and seal with a ball to plug flow through the bore to close the toe circulation sub. The toe circulation sub is useful for methods and may be installed in a wellbore liner.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Inventor: Daniel Jon Themig
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Patent number: 9920592Abstract: A well tool can include an operator device with an operator profile and at least two routes, and an indexing device with a cam and a cam follower including a structure. The structure engages the routes in succession in response to relative displacement between the operator profile and cam. A method can include causing relative displacement between an operator device and an indexing device in one direction, thereby causing a structure to disengage from one route of the operator device and displace an initial distance between two routes in response to engagement between the cam follower and a cam, and causing relative displacement between the operator and indexing devices in an opposite direction, thereby causing the structure to displace a remaining distance between the routes in response to engagement between the cam follower and an operator profile of the operator device, and to displace along the second route.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Brock W. Watson
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Patent number: 9920593Abstract: A wireline retrievable injection valve for an oil or gas well has an internal valve that is initially moved to open a flapper safety valve and also opens to allow fluid flow through the valve. The internal valve includes a sleeve that opens the flapper safety valve and shields the flapper safety valve from fluid. In this manner the flapper valve is protected from being caused to “flutter” or “chatter” due to pressure variations in the fluid flow, which may damage the seat.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLCInventors: Jason Charles Mailand, Thomas G. Hill
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Patent number: 9920594Abstract: A method of hanging a cable within a coiled tubing string includes the steps of determining a length of coiled tubing required within a well having a wellhead; determining a length of a cable required within the coiled tubing, the cable having a structural component along the length of the cable sufficient to support the weight of the cable; cutting the tubing string and installing a hanger sub in the coiled tubing string toward, the wellhead attachment section relative to the downhole end, the hanger sub comprising an inner shoulder that extends radially into the hanger sub and defines an opening; and attaching an outer shoulder to the cable and inserting the cable into the coiled tubing string until the outer shoulder of the cable engages the inner shoulder of the hanger sub such that the inner shoulder positions the cable below the outer shoulder.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Petrospec Engineering Ltd.Inventors: Gerald Chalifoux, Scott Penny, Clint Jones
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Patent number: 9920595Abstract: The present invention provides wellbore cleaning tool and method featuring a wiper assembly which allows fluid to bypass the tool in one direction while diverting the well fluid through a filter screen in another direction. This may be achieved by either circulation of the fluid in the wellbore or by moving the tool relative to the fluid in the wellbore. The wiper assembly includes multiple groups or series of wiper elements wherein one petal shaped element aligns with a slot to form a seal when the tool body is retrieved from the well.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Odfjell Well Services Norway ASInventor: Simon Leiper
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Patent number: 9920596Abstract: In-situ heating of coal facilitates desorption and diffusion of the methane for production of the methane through a wellbore. Water within fractures of the coal forms an electrical conduit through which current is passed. The heating relies at least in part on resistivity of the water, which thereby preheats the coal for the recovering of the methane.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventors: Shuxing Dong, Thomas J. Wheeler, W. Reid Dreher, Jr.
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Patent number: 9920597Abstract: A system for subsea pumping or compressing includes an ESP (electrical submersible pump), a flowline jumper, a connector part in either end of the flowline jumper, and a truss structure or longitudinal rib-arrangement that acts as a stiffening arrangement. The ESP may be arranged in the flowline jumper which may be orientated in a substantially horizontal direction. The stiffening arrangement may function to ensure that the ESP shaft is straight at all times during lifting, installation and operation. The system may also include a load limiting arrangement for limiting or eliminating the load on structure and seabed supporting the system.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Aker Solutions ASInventors: Gunder Homstvedt, Martin Pedersen, Rikhard Bjørgum
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Patent number: 9920598Abstract: An umbilical (2) has a center tube (4) that is a steel tube, and that the cross section of the center tube (4) at the extremity of the umbilical (2) is made corrugated on a length that extends substantially from the extremity to a distance from the extremity so that fatigue strain on non corrugated parts of the steel tube is avoided when the extremity of the umbilical (2) is inserted into a bend stiffener (1).Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2011Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: NEXANSInventor: Sjur Kristian Lund
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Patent number: 9920599Abstract: A safe and effective method for remediation and removal of trapped oil, since oil spills trapped under ice present a significant environmental problem. Injector wells are placed around a periphery of trapped oil to inject fluids beneath the ice. A producer well is placed within the periphery and the hydrostatic pressure from the injector wells urges the oil toward and up through the producer well.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Inventor: Mohamed Hashem
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Patent number: 9920600Abstract: An assembly for performing multiple downhole hydraulic stimulation applications in a well. The different applications may be performed without removal of the assembly from the well between the different applications. So, for example, even a hydraulic perforating application may be performed with prior or subsequent clean-out applications. Yet, there is no need to remove the assembly for manual surface adjustment of the hydraulic perforating tool in order to allow for such clean-outs.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2011Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Barry McCallum, Jason Swaren, Bradley P. Malone, Kevin Mullen, Kevin Douglas Mauth
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Patent number: 9920601Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a flow of a fluid between a wellbore tubular and a wellbore annulus includes an inflow control device having an opening in fluid communication with a bore of the wellbore tubular, a first particulate control device forming a first fluid stream conveyed to the inflow control device; and at least one degradable flow blocker blocking fluid flow through the inflow control device.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventors: Nicholas Carrejo, Adriana Hightower, Tarik Abdelfattah, Nadine Macklin
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Patent number: 9920602Abstract: A swing chamber pump can be situated within a horizontal wellbore for pumping wellbore fluids to surface using a power gas. The pump has two fluidly independent and separate pump chambers, each having a self-orienting gas valve and a self-orienting fluid outlet. A switch alternately directs the power gas into a chamber for conveying stored fluid therein to a production string, while the other chamber passively fills with wellbore fluids. A latency device converts a continuous motion into a sudden snap actuation of the switch and controls a period of delay between the actuation of the switch.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: WGM TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventor: Jianshe (James) Wang
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Patent number: 9920603Abstract: The method and device of exploitation of well by pumping unit with variable-frequency drive involves periodic repetition of the cycles including pumpdown, search for frequency when delivery stops and accumulation and at the same time to ensure such extraction of fluid from well which is equal to its inflow it is necessary to choose unit with higher capacity in comparison with inflow of fluid from formation into well and during the cycles the pumpdown-accumulation ratio is corrected depending on the results of the previous cycles until the pumpdown-accumulation time ratio stops to change and the torque at which the delivery stops is determined based on the equality of the current torque of the downhole motor shaft and check torque which is pre-determined based on stepwise drop of torque of the downhole motor shaft in the point when delivery stops when supply voltage is decreased.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Inventor: Jury F. Bogachuk