Patents Issued in December 17, 2019
  • Patent number: 10508474
    Abstract: A lock portable charging apparatus includes a case defining an interior area that is enclosed and a locking device situated in the case. A shackle assembly is operatively coupled to the locking mechanism and is functional to selectively secure the case to a support structure. The case defines a key inlet for receiving a key in to operate the lock mechanism. A battery, processor, and memory storing programming are situated in the case. A primary and auxiliary USB port are positioned on the case and electrically connected to the battery for receiving AC power to recharge the battery and share battery power with other electronic devices, respectively. A GPS module is in the case for determining a global location of the case. A solar cell is included to provide electrical current to the battery. Programming is included to locate a mobile phone associated with the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Inventor: Lashesa Wyatt
  • Patent number: 10508475
    Abstract: A lock can include a catch and a pawl. The catch can be brought into an opening position and a closed position. The catch can be brought into holding engagement with a lock striker. The pawl may be brought into a position, where it is in blocking engagement with the catch. The pawl may be deflected into a release position. A pawl actuation lever is provided. A switchable lock arrangement in an unlocked state can be included. A first drive train component is decoupled from the pawl for letting the pawl actuation lever run free without deflecting the pawl or a first drive train component is blocked for blocking an actuation of the pawl actuation lever. A crash condition causes the switchable lock arrangement to be in the locked state such that during the crash condition a crash induced actuation of the pawl actuation lever runs free or is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Brose Schliesssysteme GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft
    Inventors: David Rosales, Michael Wittelsbuerger
  • Patent number: 10508476
    Abstract: A vehicle door lock comprising: a locking mechanism; an opening actuator for unlocking the locking mechanism; an actuating member for unlocking the locking mechanism; a switching actuator that can be in a normal position or an emergency position, such that in the normal position the switching actuator renders the actuating member inoperable and in the emergency position renders the actuating member operable; and a control unit for controlling the switching actuator; characterised in that the control unit is configured to set the switching actuator from the emergency position into the emergency position and back following a specified cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Armin Handke
  • Patent number: 10508477
    Abstract: A handle device operating an inner cable inserted in an outer cable, the handle device includes a handle base fixing an operation handle to which the inner cable is connected and a cable holding portion provided in the handle base to hold the outer cable and configured to be fitted to a circumferential groove portion reduced in diameter in a radial direction in an outer circumferential surface of the outer cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: ALPHA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryoya Okuma
  • Patent number: 10508478
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control unit (1, 12), comprising a control element (4, 15), particularly for a closing drive of a motor vehicle lock. Said control unit comprises a housing (2, 13), a drive unit, and a spindle gear unit having a spindle nut and a spindle (3, 14). Said spindle gear unit can be driven by the drive unit and the control element (4, 15) can be moved by means of the spindle (3, 14), the control element (4, 15) having a means for guiding the control element (4, 15) in the housing (2, 13) so that the control element (4, 15) can be prevented from rotating about an axis of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Claus Töpfer, Andreas Kind, Jan Stötzer
  • Patent number: 10508479
    Abstract: A hood latch assembly for a vehicle. A housing includes an insert recess allowing a striker coupled to a hood of a vehicle to be retracted into and withdrawn from the insert recess. A latch has one end portion pivotably coupled to an inner portion of the housing. A fitting recess in the other end portion of the latch allows the striker to be retracted into and withdrawn from the fitting recess. A support protrusion is formed on one end portion of the fitting recess. A safety hook includes a hinge disposed on one end portion to be pivotably coupled to an outer portion of housing and a sliding protrusion disposed on the other end portion to allow the striker to slide when in contact with the striker. When the hood is in a closed position, the safety hook is supported by the support protrusion so as not to pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: In Hwang, So Yeon Park, Byung Joo Lee, Ki Won Kim, Byoung Haan Choi
  • Patent number: 10508480
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for unlocking vehicle engine cover. Method comprising: acquiring an action signal transmitted from an action sensor, and executing an action signal judging step; executing an unlocking step if the received action signal matches a preset unlock action signal, otherwise not executing the unlocking step, the unlock action signal is a combination of a signal or a plurality of consecutive signals; unlocking step: sending an unlock signal to an engine cover lock, wherein the unlock signal is used to control the engine cover lock to perform an unlock operation on a vehicle engine cover. The present invention detects an action signal from an action sensor, and controls whether or not to unlock the vehicle engine cover by matching the action signal with a preset unlock action signal. So users do not need to enter into the passenger compartment for unlocking. The operation is both convenient and rich sense of technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignees: Saic General Motors Corporation Limited, Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center Company Limited
    Inventors: Junqiao Peng, Mu Qian, Yan Hao, Tao Li, Zhankui He, Qiang Zhou
  • Patent number: 10508481
    Abstract: An energy efficient and power versatile electro-permanent magnet system for use in a door holder unit is an electro-permanent magnet having a permanent magnet for holding a door open while unpowered and a control coils that can be pulsed powered, locally or remotely, by a pulsed capacitor control circuit for power versatility and for releasing of the door with little energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Inventor: Glen A. Robertson
  • Patent number: 10508482
    Abstract: Provided herein is a doorstop that may be utilized to prevent opening of a door. Generally, the doorstop is configured for attachment near a bottom edge of a pull side of a door. The doorstop has a deployable wedge or stop element (e.g., stop cylinder) that moves from a suspended position, above a floor surface, to a deployed position in contact with a floor surface. After contacting the floor surface, any attempt to open the door imparts a rotation on the stop element. A radial dimension of the stop element increases along a length of a surface that contact the floor surface. In this regard, rotating the stop element provides an upward lift to the door, which is counteracted by hinges of the door. That is, rotating the stop element results in the door wedging, which prevents opening the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Inventor: Richard Floyd Schaefer
  • Patent number: 10508483
    Abstract: An ejection device includes a support formed as a housing; an ejection element for ejecting the movable furniture part from a closed position into an open position along an ejection path; an ejection force accumulator which applies a force to the ejection element in the opening direction of the movable furniture part; and a clamping device for clamping the ejection force accumulator. The clamping device has a clamping element to be coupled to the movable furniture part, and a movement transmission element, in particular a rotatable movement transmission element, between the clamping element and the ejection element. The clamping element and the ejection element can be moved in opposite directions when coupled by the movement transmission element when the ejection force accumulator is clamped, and the ejection element, the movement transmission element, and the clamping element are moveable together relative to the support over a first part of the ejection path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventor: Fredi Dubach
  • Patent number: 10508484
    Abstract: An auto-lock prop rod for a vehicle includes a folding rod having at least two section rod sections, wherein the folding rod includes a first rod section having a first end pivotally connected to an engine compartment opening and a second rod section having a first end pivotally connected to a hood. At least one pivotable joint is mechanically connected between a second end of the first rod section and a second end of the second rod section, wherein the at least one pivotable joint is configured to axially rotate to a locked position when the hood is moved from a closed position to an fully open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Stella R. Zhao
  • Patent number: 10508485
    Abstract: Methods and systems for opening an access point of a vehicle. A system and a method may involve receiving wirelessly a signal from a remote controller carried by a user. The system and the method may further involve receiving audio or video data indicating the user approaching the vehicle. The system and the method may also involve determining an intention of the user to access an interior of the vehicle based on the audio or video data. The system and the method may also involve opening an access point of the vehicle responsive to the determining of the intention of the user to access the interior of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Vincent Myers, Venkatapathi Raju Nallapa, Alexandru Mihai Gurghian
  • Patent number: 10508486
    Abstract: A spacer for insulating glazing units is presented. The spacer has a polymeric main body with features that include two parallel side walls that are connected to one another by an inner wall and an outer wall. The side walls, the inner wall, and the outer wall surround a hollow chamber. According to one aspect, the polymeric main body has a glass fiber content of 0 wt.-% to 40 wt.-%, to which 0.5 wt.-% to 1.5 wt.-% of a foaming agent is added to form hollow spaces that provide a weight reduction of the polymeric main body of 10 wt.-% to 20 wt.-%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: SAINT GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Egbert Schwerdt, Walter Schreiber, Martin Rigaud
  • Patent number: 10508487
    Abstract: A light adjustment system is, for example, a light adjustment window (1) including: a windowpane (11); a light adjustment device (40); a drive device (50); and a frame (20) having an incorporating (24) into which the windowpane (11) and the drive device (50) are incorporated. A part of the frame (20) includes: a containing section (26) that contains at least a part of the drive device (50); and an opening and closing section (27) that openably and closably covers the containing section (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Eiji Satoh, Nobuyuki Ito, Yufeng Weng
  • Patent number: 10508488
    Abstract: In one aspect, a shutter assembly may include a shutter frame having a top rail, a bottom rail, and first and second stiles extending between the top and bottom rails. The shutter assembly may also include two or more louvers extending between the first and second stiles, with the louvers including at least one driven louver. The louvers may be configured to rotate simultaneously relative to the shutter frame. Additionally, the shutter assembly may include a motor positioned within the shutter frame that is rotatably coupled to the driven louver(s) via at least one shaft. Moreover, the shutter assembly may include a clutch configured to rotationally disengage the driven louver(s) from the motor when the louvers are being manually rotated relative the shutter frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Meyerink, Anthony Batte, Dean Grubb
  • Patent number: 10508489
    Abstract: A smart window controller includes circuitry configured to establish a representative model of one or more building zones based on occupancy, construction, lighting, or cooling properties of a building. A lighting control strategy is implemented for the one or more building zones based on the representative model or one or more user preferences input at a first user interface screen of an external device. Automatic operations of one or more smart windows, cooling systems, or artificial lighting systems are controlled based on trigger points associated with the lighting control strategy, and a performance level of the lighting control strategy for the one or more building zones is determined based on one or more predetermined financial metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Mohammed Abdul Fasi, Ismail Mohammad Budaiwi
  • Patent number: 10508490
    Abstract: A smart window controller includes circuitry configured to establish a representative model of one or more building zones based on occupancy, construction, lighting, or cooling properties of a building. A lighting control strategy is implemented for the one or more building zones based on the representative model or one or more user preferences input at a first user interface screen of an external device. Automatic operations of one or more smart windows, cooling systems, or artificial lighting systems are controlled based on trigger points associated with the lighting control strategy, and a performance level of the lighting control strategy for the one or more building zones is determined based on one or more predetermined financial metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Mohammed Abdul Fasi, Ismail Mohammad Budaiwi
  • Patent number: 10508491
    Abstract: A retaining device for an operating member of a window shade includes a casing having an opening, a sliding part having a first and a second inner cavity, and a spring respectively connected with the sliding part and the casing. The sliding part is assembled with the casing, and is movable between a first and a second position, wherein the sliding part in the first position occludes the opening and has the first inner cavity exposed for insertion of an operating member of a window shade, and the sliding part in the second position has the first inner cavity retracted toward an interior of the casing while the second inner cavity overlaps with the opening for facilitating travel of an operating member of a window shade through the opening and the second inner cavity. The spring is operable to urge the sliding part to move toward the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Teh Yor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien-Fong Huang
  • Patent number: 10508492
    Abstract: A coated component for use in a fluid energy device includes a coating system with multiple layers of coating material, including a soft material such as a polymer coated over a hard material such as a metal. The fluid energy device can be a fluid motor or fluid pump, and the coated component can be a rotor or a stator. The hard and soft materials may be interlocked with each other and/or with an interposed porous layer. The presence of the soft material can reduce or eliminate the need for meticulous polishing operations typically required with as-applied hard materials while improving the longevity of mating fluid energy device components. The mating components are exposed only to the soft material in the initial stages of operation, after which the soft material wears away to gradually expose the mating components to the hard material in a less abrasive manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: BARSON COMPOSITES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Dana Emerson Barnard
  • Patent number: 10508493
    Abstract: A universal joint for use in a downhole drill string includes a planetary gear to convert eccentric rotation in the drill string to axial rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Ulterra Drilling Technologies
    Inventors: Jason Maw, Beau J. St. Pierre, Christopher M. Casad
  • Patent number: 10508494
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for a drilling rig includes a cradle actuator coupled to a substructure of a rig, and an actuator bracket having a first end pivotally coupled to the substructure. The actuator bracket is coupled to the cradle actuator. The assembly also includes a cradle having a first end that is pivotally coupled to the actuator bracket and to a first end of a rig-up actuator. The rig-up actuator is receivable at least partially in the cradle. The assembly further includes a front bracket pivotally coupled to the cradle and to the substructure. Extension of the cradle actuator pivots the actuator bracket, the cradle, and the front bracket so as to raise a second end of the rig-up actuator, thereby moving the rig-up actuator from a stowed position to raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Metz
  • Patent number: 10508495
    Abstract: Disclosed combination impact tool generates optimized linear hammering and vibrational impacts. Flow of pressurized fluid through an upper section of the tool generates linear hammering impacts, and flow of pressurized fluid through a lower section of the tool generates vibrational impacts. Flow of pressurized fluid through the lower section induces an eccentric arm to rotate and cause vibrational impacts. While frequency of hammering impacts can be controlled by varying pressure of the fluid flowing through the upper section, the frequency and amplitude of vibrational impacts can be controlled by varying weight of the eccentric arm and by varying pressure of the fluid flowing through lower section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Inventor: Jason Swinford
  • Patent number: 10508496
    Abstract: A downhole vibration tool that permits tool retrieval therethrough has an outer housing with an inner bore and a longitudinal axis, a rotating impeller that rotates within the inner bore of the outer housing, the rotating impeller defining an outer flow passage and an inner flow passage nested within the outer flow passage. The rotating impeller carries impeller vanes that are angled relative to a rotational axis and that extend into the outer flow passage such that fluid passing through the outer flow passage impinges on the impeller vanes to cause the rotating impeller to rotate. A flow restrictor having a variable flow area is positioned in the outer flow passage adjacent to the impeller vanes, and the rotation of the impeller vanes causes the flow area of the flow restrictor to periodically increase and decrease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: DIRECTIONAL VIBRATION SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: David P. Kutinsky, Donald James Sheen, Darren William Sallis
  • Patent number: 10508497
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for increasing the drift diameter and improving the well path of the well bore, accomplished in one embodiment by cutting away material primarily forming surfaces nearer the center of the drift, thereby reducing applied power, applied torque and resulting drag compared to conventional reamers that cut into all surfaces of the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Extreme Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Lot William Short, Jr., Robert Bradley Beggs, Richard Earl Beggs
  • Patent number: 10508498
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hammer reamer comprising cutting wheels, a product-pulling feature, and a hammer component operable to deliver a percussive cycle of an internal piston component. Notably, an internal impact surface within the head of the hammer reamer is positioned relative to the piston component in the hammer consistent with a “sweet spot” position of a drill bit used in a pilot boring configuration. Unlike a slidably engaged drill bit, however, the internal impact surface in the hammer reamer is fixed in place so that the impact surface remains in the “sweet spot” of the piston stroke range. In this way, even though the hammer reamer is being pulled back through a bore while the drill string is being retracted, the hammer component may continue to deliver percussive blows to the hammer reamer head to introduce a vibratory force that contributes to the efficiency of the reaming process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Inventors: Cary Cooper, Travis Parr
  • Patent number: 10508499
    Abstract: A reaming tool for enlarging an underground borehole comprises a plurality of cutter assemblies (251, 252, 253) distributed azimuthally around a longitudinal axis of the tool, wherein each cutter assembly comprises support structure bearing a sequence of cutters (211-214) with leading surfaces facing in a direction of rotation of the tool and the sequence of cutters extends axially along the tool from an axial end (202) of the tool with the cutters positioned at radial distances from the tool axis which progressively increase as the sequence extends away from the axial end of the tool. The cutter assemblies include guiding structure (261-264) which is positioned circumferentially ahead of the leading faces of cutters of the sequence on the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathan Robert Hird, Ashley Bernard Johnson, Gokturk Tunc
  • Patent number: 10508500
    Abstract: An earth-boring tool may include a body and at least one rotatable cutting structure assembly. The rotatable cutting structure assembly may include a leg, a rotatable cutting structure rotatably coupled to the leg, and a resistance actuator configured to impose rotational resistance on the rotatable cutting structure relative to the leg. An earth-boring to may include a plurality of rotatable cutting structure assemblies coupled to the bit body and a plurality of blades coupled to the body. A method of drilling a borehole may include rotating an earth-boring tool within the borehole, causing rotational resistance to be imposed on at least one rotatable cutting structure of the earth-boring tool, causing a blade of the earth-boring tool to be pushed into a sidewall of the borehole, and side cutting the sidewall of the borehole with the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventor: William Schoen
  • Patent number: 10508501
    Abstract: A bit for drilling a wellbore, includes: a bit body; and a cutting face having an inner cone section and an outer shoulder section. The cutting face includes: a plurality of blades protruding from a bottom of the bit body, each blade extending from a center of the cutting face to the shoulder section; and a plurality of shear cutters mounted along leading edges of the blades. An inner shear cutter of each blade is located in the cone section. Each inner shear cutter includes: a superhard cylindrical cutting table; and a hard substrate having a cylindrical portion attached to the cutting table and a reduced portion extending therefrom. A diameter of the cutting table and the cylindrical portion is greater than a diameter of a majority of the reduced portion. A length of the reduced portion is at least twice that of the cylindrical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: VAREL INTERNATIONAL IND., L.P.
    Inventor: Daniel Michael Tilleman
  • Patent number: 10508502
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a polycrystalline diamond compact is disclosed. The method includes sintering a plurality of diamond particles in the presence of a metal-solvent catalyst to form a polycrystalline diamond body; leaching the polycrystalline diamond body to at least partially remove the metal-solvent catalyst therefrom, thereby forming an at least partially leached polycrystalline diamond body; and subjecting an assembly of the at least partially leached polycrystalline diamond body and a cemented carbide substrate to a high-pressure/high-temperature process at a pressure to infiltrate the at least partially leached polycrystalline diamond body with an infiltrant. The pressure of the high-pressure/high-temperature process is less than that employed in the act of sintering of the plurality of diamond particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, David P. Miess, Jiang Qian, Jason K. Wiggins, Michael A. Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay
  • Patent number: 10508503
    Abstract: A cutting element comprises a supporting substrate exhibiting a three-dimensional, laterally elongate shape, and a cutting table of a polycrystalline hard material attached to the supporting substrate and comprising a non-planar cutting face. An earth-boring tool and method of forming an earth-boring tool are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventor: Juan Miguel Bilen
  • Patent number: 10508504
    Abstract: An example slip-ring interface may include a first section and a second section rotationally independent from the first section. At least one conductor path between the first section and the second section may be selectively associated with and dedicated to the transmission of signals with a first signal type. At least one conductor path between the first section and the second section may be selectively associated with and dedicated to the transmission of signals with a second signal type. If error conditions occur, the signal types associated with one or more of the conductor paths may be changed so that signals of both the first and second signal types are transmitted across the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Hardin, Jr., Christopher A. Golla, Jonathan P. Zacharko, David Yan Lap Wong, Daniel M. Winslow, Richard Thomas Hay, Kennedy Kirkhope, Clint P. Lozinsky
  • Patent number: 10508505
    Abstract: A wellhead assembly includes a tubular wellhead housing having a bore and an annular gallery slot. The annular gallery slot is defined by an enlarged inner diameter of the bore. A tubular hanger is selectively landed in the bore of the wellhead housing, defining an annular cavity between the bore and an outer diameter of the tubular hanger. The tubular hanger is supported by the wellhead housing with a hanger support located in the annular cavity. A flow-by passage is in fluid communication with the annular cavity at locations above and below the hanger support. The flow-by passage intersects with the gallery slot and intersects an outer radial surface of the tubular hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: VETCO GRAY, LLC
    Inventors: Mayur Mansukh, Aniruddha D. Gadre, Daniel Caleb Benson, David Lawrence Ford
  • Patent number: 10508506
    Abstract: An apparatus including an external surface portion shaped so as to mate with a docking device, and two half-shells having internal surfaces of semi-circular cross section. The apparatus further includes a plurality of segments arranged inside the two half-shells and including teeth for gripping onto a shaft, and an installation tool operable to cause the two half-shells to close around the shaft, thereby securing the apparatus to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: CONNECTOR AS
    Inventors: Pal Magne Hisdal, John Hestenes, Andre Kristiansen Midtun, John Olav Myking
  • Patent number: 10508507
    Abstract: A tubular transfer system is disclosed which includes a trough coupled between a pair of lifting apparatus, a base member coupled to each of the pair of lifting apparatus, a first adjustment device disposed on the pair of lifting apparatus for adjusting a presentation angle of the trough, and a second adjustment device coupled to the base member and a portion of each of the pair of lifting apparatus for adjusting a presentation height of the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: FORUM US, INC.
    Inventor: Rogelio Rios
  • Patent number: 10508508
    Abstract: A quick release die block system for the gripper of a backup wrench is disclosed. The quick release die block system can include a die block releasably coupled to a die block support. A lock mechanism can include one or more lock pins moveably supported and can be operable with the die block and the die block support, The lock mechanism can also include a lock mechanism interface accessible via a passage in the die block, and can be adapted to releasably secure the die block to the die block support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Nabors Drilling Technologies USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Tommy Vu, James Cooper, Faisal Yousef
  • Patent number: 10508509
    Abstract: A system and method for continuous mud circulation during a drilling operation, of which the method includes delivering a first flow of drilling mud to and through a blowout preventer via a drill string and a wellbore. The method also includes delivering a second flow of drilling mud to and through the blowout preventer. The second flow is delivered to the blowout preventer through an alternative line and not via the drill string. The method also includes stopping the first flow of the drilling mud, and adding or removing a tubular to or from the drill string after the first flow of drilling mud is stopped and while continuously delivering the second flow of drilling mud. Adding or removing the tubular includes decoupling a rotating control device from the blowout preventer, detachably coupling the rotating control device with a drag device, and raising or lowering the rotating control device with the drag device coupled therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jacques Orban
  • Patent number: 10508510
    Abstract: A bottom hole assembly (BHA) incorporates a tubular cutter driven by a downhole motor. A scraper moves into a smaller tubular to clean an area where a spear will later be engaged to the cut tubular portion. The scraper has a relatively movable mandrel that allows straight through flow into the motor or closes flow to build pressure to a telescoping jack to exert a pull force on the cut tubular after the cut is made. The spear is articulated with mandrel manipulation to grab the cut segment and weight is set down to shift the mandrel in the scraper to allow pressure buildup with rig pumps turned on to retract the jack as the BHA is held with anchors in the larger tubular. The cut segment is pulled uphole to loosen it so it can be removed from the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Thor-Harald Engevik, Rune Jensen
  • Patent number: 10508511
    Abstract: A rotary actuator operates an inflow control device in a tubing string. The rotary actuator includes a stationary member, a drive member, and a locator device, where the locator device anchors the rotary actuator at a predetermined location in a tubing string. The drive member rotates relative to the stationary member, and operates the inflow control device. A method of actuating an inflow control device with a rotary actuator, the method comprising: conveying the rotary actuator to a predetermined location in the tubing string, engaging the engagement members with a profile, thereby preventing further movement of the rotary actuator into the tubing string, and rotating the drive member relative to the stationary member, thereby actuating the inflow control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmie R. Williamson
  • Patent number: 10508512
    Abstract: An insert safety valve system includes a valve body including a valve member. The valve body includes a central passage and a flow path arranged radially outwardly of the central passage. A release sub is coupled to the valve body. The release sub is configured and disposed to support a downhole tool. A connector member selectively couples the release sub and the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Todd C. Jackson, Ewan Sinclair, Gergely Kecskes
  • Patent number: 10508513
    Abstract: A valve that allows control of each of one or more flow paths using one actuator is presented. Rotary motion of a motor is transformed into linear motion using a roller screw mechanism. The travel of the roller screw nut is predefined between front and back hard stops that prevent the roller screw from rotating when the stops are reached. A poppet is attached to the nut using a flexible connection. The nut drives a sleeve with inclined surfaces that moves relative to a locking flexure. When the sleeve is driven, it deforms flanges of the locking flexure causing a cantilever end finger of the flexure to move radially and prevent the poppet from being pushed back. If the sleeve is moved farther, a groove on the sleeve engages notches on the fingers creating a detent that prevents the spring to push the sleeve back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Mircea Badescu, Stewart Sherrit, Xiaoqi Bao, Yoseph Bar-Cohen, Jeffery L. Hall
  • Patent number: 10508514
    Abstract: An artificial lifting system for bringing a formation fluid from a horizontal well to the surface, the system including an outer production tubing that extends into the well, from a head of the well to a lateral portion of the well; and a hybrid valve attached to a distal end of the outer production tubing. The hybrid valve has two orientations, a first orientation for which the hybrid valve acts as a one-way valve, and a second orientation for which the hybrid valve acts as a conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: David Charles Daniel, David S. Wesson, John T. Hardesty
  • Patent number: 10508515
    Abstract: The invention relates to the decommissioning of hydrocarbon wells. It concerns the artificial promoting or inducing of creep in the overburden formation 3 surrounding an oil well 1, so that the formation rock 3 encroaches against the casing 5 to form a seal. This avoids the need to plug the annulus between the casing 5 and formation 3 with cement. The overburden may be caused to creep by reducing the pressure in the annulus, by applying heat to the overburden rock or by stressing the rock repeatedly to cause fatigue in the rock 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Rick D. Watts, Dianne Tompkins, Helen Haneferd, Lars Hovda, Edvard Omdal, Hardy Hartmann Nielsen, Lars Vedvik
  • Patent number: 10508516
    Abstract: A remotely operated device for inspecting and/or cleaning a subsea flexible pipe joint comprises a support assembly. In addition, the device comprises a tool positioning assembly coupled to the support assembly. The tool positioning assembly includes a rotating member disposed about a central axis. The tool positioning assembly is rotatable relative to the support assembly about the central axis. Further, the device comprises a cleaning assembly including a cleaning device adapted to clean the flexible pipe joint. The cleaning device is axially moveable relative to the rotating member. Still further, the device comprises a clamping assembly coupled to the support assembly. The clamping assembly has an open position disengaged with the section of the flexible pipe joint and a closed position engaging the section of the flexible pipe joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Eric Angel, Eric Lee Harden, Stuart Douglas Partridge, Andrew J. Guinn
  • Patent number: 10508517
    Abstract: Supercritical carbon dioxide is directed into a wellbore to a specified depth. The supercritical carbon dioxide is directed at an inner surface of the wellbore at the specified depth. Scale is removed from the wall of the wellbore with the supercritical carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Aslan Bulekbay, Sultan Attiah, Talal Al-Mutairi, Abdulrahman Alsousy
  • Patent number: 10508518
    Abstract: A system for connecting flow interface equipment to a subsea tree or manifold is disclosed. The system relates to an apparatus adapted to inject fluids into a well having a flow bore. The system includes a connection apparatus adapted to land a conduit on a subsea tree or manifold and to connect the conduit of the connection apparatus to an access port or choke body of the tree or manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: OneSubsea IP UK Limited
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid, Alan Crawford, Paul W. White
  • Patent number: 10508519
    Abstract: An adjustable tubular string nose uses axially relatively movable wedge segments to form a variable diameter ring shape using technology described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,128,146 in another context. The nose has a seat around a passage therethrough. After insertion of the nose into a first bore, typically a main bore, the nose is retracted out of the main bore and pressure against a seated bore in the nose expands the nose radially to a degree where re-entry into the main bore is precluded but entry into a lateral bore is still possible. The string advances onto a lateral no-go. This signals surface personnel to pick up and raise pressure to blow the seated ball through the seat to again open the passage in the nose. A seal stack behind the nose in advanced into a lateral seal bore and the treatment can then commence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Bryan P. Pendleton, Joseph E. Sheehan, John Vu, Shannon Martin, Deshuttaney Mosley, Mark J. Knebel
  • Patent number: 10508520
    Abstract: Methods and systems for increasing the recovery efficiency of a petroleum reservoir. For example, a method for performing a petroleum recovery assessment to increase the recovery efficiency of a petroleum reservoir includes evaluating results associated with a reservoir management analysis for the petroleum reservoir and generating a reservoir management analysis score. The method further includes evaluating results associated with a global benchmark analysis and generating an estimated maximum recovery efficiency for the petroleum reservoir. The method further includes determining key recovery obstacles impeding the petroleum reservoir from achieving the estimated maximum recovery efficiency, and identifying field development opportunities addressing a key recovery obstacle that when implemented, increases a recovery efficiency for the petroleum reservoir closer to the estimated maximum recovery efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: QRI GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Nansen G. Saleri, Robert M. Toronyi, Joey D. Broussard
  • Patent number: 10508521
    Abstract: A process for determining the productivity index of a multilateral completion using data from individual laterals and data from commingled well tests is disclosed. The process includes 1) determining the productivity index for each single lateral by iteratively altering the productivity index until the individual lateral flowrate based on a known reservoir pressure is matched and 2) further determining the productivity index by iteratively altering the productivity index until the commingled flowrate is matched. The productivity index may be used to set wellhead pressures and inline control valve (ICV) settings for production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ahmad T. Shammari, Hassan A. Hussain, Obiomalotaoso L. Isichei, Bayan A. Momtan
  • Patent number: 10508522
    Abstract: An automated sucker rod spacing device comprising a housing, a screw set within the housing and connected to a sucker rod string via a polished rod, a nut which is in threaded engagement with the screw, a means to transmit a rotation force to the nut, wherein the rotation of the nut can lower or raise the screw and thus lower or raise the sucker rod string. The device can be used to stop tagging, ensure full pump fillage, and avoid gas lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: TRC Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Eric Johnson, Donald Ewing, Donald Mike Johnson, Joe Boyd, Danny Uselton
  • Patent number: 10508523
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and processes are provided for retorting and extracting hydrocarbons from oil shale. A heat transfer fluid includes at least one liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) component such as, for example, propane or butane. The heat transfer fluid moves through a heat delivery loop to retort oil shale, thereby facilitating the production of recoverable hydrocarbons. While the heat transfer fluid moves through the heat delivery loop, cracking of a portion of the heat transfer fluid may produce various hydrocarbon materials that may be provided to a product stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: American Shale Oil, LLC
    Inventors: James R. McConaghy, Alan K. Burnham