Patents Issued in June 21, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180171692
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a header for enclosing a counterbalance assembly for use with an overhead door assembly. The header comprises a top surface, a rear surface coupled to a rear end of the top surface, a bottom surface coupled to a bottom end of the rear surface, and at least one reinforcement member disposed rearward of the counterbalance assembly and forward of the rear surface. The at least one reinforcement member provides necessary reinforcement to the header while allowing for a vertical height of the header to be minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Rodney P. Ehrlich, Michael L. Thoma
  • Publication number: 20180171693
    Abstract: A sliding door assembly includes a link arm connected to a support surface, a track guide carried on the link arm and a door body including a track that slides over the track guide. A related method of operating a sliding door assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Daniel Vincent Vega
  • Publication number: 20180171694
    Abstract: The flipping mechanism for rotating a flat element includes a linear guide having a rail and a slide moveable along the rail, a swivel arm having a first end connected adjacent to a first end of the rail in such a way that the swivel arm can be rotated about the first end between a first position, in which the swivel arm is parallel to the rail, and a second position, in which the swivel arm is perpendicular to the rail, and a rotation element having a first end connected in a rotatable manner to the slide of the linear guide, the rotation element being further connected to the swivel arm in a rotatable manner such that rotation of the rotation element about its first end causes rotation of the swivel arm about the first end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: ILKKA HELMIKKALA
  • Publication number: 20180171695
    Abstract: A mechanism for precisely controlling a slide gate to provide certain and secure location of a sliding gate in a path of flowable dry bulk material, the mechanism including a rack and pinon gear with a shaft with a diameter hole therethrough for receiving a pin therethrough when the sliding gate is in a desired position. The swing arm is configured to inhibit removal of the pin and thereby prevent unwanted movement of the gate from the desired position. The swing arm is configured for selectively prohibiting accidental and/or intentional but unauthorized removal of the pin depending upon types of objects being placed through the open hole in the swing arm and the first fixed arm open hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Karl W. Nolin
  • Publication number: 20180171696
    Abstract: An opening and closing load device includes a door configured to be openable and closable with respect to an opening in a side of a housing, the housing including a perimeter wall surrounding the opening, a seal member provided on a perimeter of the door or the perimeter wall and configured to seal the opening when the door is closed to sandwich the seal member between the door and the perimeter wall, and a controller configured to adjust an attraction force between the door and the perimeter wall based on a distance between the door and the perimeter wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Wataru SAKURAI
  • Publication number: 20180171697
    Abstract: An entrapment detection sensor that detects entrapment caused by an opening/closing body includes an anode sensor electrode and a cathode sensor electrode. The anode sensor electrode is set on the opening/closing body at a location where entrapment caused by the opening/closing body occurs. The cathode sensor electrode is set on the opening/closing body at a location spaced apart by a gap from the anode sensor electrode. The entrapment detection sensor detects a charged object that approaches the anode sensor electrode as an entrapment subject and cancels detection of the charged object that approaches the cathode sensor electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Shuji SHITARA
  • Publication number: 20180171698
    Abstract: An automatic gate lifter for a vehicle may include a driving motor configured to provide rotational driving power, a hinge member constituting a hinge shaft such that a gate included in the vehicle is rotated about the hinge shaft, and an electronic clutch selectively connecting the hinge member and the driving motor such that the rotational driving power of the driving motor is selectively transmitted to the hinge member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Duck Young KIM
  • Publication number: 20180171699
    Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods of maintaining a configuration of a cladding arrangement of a fenestration apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Jonathan S. Hoogland, Scot C. Miller, Randy L. Black, Jason L. Jungling
  • Publication number: 20180171700
    Abstract: An improved barrel bolt assembly and extensible gate comprising the same wherein the assembly includes a washer having at least one inward or outward projection annularly disposed about an internal periphery thereof, a fastener having a head portion and a shank portion extending therefrom, and a barrel having a head portion and a boss portion extending therefrom, wherein the boss portion is operative to receive the fastener shank portion and the barrel boss portion further includes at least one inward or outward projection annularly and complementarily disposed and formed with respect to the inner periphery of the washer, to receive and mate with the washer, whereby the washer and barrel interlock to prevent rotational movement with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Glide Rite Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Eric Reiner, Wen Hong Zeng
  • Publication number: 20180171701
    Abstract: A portable shade apparatus includes a sheet of material, a set of cables, and a set of flexible rods coupled to the sheet of material and the set of cables. Each flexible rod has (i) a first end section which projects from the sheet of material, (ii) a second end section which fastens to a respective cable, and (iii) an inner section between the first end section and the second end section. The inner section provides support to the sheet of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: David E. Huang, Richard J. McMillen, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20180171702
    Abstract: A customizable glass wall system is disclosed. The system comprises at least two glazed, transparent panes mounted to a frame, creating an internal space less than approximately five inches thick. At least one upper roller is mounted to an upper portion of the frame, preferably on a removable headboard, and at least one lower roller is mounted to a lower portion of the frame, preferably to a removable tailboard. At least one partitioned film is attached to the upper and lower rollers. The partitioned film has partitions with varied properties and functions, ranging from thermal insulation to decoration, which can be selectively positioned behind the transparent panes by rotating the partitioned film by means of the rollers until a selected partition of film is displayed. The system can be automated based on time, weather, amount of sunlight, or user preference, and it may include window coverings or solar cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Andrew Priddis, Sigmar Tobias, Thomas Tolman, Benjamin Taylor, Dylan Astle, Grant Getts
  • Publication number: 20180171703
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a rotatable outer roller, a rotatable inner roller, a first shade secured to the outer roller, and a second shade secured to the inner roller. The outer roller may define an elongated slot extending along a length of the outer roller and opening to an interior of the outer roller. The inner roller may be received within the outer roller and may define a central longitudinal axis. The first shade may be retractable onto and extendable from the outer roller. The second shade may extend through the elongated slot and may be retractable onto and extendable from the inner roller. The elongated slot may be substantially horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller when the first shade is in a fully extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Nickolas C. Buccola, JR., Terrence M. Drew, Kenneth M. Faller, Kent A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20180171704
    Abstract: A window blind includes a headrail, a bottom rail, and a plurality of slats. The slats are horizontally suspended between the headrail and the bottom rail through ladder tapes. Each ladder tape has two warps, wherein an end of the warps is connected to a ladder drum, and another end thereof passes through the bottom rail to be connected thereto. When the ladder drum is rotated, the ladder tapes could be pulled smoothly, and the slats supported by the ladder tapes could be tightly closed. Whereby, the window blind could provide a good shielding effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Chih-Yao CHANG, Lin CHEN
  • Publication number: 20180171705
    Abstract: A blind having a blind operating mechanism and a blind control element and having an enclosure for the blind control element, with the element completely enclosed, a connector supporting the enclosure on the blind, and depending downwardly, and a drive device at the lower end of the enclosure for operating the element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: MAXXMAR Inc.
    Inventor: Norbert Marocco
  • Publication number: 20180171706
    Abstract: Provided is a braking device configured to release a cord in a non-bent state so that the operation force required to pull cords is reduced and the behavior of slats is stabilized during an automatic fall, and a sunlight shielding device using the braking device. A braking device for braking movement of a cord includes a movement converter configured to convert movement of a cord into movement of another member. The movement converter includes sandwiching object configured to allow the cord to be sandwiched. The sandwiching object is configured to change a sandwiched state so that the cord is sandwiched by the sandwiching object when the cord and the sandwiching object move relatively in one direction and the cord is released in a non-bent state when the cord and the sandwiching object move relatively in another direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: TACHIKAWA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuto YAMAGISHI, Takatoshi UEMATSU, Takenobu EBATO, Nobutoshi ORITA, Daisuke TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20180171707
    Abstract: A spring loaded tensioning device for tensioning a flexible blind control element loop to be secured in position on a building , and having a housing shell; a hinged door on the housing shell operable between an open position for insertion of the control element and a closed position, a moveable lock in the housing shell, moveable between a locking position in which it clamps onto the element, and a released position in which the lock is free of the control element; and, a spring urging the lock to clamp onto the control element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Norbert Marocco
  • Publication number: 20180171708
    Abstract: The invention relates to a support for the shaft of a winding tube, comprising: a fixed part with a surface and a channeled portion for receiving said shaft; a movable part coupled to said surface, which can move between a first position wherein the channeled portion of the fixed part and a channeled portion of the movable part form a tubular cavity, and a second position defining an opening for accessing the channeled portion of the fixed part; characterised in that the movable part comprises a load end suitable for receiving said shaft as it is pushed against the movable part, moving said movable part into the second position, and positioning the shaft over said opening when the movable part is in said second position; and in that the support comprises elastic means associated with the movable part and the fixed part, which are designed to hold the movable part in said first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: David Alonso Fabregat
  • Publication number: 20180171709
    Abstract: A power assist module for use in roller tube driven products, such as roller shades. The module may be pre-wound prior to installation in a roller tube and retains its pre-wound condition, even after use, when removed from the roller tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Stephen R. Haarer, Richard N. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20180171710
    Abstract: A coupling for a roller tube of a window treatment system may include a body and/or one or more compliant members. The body may include a bore through a rotational axis of the coupling. The body may be configured to be received within the roller tube of the window treatment system. The body may define an outer surface. One or more compliant members may extend at an oblique angle from the outer surface of the coupling. The one or more compliant members may be configured to engage a smooth inner surface of the roller tube. The use of compliant members may enable a rigid connection of the coupling to the smooth inner surface of the roller tube surface, without the use of fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Kirby
  • Publication number: 20180171711
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for configuring a motorized drive device for a closure or solar protection unit, the method including: a step in which a low end-of-travel position of a screen is determined automatically; a step in which the magnitude of an electric current passing through an electric motor is measured by a measurement device; a step in which a variation in the value magnitude is determined; and a step in which an obstacle-detection threshold value is determined during the movement of the screen towards its unwound position, according to the variation in the measured magnitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: SOMFY ACTIVTES SA
    Inventor: Benjamin DESFOSSEZ
  • Publication number: 20180171712
    Abstract: A method for configuring a motorized drive device for a closure or solar protection unit including: placing of the motorized drive device in a configuration mode; first movement of a screen towards its unwound position, by activation of the motorized drive device; automatic determination of a low end-of-travel position of the screen; movement of the screen towards its wound position, by activation of the motorized drive device; second movement of the screen towards its unwound position, by activation of the motorized drive device; and stopping of the motorized drive device at the low end-of-travel position of the screen determined during the automatic determination step. The step including the automatic determination of the low end-of-travel position of the screen includes a sub-step for measuring the value of the electric current passing through the electric motor, performed by the measurement device, and a sub-step for determining a variation in the measured value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
    Inventors: Benjamin DESFOSSEZ, Cyril RIEU
  • Publication number: 20180171713
    Abstract: A semi-cylindrical tubular component with grip component used to carry a ladder distributes the load supported by the user's hand. The ladder carrier device and process increase the contact area of the open longitudinal end or the flat u-channel, of the grip, with the ladder rung or side rails, resulting in a more evenly distributed load. The grip device can be used on both ladder rung and ladder leg supported with tension only, and accommodates hands of a plurality of human operators, and more than one user at a time. Additionally, the ladder may be carried either vertically or horizontally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Robert Eisenbeck, Richard Underwood
  • Publication number: 20180171714
    Abstract: A ladder having a first rail having a bottom and a web, a first flange attached to a first end of the web and a second flange attached to a second end of the web. The ladder having a second rail. The ladder having rungs attached to the first rail and second rail upon which a user steps to climb the ladder. The ladder having a foot having a plastic body with a recess which receives the end of the first rail and is positioned about and conforms to the web and the first and second flanges of the first rail. The foot has a plastic base having a top side from which the body extends. The base has an edge positioned about the body with perforations, and a rubber tread disposed along a underside of the base and extending through the perforations and along the edge on the top side of the base to form an overmolded portion of the tread that attaches the tread to the base without any mechanical or other types of fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Steve Dings
  • Publication number: 20180171715
    Abstract: An assembly adapted to being affixed to an elevated location in order to provide a ladder support surface. The assembly includes an anchoring base subassembly, an elongated arm extending from the subassembly and a head mounted to an end of the arm and including an elongated crosswise member adapted to support an upper location of a ladder. Additional features include at least one pivot axis established between the base subassembly and the arm and at least one additional pivot axis between the arm and the head. The base subassembly further includes a fixed mounting portion and a pivotally adjusted outer portion. The fixed mounting portion further includes a wall mount plate from which extends a pair of radial support plates, between which is received a pivotally supporting location of the outer portion to define a first of the at least one pivot axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Terrence L. Umlor
  • Publication number: 20180171716
    Abstract: A rotary table drive with a top plate and a bottom plate cooperating to define a bore and an adjacent sealed gear housing. A bushing adapter passes through the bore and is configured to receive a bushing to mate with a segment of polygonal drill pipe allowing rotational motion to be imparted thereto. The device includes a ring bearing having an inner ring affixed rigidly to the bushing adapter and an outer ring rigidly affixed to the bottom plate, and a drive gear within the sealed gear housing mated to the bushing adapter such that the bushing adapter is rotated in response to rotation of the drive gear. The bearing is sealed against exposure to the elements by being surrounded on all sides by a combination of the top plate, bottom plate, and bushing adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: KIRK WILLIAMS, SHANE STRAHL
  • Publication number: 20180171717
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the technical field of well drilling speed acceleration devices, and particularly to a torsion impact speed acceleration device, comprising: a main body (1), an anvil (2), an impact hammer (3), a conversion member (4), a mandrel (5) and a throttle nozzle (6); an inner limiting boss (7) is provided at an upper inner side of the main body (1), a drainage member (9) is mounted between the inner limiting boss (7) and the anvil (2), and a lower conical annular platform (24) which is a frustum having a wide upper portion and a narrow lower portion is provided at an upper inner side of the throttle nozzle (6). The present disclosure has a reasonable and compact structure and is convenient to be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Ruoming CHEN, Zongjie MU, Xin WANG, Xiaojun LI, Ming YI
  • Publication number: 20180171718
    Abstract: A brake system for maintaining an angular position of a spindle assembly. A pump-powered motor drives rotation of a spindle on the machine. When no rotation is desired, the spindle will slow, then stop at a desired angular orientation. A rotational sensor will determine the clock position, and a controller compares that to a desired angular orientation. If an error tolerance is exceeded, the motor will rotate the spindle back to the desired orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph G. Greenlee, Aleksander S. Wolfe, Jarred R. Callaway, Max A. Metcalf
  • Publication number: 20180171719
    Abstract: A shock tool for reciprocating a drillstring includes an outer housing. The outer housing has a central axis, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a passage extending axially from the first end to the second end. In addition, the shock tool includes a mandrel assembly coaxially disposed in the passage of the outer housing and configured to move axially relative to the outer housing. The mandrel assembly has a first end axially spaced from the outer housing, a second end disposed in the outer housing, and a passage extending axially from the first end of the mandrel assembly to the second end of the mandrel assembly. The mandrel assembly includes a mandrel and a first annular piston fixably coupled to the mandrel. The first annular piston is disposed at the second end of the mandrel assembly and sealingly engages the outer housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: National Oilwell DHT, L.P.
    Inventors: Sean Matthew Donald, Andrew Lawrence Scott, Yong Yang, Roman Kvasnytsia
  • Publication number: 20180171720
    Abstract: A down-the-hole drill hammer is provided that includes a housing, a drill bit proximate a distal end of the housing, and a roller bearing assembly. The roller bearing assembly circumscribes the drill bit. The roller bearing assembly includes a race and a plurality of rollers. The plurality of rollers are operatively engaged with the race.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Center Rock Inc.
    Inventor: Leland H. Lyon
  • Publication number: 20180171721
    Abstract: A drill bit has, along a drill bit axis, a drilling head, a multi-start helix made of two or more helical coils, and an insertion end. The helix has a helix slope and a pitch in a delivery region. In an outlet region of the helix, the outlet region being directed towards the insertion end, the helical coils merge continuously, within a first portion, from an orientation in alignment with the helix slope into an orientation parallel to the drill bit axis. A length of the first portion is at least one quarter of the pitch of the delivery region. The helical coils, in a second portion, are oriented parallel to the drill bit axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Guenter DOMANI, Carsten PETERS, Florian SCHROEDER
  • Publication number: 20180171722
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for enabling well developing. The invention, particularly relates to an arrangement for enabling well developing comprising a top part, a middle part, and a bottom part. The top part has a clamp and wire safety catch for tightly connecting the air hose and the air pipe. The massive amount of the pressurized air is used for well developing. At the middle part, the pressurized air is mixed with the water blowing/pulling out from the siphon. The bottom part has opening outlet of the cone shape, which helps in spreading the air evenly down to the deflector plate. This further helps slightly shooting air into the sides cleaning the perforations directly and redirects the air up instead of blindly down. Also the hundreds of gallons of water falling back down will also put pressure on the deflector plate forcing it deeper into the well. The arrangement is particularly useful for well developing at more than 100 ft underneath the surface of the earth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: JEFF STILL
  • Publication number: 20180171723
    Abstract: A rock drilling shank adaptor has at least one flush hole extending radially through the body of the adaptor in communication with an axially extending internal bore. The flush hole in a direction from an external side to an internal side includes a surface at a rearward region that is curved at least at a radially inner portion to extend in an axial direction towards a forwardmost end of the adaptor to increase the resistance of the adaptor to stress concentrations whilst achieving a desired flow rate of flushing fluid flow into the internal bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Anna NORDSTRAND, Petri AHOLA, Rasmus HEMPH
  • Publication number: 20180171724
    Abstract: A downhole coupling system for joining together two segments of a tool string includes two mandrels, each having an interlocking interface at an end that abuts the adjacent mandrel and to communicate torque from one mandrel to the next. Each of the mandrels includes a threaded exterior surface, with the threaded surfaces have opposing thread directions or differing thread pitches. The coupling includes mating internal threads. A plurality of axial grooves is formed in each of the interior surface of the coupling and the exterior surface of one of the mandrels. A keyed latch ring having a plurality of internal keys and a plurality of external keys is included to engage the axial grooves, thereby rotationally locking the coupling relative to the first mandrel and second mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Odee Paul DAIGLE, Gary Allen KOHN
  • Publication number: 20180171725
    Abstract: An orientation system includes an upper sub, a lower sub, and an orienting sleeve for rotationally aligning the upper sub with a rotational position of the lower sub. The orienting sleeve includes a keyed upper surface configured to engage a keyed lower surface of the upper surface, and an inner faceted portion configured to engage an outer faceted portion of the lower sub. The orientation system further includes an upper sleeve configured for attachment to the orienting sleeve and the upper sub, and a lower sleeve configured for attachment to the orienting sleeve and the lower sub. The upper and lower sleeves secure the upper sub to the lower sub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Robert Bradley Cook, Glenn Mitchel Walls
  • Publication number: 20180171726
    Abstract: A shock tool for reciprocating a drillstring includes an outer housing and a mandrel assembly coaxially disposed in the outer housing. The outer housing has a radially inner surface including a plurality of circumferentially-spaced splines. The mandrel assembly includes a mandrel having a radially outer surface including a plurality of circumferentially-spaced splines and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced troughs. Each spline of the outer housing is disposed in one trough of the mandrel. Each spline of the mandrel includes a top surface, a first lateral side surface extending radially from the top surface, a second lateral side surface oriented parallel to the first lateral side surface, and a bevel extending from the top surface to the second lateral side surface. Each spline of the mandrel also includes a pocket in the second lateral side surface extending radially from a bottom surface of a trough to the bevel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Sean Matthew Donald, Andrew Lawrence Scott, Yong Yang
  • Publication number: 20180171727
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a motion compensation system for a load hanging from a mobile unit (1). The compensation system comprises two blocks (3 and 4), an articulated arm (2), a cable (5), at least one main cylinder (6) and at least one secondary cylinder (7). The secondary cylinder (7) is mounted to pivot (rotation about a substantially horizontal axis) on mobile unit (1) and on a joint of articulated arm (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Benoit AMAUDRIC DU CHAFFAUT
  • Publication number: 20180171728
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a well control/string release tool 70a and methods using the tool. The well control/string release tool 70a may be attached to a workstring 9 while performing well control procedures. The well control/string release tool may be used to release the workstring 9 attached thereto in a controlled manner in the event of critical emergency well control. A well control/string release tool includes a release sub 204, a handling sub 202, and one or more load bearing elements 228 selectively coupled between the release sub 204 and the handling sub 202.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Ian Raymond KILLOH, Ivan Andre BARANNIKOW
  • Publication number: 20180171729
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a tong assembly for making up and breaking out a tubular connection such as a connection between two tubulars in a tubular string. The tong assembly includes a power tong, a backup tong and a load transfer assembly connected between the power tong and the backup tong. The load transfer assembly comprises a torque bar and one or more sensors to measure a torque exerted on the torque bar. The torque measurements of the torque bar may be used to monitor the torque exerted on the tubular string by the tong assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Kevin WOOD
  • Publication number: 20180171730
    Abstract: A system and method for separating two or more materials, such as a solid from a liquid, or a solid from a slurry, are provided. An exemplary system and method for separating drill cuttings from drilling fluids are provided, as well as a system and method of processing such separated drill cuttings. In another implementation, a system and method is provided for separating gold (or another mineral, element, or solid) from a slurry or liquid that includes mining cuttings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: FLOWBACK FLUIDS LLC
    Inventor: Terry Gordon Culver
  • Publication number: 20180171731
    Abstract: This disclosure is generally drawn to systems, devices, apparatuses, and/or methods, related to monitoring a shaker and monitoring a room in which shaker(s) operate. Specifically, the disclosed systems, devices, apparatuses, and/or methods relate to controlling an actuated arm to inspect, remove, replace, repair, clean the shaker and/or screen assemblies based on monitoring the shaker and its screen assemblies, and to adjust or maintain shaker(s) in a defined area such as the room in which shaker(s) operate. While the examples disclosed herein generally describe shakers for separating solids from fluids, the present disclosure contemplates that other separation equipment (e.g., machines for separating solids from other solids) may also be monitored and controlled by the systems and methods described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Richard Bingham, Benjamin Lanning Holton, Eric Edward Cady
  • Publication number: 20180171732
    Abstract: An experimental device of polyphase separation of natural gas hydrate drilling fluid, and method of use thereof, comprising a solid-phase separator, a liquid injection module, a gas injection module and a gas-liquid separator. The solid-phase separator comprises a first filter device and a second filter device, the gas injection module injects gas into the solid-phase separator while the liquid injection module injects liquid into the solid-phase separator, and the gas-liquid separator is communicated with the solid-phase separator through a pressure control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: GUANGZHOU INSTITUTE OF ENERGY CONVERSION, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
    Inventors: Xiaosen Li, Yu Zhang, Yi Wang, Gang Li, Ningsheng Huang, Zhaoyang Chen
  • Publication number: 20180171733
    Abstract: A system includes a hanger running tool that has a tool body configured to couple to a hanger via a first set of threads, a first sleeve coupled to configured to couple to the tool body via a second set of threads, where the first set of threads and the second set of threads are oriented in opposite directions, such that the first sleeve rotates in a first circumferential direction when the tool body rotates in a second circumferential direction, opposite the first circumferential direction, and a second sleeve coupled to the first sleeve, wherein the second sleeve is configured to engage a push ring of the hanger to drive a lock ring of the hanger into a recess of a casing spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Dennis P. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20180171734
    Abstract: There is provided a downhole tool comprising a locator. The locator includes a wellbore coupler for becoming releasably retained relative to a locate profile; and a wellbore coupler release opposer configured for opposing release of the wellbore coupler from the retention relative to the locate profile. While the opposing of the release of the wellbore coupler from the retention relative to the locate profile is being effected by the wellbore coupler release opposer, relative displacement between the wellbore coupler release opposer and the wellbore coupler is effectible, with effect that the opposing is defeated. The locator also includes a displacement impeder for impeding the relative displacement between the wellbore coupler release opposer and the wellbore coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Tim JOHNSON, Michael WERRIES
  • Publication number: 20180171735
    Abstract: A core barrel head assembly including an upper body comprising a central passage. A pair of latches is arranged in the central passage. Each latch pivots about a pivot point at a first end. Each latch includes a latch release at a second end and an outer tube surface engaging surface between the first end and the second end. A retracting case includes a first end configured to engage at least the latch release of the latches. The outer tube surface engaging surface of each latch extends through a latch slot in an outer wall of the upper body and such that the latches rotate about the pivot point. The latches are movable between an extended position and retracted position by the retracting case with a mechanical advantage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: EPIROC CANADA INC.
    Inventor: Patrick SALVADOR
  • Publication number: 20180171736
    Abstract: A downhole assembly includes a downhole tool including a degradable-on-demand material and a triggering system. The degradable-on-demand material includes a matrix material and an energetic material configured to generate energy upon activation to facilitate the degradation of the downhole tool. The triggering system includes an igniter arranged to ignite the downhole tool, an electrical circuit, and a pre-set timer. In an open condition of the circuit the igniter is not activated, and in a closed condition of the circuit the igniter is activated. The pre-set timer is operable to close the electrical circuit after a pre-set time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Zhiyue Xu, James Doane, Yingqing Xu, Zhihui Zhang
  • Publication number: 20180171737
    Abstract: A downhole assembly includes a downhole tool including a degradable-on-demand material including: a matrix material; and, an energetic material configured to generate energy upon activation to facilitate the degradation of the downhole tool; and, a triggering system including: an electrical circuit having an open condition and a closed condition, the electrical circuit configured to be in the closed condition after movement of an object downhole that engages directly or indirectly with the triggering system; and, an igniter within the electrical circuit, the igniter arranged to ignite the downhole tool in the closed condition of the electrical circuit. In the open condition of the electrical circuit the igniter is inactive, and in the closed condition of the electrical circuit the igniter is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Zhiyue Xu, James Doane, Yingqing Xu, Zhihui Zhang
  • Publication number: 20180171738
    Abstract: A downhole assembly arranged within a borehole includes a downhole tool including a degradable-on-demand material, the degradable-on-demand material including: a matrix material; and, an energetic material configured to generate energy upon activation to facilitate the degradation of the downhole tool; and, a triggering system including: an electrical circuit; an igniter in the electrical circuit arranged to ignite the energetic material; a sensor configured to sense a target event or parameter within the borehole; and, a control unit arranged to receive sensed signals from the sensor and to deliver a start signal to the electrical circuit in response to the sensed signals indicating an occurrence of the target event or parameter; wherein, after the start signal is delivered from the control unit, the electrical circuit is closed and the igniter is initiated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Zhiyue Xu, James Doane, Yingqing Xu, Zhihui Zhang
  • Publication number: 20180171739
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for storing and dry launching one or more balls into a wellbore having reduced ball drop height and ball drop stages relative to existing systems and methods. Balls are individually stored in cartridges of a ball launcher in communication with the wellbore via an axial bore, and are isolated from fluids and pressure in the axial bore by seals located on the cartridge. A selected ball can be injected into the wellbore by isolating the axial bore from the wellbore, establishing a launching pressure in the axial bore, actuating the cartridge of the selected ball to a launch position to stage the ball in the axial bore, retracting the cartridge to a sealing position, establishing a release pressure in the axial bore, and then re-establishing communication between the axial bore and wellbore to allow the ball to be injected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Boris (Bruce) P. CHEREWYK
  • Publication number: 20180171740
    Abstract: Two or more bores are machined from a block of material with opposing end connections. The outer surface is rounded and a reactive element is mounted to the mandrel exterior with gauge rings at opposed ends to contain the element when it moves to the set position. Well fluids present or added to the well will trigger the swelling material to extend radially to contact a surrounding tubular for a seal. The small profile of this dual bore barrier allows insertion into smaller casing sizes while maximizing the bore dimension for a reduction in flow resistance. The bores can be evenly spaced about a central axis and can be the same size or different sizes within a range of 20%. The bores can be eccentric to a center axis while being at the same or different radial dimensions from a central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Gabriel F. Casanova
  • Publication number: 20180171741
    Abstract: A wellbore plug isolation system and method for positioning plugs to isolate fracture zones in a horizontal, vertical, or deviated wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a wellbore casing laterally drilled into a hydrocarbon formation, a wellbore setting tool (WST) that sets a large inner diameter (ID) restriction sleeve member (RSM), and a restriction plug element (RPE). The WST is positioned along with the RSM at a desired wellbore location. After the WST sets and seals the RSM, a conforming seating surface (CSS) is formed in the RSM. The CSS is shaped to engage/receive RPE deployed into the wellbore casing. The engaged/seated RPE isolates heel ward and toe ward fluid communication of the RSM to create a fracture zone. The RPE's are removed or left behind prior to initiating well production without the need for a milling procedure. A large ID RSM diminishes flow constriction during oil production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Philip Martin Snider, Kevin R. George, John T. Hardesty, Michael D. Wroblicky, Nathan G. Clark, James A. Rollins, David S. Wesson