Flexible Type Patents (Class 33/561.2)
  • Patent number: 10612366
    Abstract: An example system includes: a wellhead having a wellhead load shoulder to support, within a wellbore, a tubular hanger connected to a tubular string, where the tubular hanger has a tubular hanger contact shoulder; and one or more sensors to generate one or more signals that are based on at least one of a proximity of the tubular hanger contact shoulder to the wellhead load shoulder or a contact between the tubular hanger contact shoulder and the wellhead load shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Monty B. Gilleland, Michael Affleck
  • Patent number: 10175467
    Abstract: Ambient light can cause a user to experience a loss of contrast of an object or subject under observation by the user via a microscope, particularly when the user is observing the object or subject using fluorescence microscopy. An embodiment of the present invention is an ambient light restrictor for a microscope. The ambient light restrictor defines a port to provide a user with access to oculars of the microscope. The restrictor may be freestanding and provide additional port(s) to enable physical access to the microscope or viewing region. Through use of the restrictor, ambient lights need not be turned off, in cases of indoor use, such as when dozens of microscopes are being used by many scientists in a laboratory, and, in cases of outdoor use, microscopes can be used with little to no loss of contrast of objects or subjects under observation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: BlueLine NDT, LLC
    Inventors: Charles H. Mazel, Paula C. Petschek
  • Patent number: 10119949
    Abstract: A tool for measuring and quantifying defects in produce includes a template; at least one graphic indicia printed on the template, the graphic indicia providing a pictorial sample of a specific tolerance for a specific quality defect in the produce; and at least one textual description printed on the template proximate to the graphic indicia, the at least one textual description providing a written description of the specific tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: GERAWAN FARMING, INC
    Inventor: Denver Floyd Schutz
  • Patent number: 9015954
    Abstract: A frame assembly for simulating topography of an existing wall portion provides points of adjustment behind a wallboard panel mounted to the frame assembly. In this manner imperfections in an existing wall can be replicated to facilitate cabinet or countertop installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Kent G. West
  • Patent number: 7617611
    Abstract: A tool for identifying a non-conformity on a curved surface of an object, in particular on the circumferential surface of a cigarette, comprises a curved surface having a scale along a direction of curvature and a viewing portion associated with the scale through which, in use, at least part of the curved surface of the object is visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventor: Tarkan Bengi
  • Patent number: 7596878
    Abstract: A tool for tracing horizontal lines on curved surfaces configured so that it can receive two spirit levels and a slider to allow for one level to push against a ruler so as to give the ruler a curvature similar to that of a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Gaetan Mailloux
  • Patent number: 7587837
    Abstract: A set of sensors is placed on a form (a curve or a surface), wherein each sensor supplies representative signals of the orientation of the form at the position of this sensor; a model of the form is selected; based on the signals, the parameters of the model are determined and the distances which separate the sensors are measured; and, based on the parameters of the model and the distance measurements, the spatial distribution of the points of the form are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Dominique David, Roland Blanpain
  • Publication number: 20070175058
    Abstract: A tool for identifying a non-conformity on a curved surface of an object, in particular on the circumferential surface of a cigarette, comprises a curved surface having a scale along a direction of curvature and a viewing portion associated with the scale through which, in use, at least part of the curved surface of the object is visible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventor: Tarkan Bengi
  • Patent number: 7003893
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for obtaining templates used in pipe end cutting essential in fabricating saddle and mitered pipe connections. The template is made by an array of z-shaped pins arranged radially to form the shape of a stepped cylinder. A flexible adjustable length track on the z shaped pins or on another set of pins forms a track for a roller on a tool to follow. This track replaces metal templates, which have to be specially made for cutting each shape and size pipe for pipe connections to other pipes or to boilers and other devices. The invention provides a large array of templates for one or more sizes of pipe eliminating the need to have a large number of templates for different pipe sizes and shapes. A miter table attachment can be used for off center pipe connection cuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Ahmed Phuly
  • Patent number: 6997046
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for making impressions of edges and profiling the edges using a profiling machine. The apparatus allows the impressionable material used for forming the impression to be held in a fixed position while the impression of the edge is formed, and then allows the impression to be withdrawn in a manner that leaves the impression substantially unchanged and substantially true to the profile of the edge. The apparatus also comprises fittings to make the apparatus compatible with a profiling machine and allows the impression to be positioned in the profiling machine in substantially the same orientation every time an impression is taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jason Brian Fascinato, Timothy Michael Martinkovic, Jeffrey Stanley Keller
  • Patent number: 6883243
    Abstract: The method and device are used for at least regional determination of an outer contour of a body. For this purpose, a contour element is used which can be formed at least regionally according to an outer contour of the body. The shape of the contour element in a state formed by the body is stored by modifying at least one material property of the contour element. After elastic removal of the contour element from the body, another manipulation of the contour element is carried out in such a way that the shape of the contour element in the state formed by the body is determined by evaluating the modified material property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Atways AG
    Inventor: Hubert Ramcke
  • Publication number: 20040237323
    Abstract: The method and device are used for at least regional determination of an outer contour of a body. For this purpose, a contour element is used which can be formed at least regionally according to an outer contour of the body. The shape of the contour element in a state formed by the body is stored by modifying at least one material property of the contour element. After elastic removal of the contour element from the body, another manipulation of the contour element is carried out in such a way that the shape of the contour element in the state formed by the body is determined by evaluating the modified material property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Hubert Ramcke
  • Patent number: 6347459
    Abstract: A template system enables an installer to mark a plurality of bricks laid in a pattern to define a desired edge shape of the bricks. The template system includes a flexible tool which provides a surface against which a marking tool can be placed, and a plurality of anchors. Each anchor is attached to at least one brick and is removable therefrom. In use, the anchors are attached to the bricks. The tool is then attached to the anchors such that the desired shape is provided. Thereafter, the marking tool is run along the length of the tool to mark the desired shape onto the bricks. The tool and anchors are removed and the bricks are then cut by suitable means so that the desired border or edge shape is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Mark R. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6226878
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming decorative patterns in floor coverings. The preferred form of the apparatus includes a marking device having a body member. The body member includes a channel for receiving a guide member. The apparatus further includes a guide member to guide movement of the marking device along a predetermined path. The guide member is flexible so that it can be positioned on floor coverings in various configurations. The marking device includes a marking implement to mark floor coverings as the marking device is moved along the guide member. The preferred method is performed on site, i.e. at the site of the installation. Further, the preferred method is such that it can be performed relatively expeditiously and with great precision. Moreover, the preferred method can be performed with great accuracy without the need for a highly trained artisan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Steve Shannon
  • Patent number: 6217077
    Abstract: The invention is of a kit or system useful for guiding and facilitating the taking, tabulation and processing of measurements as pertain to scoring game animal according to established scoring rules. The kit or system includes a flexible cable which is used to record absolute lengths or distances needed for a proper scoring. The cable lacks cumulative length indicia or unit indications, but rather includes equally spaced incremental indicia which are used (by multiplying the number of indicia as rest between measurement endpoints) as part of the ultimate determination of length according to standard measurement units. A reusable score card is also provided which includes spaces for recording measurements and indicia for indicating the proper measurements to be taken as well as the sequence thereof and prescribed calculations to be made therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Michael E. Priebe
  • Patent number: 6209215
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a contour gauge for use in the fabrication of saddle joints in pipe connections to record and reproduce the projected line of continuous contact between the end of a first pipe intersecting the side of a transversely disposed second pipe so that the same can be accurately cut, and then joined/welded together in end-to-side relationship. The contour gauge comprises a cylindrical frame having a centrally disposed bore that defines a radially inner surface for positioning the frame over a pipe of predetermined size. In addition, the frame has a radially disposed outer surface that comprises a plurality of parallel guide channels that are disposed side-by-side to extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame. In the present invention, the guide channels are shaped in the form of grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Steven W. Helms
  • Patent number: 6167633
    Abstract: A curve forming device has a first elongated, flexible member with a plurality of equal-length projections extending perpendicularly from one side. The projections have end faces aligned parallel to the first elongated, flexible member. One portion of a hook-and-loop fastener is affixed to the end face of each projection. A second elongated flexible member has a complementary portion of the hook-and-loop fastener affixed along its entire length. To form a curve, one of the flexible members is pre-shaped into the desired curve. The, the other flexible member is attached by engaging the hook-and-loop fasteners on the projections to the fastener on the other flexible member. The curve forming device is then locked in place. Pressure sensitive adhesive can also be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: CLC Associates Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas P. Amara