f Self-illuminating skateboard By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A skateboard is provided having a transparent deck. First and second wheel assemblies are attached to the front and rear portion of the skateboard, respectively. The wheel assemblies each include a truck and two wheels. Each respective wheel comprises a wheel covering having a translucent surface and a wheel interior defined by a rotational axis and the wheel covering. The wheel interior houses a wheel generator configured to generate electricity and light emitting devices electrically coupled to the wheel generator that emit light when the wheel generator generates electricity. The skateboard also has a graphics layer on the top surface of the deck that is illuminated by the light emitting devices. The graphics layer comprises an adhesive surface having a graphic printed thereon and an adhesive applied thereon. The adhesive surface is adhesively affixed to the top or bottom surface of the transparent or translucent plastic deck. Full Article
f Control arrangement for a hydropneumatic suspension system and hydropneumatic suspension system comprising such a control arrangement By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A control arrangement for a hydropneumatic suspension system and a hydropneumatic suspension system are provided. The control arrangement has a pressure supply connection, a return connection, a piston chamber connection adapted to be connected to the piston chamber of a suspension cylinder of the hydropneumatic suspension system, an annular chamber connection adapted to be connected to the annular chamber of the suspension cylinder, and at least one controllable valve arrangement comprising a plurality of switch positions via which the pressure supply connection and the return connection are connectable to the piston chamber connection and the annular chamber connection. The annular chamber connection is in flow connection with the return connection via a pressure-limiting line having a hydraulically controllable pressure-limiting element. The pressure-limiting element has a control input adapted to be acted upon via a control line by a control pressure which is limitable to a predefinable pressure limit. Full Article
f Reconfigurable fixed suspension semi-trailer, flatbed or chassis By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A reconfigurable fixed position suspension and support structure attached to the trailer body using a locking device consisting of pins, bolts and/or other fastening devices. The support structure has a removable locking device that when attached to the support structure locks the support structure and suspension into a fixed position relative to the trailer body. When the trailer is not in operation, the locking device can be removed allowing the suspension group to be reconfigured, and each suspension to be repositioned relative to the trailer body. The removable locking device is then reattached to the suspension support structure locking the support structure and suspension into a new fixed position relative to the trailer body. Full Article
f Outer tube for front fork By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT In an outer tube for a front fork, a metal upper collar to which an upper vehicle body attaching bracket is connected is fitted and attached to an upper end portion of the plastic pipe, a metal sleeve is fitted and attached between an intermediate portion and a lower end portion of the plastic pipe, and the sleeve is provided with a lower collar to which a lower vehicle body attaching bracket is connected, and a seal case for inserting and supporting the inner tube. Full Article
f Foldable children's tricycle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A foldable children's tricycle comprises a tricycle front, a link device and a positioning assembly. The tricycle can be folded by using the link device, which can save space and reduce transportation cost. In addition, an inserting rod of the positioning assembly can be engaged in first or second positioning grooves of the link device, so the tricycle can be fixed when expanding or folding, thus improving the structural strength of the tricycle. Full Article
f Foldable bicycle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A foldable bicycle comprises a frame having a rear portion supporting a rear wheel about a rear axis of rotation, a front portion supporting a front wheel about a front axis of rotation and a hinge system. The hinge system comprises a first part arranged on the rear portion and provided with a first plane surface, and a second part arranged on the front portion and provided with a second plane surface. Inside the first and second parts an actuator mechanism is arranged for actuating a stud that locks or unlocks said parts. The first plane surface and the second plane surface are disposed in a plane that is slightly inclined relative to a horizontal plane, said inclined plane being configured to facilitate pivoting of the front portion relative to the rear portion towards a folded position, in which the rear and front axes of rotation are in alignment. Full Article
f Front retaining devices for a gliding board By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A gliding apparatus includes a gliding board, a first front boot-retaining device for ascending a slope and a second front boot-retaining device for the descent. The first front retaining device comprises a first boot-fastening mechanism, defining a boot pivot axis during the ascent. The second front retaining device comprises a second boot-fastening mechanism, including a movable element incorporating an interface surface capable of contacting a front portion of the boot, the movable element being separate from the first fastening mechanism. The second front retaining device is configurable in a first “inactive” configuration for which the interface surface is away from the boot front portion, and a second “active” configuration for which the interface surface contacts the boot front portion. The first boot-fastening mechanism is capable of cooperating with the movable element of the second front retaining device so as to maintain the second front retaining device in its active configuration. Full Article
f Foldable stroller By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A stroller has a first frame part and a second frame part capable of movement between at least two positions relative to the first frame part. A push-pull mechanism has a push-pull element that directly or indirectly connects the first and second frame parts. Moving the first frame part causes the push-pull mechanism to move the second frame part. The mechanism can be employed on the stroller frame to assist in folding and/or unfolding the stroller. Full Article
f Deployable airbag arrangement for rear seat occupant By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An airbag system for protecting rear seat occupants in dynamic side impacts using an improved packaging arrangement is provided. The system includes seat base and seat back frames. The seat back frame is movable between an upright position and a reclined position. The system further includes a unified airbag having a pelvic portion and a thoracic portion. The pelvic portion is positioned adjacent to the seat base frame. The thoracic portion is positioned adjacent to the seat back frame. The unified airbag is attached to the seat base frame by fixed anchors and to the seat back frame by a movable anchor. A grooved track is provided for attachment of the movable anchor. The airbag may be a strip shape or a triangular shape. One or more tethers may be attached to the unified airbag. Full Article
f Foam-in-place interior panels having integrated airbag doors including multi-shot injection molded airbag chute-door assemblies for motor vehicles and methods for making the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Interior panels having integrated airbag doors for motor vehicles and methods for making such interior panels are provided herein. In one example, an interior panel comprises a substrate having outer and inner surfaces and an opening extending therethrough. A multi-shot injection molded airbag chute-door assembly is mounted to the substrate and comprises a chute wall that at least partially surrounds an interior space. A door flap portion is pivotally connected to the chute wall and at least partially covers the opening. A perimeter flange extends from the chute wall and has a flange section that overlies the outer surface of the substrate. A molded-in lip feature extends from the flange section and contacts the outer surface to form a seal between the flange section and the substrate. A skin covering extends over the substrate and a foam is disposed between the skin covering and the substrate. Full Article
f Side airbag device for vehicle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT In an inflated and expanded state of a side airbag, a forwardly extending portion, provided at an upper portion of a rear side bag portion, extends from a side of a shoulder portion of a seated passenger toward a vehicle front side and is disposed above a front side bag portion. A dimension in a vehicle transverse direction of this forwardly extending portion is set to be smaller than that of the front side bag portion, and a vehicle transverse direction inner side surface at an upper end side of the front side bag portion is inclined or curved so as to rise-up while heading toward a vehicle transverse direction outer side. An upper arm portion is pushed-up due to sliding contact with this surface. Even when the seated passenger inertially toward an oblique front of a vehicle, the shoulder portion can be restrained by the forwardly extending portion. Full Article
f Lifting trolley By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a trolley, and more particularly to a lifting trolley capable of raising and lowering goods. The lifting trolley includes a trolley frame, a drive mechanism, and a bearing mechanism. The bearing mechanism is vertically slidably connected to the trolley frame, and the drive mechanism is disposed on the trolley frame and drives the bearing mechanism to slide vertically. Compared with the prior art, the lifting trolley provided by the present invention saves time and effort, is accurate in positioning, and facilitates conveying of goods. Full Article
f Ice skate blade guard with safety feature By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An ice skate blade guard comprises a device for limiting/preventing falls and injury on the ice when skate blade guards are inadvertently left on when the skater enters the ice. At least one longitudinally-extending bar, blade, or other member provided on the bottom of the guard is sufficiently narrow, sharp, and/or with sharp or biting side edge(s) to bite-into the ice, upon incipient sideways movement, due to the member(s) being biased against the ice and/or due to weight of the wearer. The member(s) prevent sideways slipping, but allow forward movement. The slip-prevention member(s) may be movable in/on the guard and biased downward relative to the main body. In some versions, the slip-prevention blade(s) are fixed to the guard, rigidly and non-movably protruding from the bottom of the guard. Full Article
f Single side curtain airbag for vehicles By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Airbag inflator system includes an inflatable airbag, e.g., a side curtain airbag, a housing, a gas generating system arranged apart from the housing for generating gas, and a conduit leading from the gas generating system to the housing to provide gas to the housing, e.g., to a lateral end of the housing. A filter may be arranged between the gas generating system and the housing, possibly in the conduit. A nozzle may be arranged between the gas generating system and an interior of the airbag, which nozzle is varied as a function of temperature. The housing may be movably arranged relative to a fixed base and mounted to vary its relation to the base as a function of temperature, e.g., via elastic or deformable supports which support the housing on the base. Full Article
f Behavior control device for a combination vehicle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT There is provided a behavior control device for the prevention of a jackknife phenomenon of a combination vehicle including a tractor and a trailer pivotably coupled with the tractor, taking into account that the relative pivoting action of the trailer and tractor varies according to the magnitudes of a vehicle speed or a deceleration. The inventive behavior control device comprises a braking-driving force control portion which controls a braking-driving force of the tractor or the trailer to reduce a difference between a yaw rate of the tractor and a yaw rate of the trailer and a judgment portion which judges whether or not a braking-driving force control of the tractor or the trailer by the braking-driving force control portion is necessary; wherein the judgment portion changes based on a vehicle speed or a deceleration of the vehicle the judgment of whether or not the braking-driving force control is necessary. Full Article
f Lightweight folding motorized chair with mechanical traction steering and braking By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Jun 2015 08:00:00 EDT A lightweight folding motorized chair with mechanical traction steering and braking. A folding frame supports the traction wheels and the drive system with hinged frame members configured to mechanically fold the control levers, wheels and periphery components into a substantially flat configuration for easy storage in small spaces. A mix of weight saving choices including: structural materials; mechanical traction control system; lithium ion battery; and overall lightweight design keeps the folding motorized chair at a size and weight that a person can lift into the trunk of a car. Full Article
f ***WITHDRAWN PATENT AS PER THE LATEST USPTO WITHDRAWN LIST***Pre-weakened cover for an airbag and method of making By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 25 Aug 2015 08:00:00 EDT A pre-weakened cover of an airbag module is provided including a layer having an outer show surface and an opposing inner surface. A plurality of first cuts is arranged at a first angle on the inner surface. A plurality of second cuts is arranged at a second angle on the inner surface. Each of the second cuts intersects two adjacent first cuts to form a generally V-shaped pattern. Full Article
f Pre-weakened cover for an airbag and method of making By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 29 Mar 2016 08:00:00 EDT A pre-weakened cover of an airbag module is provided including a layer having an outer show surface and an opposing inner surface. A plurality of first cuts is arranged at a first angle on the inner surface. A plurality of second cuts is arranged at a second angle on the inner surface. Each of the second cuts intersects two adjacent first cuts to form a generally V-shaped pattern. Full Article
f Methods and systems for improved drilling operations using real-time and historical drilling data By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods and systems are described for improved drilling operations through the use of real-time drilling data to predict bit wear, lithology, pore pressure, a rotating friction coefficient, permeability, and cost in real-time and to adjust drilling parameters in real-time based on the predictions. The real-time lithology prediction is made by processing the real-time drilling data through a multilayer neural network. The real-time bit wear prediction is made by using the real-time drilling data to predict a bit efficiency factor and to detect changes in the bit efficiency factor over time. These predictions may be used to adjust drilling parameters in the drilling operation in real-time, subject to override by the operator. The methods and systems may also include determining various downhole hydraulics parameters and a rotary friction factor. Historical data may be used in combination with real-time data to provide expert system assistance and to identify safety concerns. Full Article
f Method and apparatus for opening threaded joints of drilling equipment By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a method and apparatus for opening threaded joints of drilling equipment (6) by striking the drilling equipment (6) with the percussion device of a rock drilling rig (1) and by measuring vibration originating from the drilling equipment (6) during striking. In addition to vibration, measuring means (9) measure a parameter defining at least one additional condition, on the basis of which the decision to stop striking is made. Full Article
f Wear indicators for drilling equipment By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Described herein is a wear indicator (100) for use in a drill bit or a core head. The wear indicator (100) comprises an elongate element that forms part of the drill bit. The elongate element has a plurality of numbers (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180) formed along its length, each number (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180) being formed as a void and corresponds to a level of wear in accordance with the IADC dull grading system. As the drill becomes worn, the wear indicator (100) wears at the same rate to reveal one of the numbers (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180). The numbers range from “1” to “8” where the number “1” illustrates the least wear and the number “8” indicates the most wear. When unworn, none of the numbers are visible. Full Article
f Drill bit assembly having electrically isolated gap joint for measurement of reservoir properties By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A drill bit assembly for measuring reservoir formation properties comprises a bit head and a pin body, and an electrically insulated gap joint between two conductive parts of the drill bit assembly. The bit head has a cutting end and an opposite connecting end with an engagement section. The pin body comprises a connecting end with an engagement section. The pin connecting end is connected to the bit head connecting end such that the engagement sections overlap. The electrically insulating gap joint can fill a gap between the bit head and pin body engagement sections such that the bit head and pin body are mechanically connected together at the connecting ends but electrically separated. Alternatively or additionally, the pin body can have two pieces which are separated by an electrically insulating gap joint. An electrical conductor is electrically connected at a first end to the bit head and is communicable at a second end with an alternating current signal to transmit an alternating current into the bit head, thereby inducing an electric current into a reservoir formation adjacent the bit head. Electronic equipment includes measurement circuitry configured to determine the alternating current at the bit head, the alternating current being inversely proportional to a bit resistivity of the formation. Full Article
f Reverse circulation apparatus and methods of using same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT In one aspect, an apparatus for drilling a wellbore into an earth formation is disclosed, which apparatus, according to one embodiment, may include a drill string configured to be conveyed into a wellbore, wherein an annulus is formed between the drill string and a wellbore wall, a first flow device configured to circulate a first fluid from an annulus to a bore of the drill string, and a second flow device positioned downhole of the first flow device, the second flow device configured to circulate a second fluid from the bore of the drill string to the annulus. Full Article
f Drilling fluid that when mixed with a cement composition enhances physical properties of the cement composition By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT According to an embodiment, a drilling fluid comprises: water and a set accelerator, wherein the drilling fluid has a 10 minute gel strength of less than 20 lb*ft/100 sq ft, wherein the drilling fluid has a density in the range of about 9 to about 14 pounds per gallon, wherein the drilling fluid remains pourable for at least 5 days, and wherein when at least one part of the drilling fluid mixes with three parts of a cement composition consisting of water and cement, the drilling fluid cement composition mixture develops a compressive strength of at least 1,200 psi. According to another embodiment, a method of using the drilling fluid comprises the steps of: introducing the drilling fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation, wherein at least a portion of the drilling fluid is capable of mixing with a cement composition. Full Article
f Shaped cutting elements for earth-boring tools, earth-boring tools including such cutting elements, and related methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A cutting element for an earth-boring tool. The cutting element comprises a substrate base, and a volume of polycrystalline diamond material on an end of the substrate base. The volume of polycrystalline diamond material comprises a generally conical surface, an apex centered about a longitudinal axis extending through a center of the substrate base, a flat cutting surface extending from a first point at least substantially proximate the apex to a second point on the cutting element more proximate a lateral side surface of the substrate base. Another cutting element is disclosed, as are a method of manufacturing and a method of using such cutting elements. Full Article
f Active compensation for mud telemetry modulator and turbine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An arrangement having a piston configured to move along an axial pathway a rotating seal configured to seal an inside environment from an outside environment, the rotating seal configured to be acted upon by a pressure exerted from the piston, a differential pressure sensor measuring a pressure difference between a first fluid from the outside environment and a second fluid on the inside environment, a motor connected to the piston, the motor configured to actuate the piston to a position along an axial pathway and an electronic feedback control system connected to the motor, the electronic feedback system configured to interface with the differential pressure sensor and maintain a pressure generated by the piston onto the rotating seal to a desired pressure. Full Article
f Systems and methods for processing drilling data By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods for processing drilling data. One embodiment provides a method comprising building user-designed contexts (which can be designated as built-in contexts) for drilling structures. The method also comprises orchestrating module execution within the user-designed contexts. The method further comprises providing data from the user-designed contexts to such modules via an interface. Some methods include monitoring drilling data to detect events (for instance departure from a pseudolog) and orchestrating module execution responsive thereto. The method can include exposing the orchestration of the execution of the module instances as a service. Moreover, some embodiments provide extra-contextual application program interfaces. In addition, or in the alternative, some embodiments schedule the orchestration of the modules based on declarations related to the inputs and/or outputs of the modules. Full Article
f Remote control system for drill By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Mobile drilling devices and systems, methods, and computer-readable media for controlling such devices are provided. One method includes receiving user input from a user of a mobile computing device. The method further includes transmitting data based on the user input from the mobile computing device to a control circuit of a mobile drilling device via a wireless network connection. The method further includes generating a plurality of control signals based on the data received from the mobile computing device. Each of the plurality of control signals is configured to control movement of a separate one of a plurality of movement devices of the mobile drilling device. The plurality of movement devices are configured to move the mobile drilling device between locations. Full Article
f Structure for gunpowder charge in combined fracturing perforation device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT This invention provides a structure for gunpowder charge for charging gunpowders of different rates in combined fracturing perforation devices. The structure for gunpowder charge is convenient to mount and transport. In one embodiment, said structure for gunpowder charge comprises an inner gunpowder box located between adjacent perforating charges in the charge frame of a perforation device, and an outer gunpowder box attached to the outer wall of the charge frame, wherein said outer gunpowder box comprises one or two box units (2 or 4) with at least one claw at the inner side of said box unit, said claw can be locked into a groove or installation hole of the charge frame, and wherein said inner gunpowder box and said outer gunpowder box are charged with gunpowders of different burning rates. Full Article
f Control system for high power laser drilling workover and completion unit By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A control and monitoring system controls and monitors a high power laser system for performing high power laser operations. The control and monitoring system is configured to perform high power laser operation on, and in, remote and difficult to access locations. Full Article
f Cooled-fluid systems and methods for pulsed-electric drilling By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT In at least some embodiments, a pulsed-electric drilling system includes a bit that extends a borehole by detaching formation material with pulses of electric current, and a drillstring that defines at least one path for a fluid flow to the bit to flush detached formation material from the borehole. A feed pipe transports at least a part of said fluid flow to said path, and the feed pipe is equipped with a cooling mechanism to cool the fluid flow. The use of a cooled fluid flow may enhance the performance of the pulsed-electric drilling process. Full Article
f Drilling speed and depth computation for downhole tools By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for managing a drilling operation, including generating, by a first sensor and a second sensor of a bottom hole assembly (BHA), a first time based data log and a second time based data log, respectively, representing a borehole parameter along a drilling trajectory, determining, by a computer processor of the BHA and during the drilling operation, a time shift by comparing the first time based data log and the second time based data log, where offsetting the first and second time based data logs by the time shift maximizes a correlation factor of the first and second time based data logs, and determining, within a pre-determined time period from generating the first and second time based data logs, a drilling speed based on the time shift and a pre-determined distance between the first sensor and the second sensor. Full Article
f Apparatus and method for automated drilling of a borehole in a subsurface formation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Apparatus and method for automated drilling of a borehole in a subsurface formation. In one embodiment, a method includes selecting at least one control variable. A drilling performance objective having a value that is influenced by drilling of the borehole using the at least one control variable is defined. A first interval of the borehole is drilled maintaining the at least one control variable at a first value. A second interval of the borehole is drilled maintaining the at least one control variable at a second value. A third interval of the borehole is drilled maintaining the at least one control variable at a third value. The third value is selected based on a comparison of the values of the drilling performance objective while drilling the first interval and second interval to a predetermined optimal value of the drilling performance objective. Full Article
f Method of completing a well using a friction reducing completion fluid By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for reducing the friction forces between tubulars, for example coiled tubing in casing includes mixing a selected suspending agent and surfactant and polymer particles in oil, then adding the mixture to water and pumping the mixture down the tubing. The mixture is particularly useful in coiled tubular drilling inside casing of an oil or gas well. The formulation has also been found to reduce corrosion on metal surfaces. Full Article
f Polycrystalline diamond compact including a polycrystalline diamond table containing aluminum carbide therein and applications therefor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) comprising a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table including at least a portion having aluminum carbide disposed interstitially between bonded-together diamond grains thereof, and methods of fabricating such PDCs. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a substrate, and a PCD table bonded to the substrate. The PCD table includes a plurality of bonded-together diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. The PCD table further includes aluminum carbide disposed in at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. Full Article
f Method and system for delineating a second wellbore from a first wellbore By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed herein is a method of delineating a second wellbore from a first wellbore. The method includes, emitting acoustic waves from a tool in the first wellbore, receiving acoustic waves at the tool reflected from the second wellbore, and determining orientation and distance of at least a portion of the second wellbore relative to the tool. Full Article
f Method and system for monitoring a well for unwanted formation fluid influx By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of monitoring a well for unwanted formation fluid influx is disclosed. Measurements of well outflow are acquired during a period in which drilling operations are performed for the well. Occurrences of stagnant flow events during the period are determined. An outflow signature is generated from the well outflow measurements for each stagnant flow event. The outflow signatures are displayed sequentially in time of occurrence. Each outflow signature is analyzed for an anomaly. Full Article
f Method and apparatus for controlling rock drilling By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Method and apparatus for controlling rock drilling with a percussion device belonging to a rock drill to deliver stress waves to rock through a tool by pushing the tool against the rock by means of a feed motor and rotating simultaneously the tool by means of a rotation motor, whereby the maximum feed force is determined, pressure medium is supplied to the feed motor and to the rotation motor and the feed force is controlled according to the drilling conditions. The feed force is controlled on the basis of the feed speed and the rotation torque. The apparatus has a load control valve which controls the feed. Full Article
f Vibrational tool with rotating engagement surfaces and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A vibrational tool and method is disclosed, which may be utilized to assist in lowering a drill string into a wellbore. In one embodiment, a reciprocating member and a symmetrical rotating member are mounted within a vibrational tool housing. The reciprocating member is urged in one embodiment by a spring assembly toward the rotating member whereby engagement surfaces on the reciprocating member and rotating member encounter each other. As the rotating member rotates, variable surfaces on the engagement surface cause the reciprocating member to reciprocate as the variable surfaces follow or cam with respect to each other during rotation. The resistance to rotation by engagement surfaces and spring assembly, and mass of the rotating member, result in vibrational forces, when drilling fluid flows through the vibration tool housing. Full Article
f Spacer fluid additive By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A spacer fluid comprises a fluid and a viscosity agent. The viscosity agent is a mixture of at least two polyvinylalcohol compositions. A first polyvinylalcohol composition comprises polyvinylalcohols having a first degree of hydrolysis and a second polyvinylalcohol composition comprises polyvinylalcohols having a second degree of hydrolysis. The first and second degrees of hydrolysis are substantially different such that the rheology of the spacer fluid is stable during temperatures changes. Full Article
f Tools for use in subterranean boreholes having expandable members and related methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Expandable apparatus for use in subterranean boreholes include at least one member configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. A latching member disposed in the tubular body may selectively retain the at least one member in the retracted position. Methods of operating an expandable apparatus include securing at least one member of the expandable apparatus in a retracted position by engaging an inner wall of a tubular body with at least one latch member disposed in at least one aperture formed in a latch sleeve. Full Article
f Tools for use in subterranean boreholes having expandable members and related methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Expandable apparatus for use in subterranean boreholes include at least one member configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. Components of the expandable apparatus may include at least one surface for removing debris proximate to the tubular body. Components of the expandable apparatus may be configured to enable the expandable apparatus to increase a diameter of a subterranean borehole by greater than twenty percent. Components of the expandable apparatus may be configured to restrict fluid flow to nozzle assemblies. The expandable apparatus may include a protect sleeve having a push sleeve disposed therein. Methods of operating an expandable apparatus may include removing debris with a surface of the expandable apparatus. Methods of operating an expandable apparatus may also include selectively flowing fluid to nozzle assemblies. Full Article
f Rotary joint for subterranean drilling By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A rotary joint for use in directional control of a subterranean rotary steerable drilling apparatus. The rotary joint is formed by mated spherical-shaped sockets, each of which is connected with a hollow rod. By virtue of this arrangement, a continuous passageway is provided for fluid to flow through the rotary joint, which fluid may be used for cooling the rotary joint during operation of the rotary steerable drilling system. Full Article
f THz frequency range antenna By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A THz frequency range antenna is provided which comprises: a semiconductor film (3) having a surface adapted to exhibit surface plasmons in the THz frequency range. The surface of the semiconductor film (3) is structured with an antenna structure (4) arranged to support localized surface plasmon resonances in the THz frequency range. Full Article
f Optical-interface patterning for radiation detector crystals By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A radiation detector is disclosed that includes a scintillation crystal and a plurality of photodetectors positioned to detect low-energy scintillation photons generated within the scintillation crystal. The scintillation crystals are processed using subsurface laser engraving to generate point-like defects within the crystal to alter the path of the scintillation photons. In one embodiment, the defects define a plurality of boundaries within a monolithic crystal to delineate individual detector elements. In another embodiment, the defects define a depth-of-interaction boundary that varies longitudinally to vary the amount of light shared by neighboring portions of the crystal. In another embodiment the defects are evenly distributed to reduce the lateral spread of light from a scintillation event. Two or more of these different aspects may be combined in a single scintillation crystal. Additionally, or alternatively, similar SSLE defects may be produced in other light-guiding elements of the radiation detector. Full Article
f Detection of ionising radiation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A detector for detecting ionizing radiation comprises a scintillator 10 selected to emit light in response to incidence thereon of radiation to be detected, at least one detector 16 for detecting said emitted light, and at least one optical waveguide 12 for transmitting said emitted light to said detector 16. The optical waveguide typically comprises a flexible solid or hollow fiber that can be incorporated into a flexible mat or into a fiber-reinforced structure, so that the detector is integrated therewith. Full Article
f Method and apparatus for identifying CVD diamond By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Method for identifying CVD diamond comprises (1) placing a clean diamond on a fixed platform; (2) illuminating the diamond with light having various wavelengths; (3) receiving reflected light from the diamond; (4) calculating a reflectance value at each wavelength based on a light intensity at each wavelength of the reflected light, generating a spectral reflectance curve; (5) determining whether the spectral reflectance curve has a sharp trough, then storing the diamond if the spectral reflectance curve thereof does not have the sharp trough, while selecting the diamond for a further identification if the spectral reflectance curve thereof has the sharp trough; and (6) determining whether the sharp trough of the diamond selected from the step (5) is at a wavelength between 227 nm and 233 nm, and identifying the diamond to be the CVD diamond if the sharp trough is at the wavelength between 227 nm and 233 nm. Full Article
f Surface contamination monitoring system and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A surface contamination monitoring system/method configured to correct the detected the radioactive net count rate (NCR) value of a whole-body surface contamination monitoring device based on monitored subject height and thickness is disclosed. The system includes a height detection means for determining the height of a monitored subject and a thickness detection means for determining the thickness of at least a portion of the monitored subject. The net count rate (NCR) is corrected based on the determined height and thickness of the monitored subject as applied to site calibration factor data and self-shielding factor data to produce a corrected net count rate (CNR). If the corrected net count rate (CNR) registers above a preset alarm threshold, the monitored subject is considered contaminated and an appropriate alarm is registered. Full Article
f Two-dimensional detection system for neutron radiation in the field of neutron scattering spectrometry By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT This invention relates to a two-dimensional detection system for neutron radiation comprising a means (1) for emitting a neutron beam (10), a support means (2) adapted for receiving a sample (3), a photoemission means (5) adapted for being activated by a neutron radiation, a cooled low light level charge-coupled detection device (7). The emission means (1) emits a monochromatic neutron beam (10). The system further comprises a filter means (4), the filter means (4) being located between the support means (2) and the photoemission means (5) and being adapted for trapping at least a substantial part of the monochromatic neutron beam transmitted (12) by the sample (3), and an amplification means (6) located upstream the charge-coupled detection device (7) and coupled with the charge-coupled detection device (7). Full Article
f Blanking apparatus, drawing apparatus, and method of manufacturing article By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides a blanking apparatus comprising a plurality of blankers configured to respectively blank a plurality of beams with respect to a target position on an object, and a driving device configured to drive the plurality of blankers, wherein the driving device includes a change device configured to change relation between a combination of beams of the plurality of beams, and a target dose. Full Article