Patents by Inventor Brian J. Willis

Brian J. Willis has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11454733
    Abstract: A method is described for analysis of subsurface data including the use of physics-based modeling and experimental design that allows calculation of probabilities of physical subsurface properties. The method may include calculations of key controlling parameters. The method may include using multiple dimension scaling. The method may be executed by a computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Tao Sun, Brian J. Willis, Maisha L. Amaru, Ashley D. Harris, Morgan David Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11397279
    Abstract: Well information may define subsurface configuration of different wells. Marker information defining marker positions within the wells may be obtained. A dissimilarity matrix for the wells may generated, with the element values of the dissimilarity matrix determined based on comparison of corresponding subsurface configuration of the wells. A gated dissimilarity matrix may be generated from the dissimilarity matrix based on the marker positions within the wells. The elements values of the gated dissimilarity matrix corresponding to one set of marker positions and not corresponding to the other set of marker positions may be changed. Correlation between the wells may be determined based on the gated dissimilarity matrix such that correlation exists between a marker position in one well and a marker position in another well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Brett M. Hern, Tao Sun, Brian J. Willis, Fabien J. Laugier, Ashley D. Harris
  • Publication number: 20210302620
    Abstract: Well information may define subsurface configuration of different wells. Marker information defining marker positions within the wells may be obtained. A dissimilarity matrix for the wells may generated, with the element values of the dissimilarity matrix determined based on comparison of corresponding subsurface configuration of the wells. A gated dissimilarity matrix may be generated from the dissimilarity matrix based on the marker positions within the wells. The elements values of the gated dissimilarity matrix corresponding to one set of marker positions and not corresponding to the other set of marker positions may be changed. Correlation between the wells may be determined based on the gated dissimilarity matrix such that correlation exists between a marker position in one well and a marker position in another well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Brett M. Hern, Tao Sun, Brian J. Willis, Fabien J. Laugier, Ashley D. Harris
  • Publication number: 20200174145
    Abstract: A method is described for analysis of subsurface data including the use of physics-based modeling and experimental design that allows calculation of probabilities of physical subsurface properties. The method may include calculations of key controlling parameters. The method may include using multiple dimension scaling. The method may be executed by a computer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Tao Sun, Brian J. Willis, Maisha L. Amaru, Ashley D. Harris, Morgan David Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5374614
    Abstract: The invention concerns clear o/w microemulsions comprising a perfume oil, an aqueous phase and one or more surfactants with HLB between 9 and 18, and co-surfactants of which at least 0.5% of ionic co-surfactant. The weight ratio of perfume oil to total surfactant is between 0.85 and 2.5, and preferably above 1. The quantity of perfume oil is 0.01-40% w/w, preferably below 35%, of the microemulsion and the quantity of water at least 40% w/w, preferably at least 50%. The microemulsions comprise less than 10% preferably less than 5%, of alcohol. The surfactants are preferably of the nonionic type.The microemulsions are very suitable for perfuming purposes where the amount of organic solvents should preferably be kept to a minimum, such as for perfuming skin or hair.The invention also concerns surfactant/perfume mixtures suitable for preparing the clear o/w microemulsions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Inventors: John M. Behan, Jeremy N. Ness, Petrus C. Traas, Joannis S. Vitsas, Brian J. Willis
  • Patent number: 4798799
    Abstract: The invention provides a microbiological method for preparing diol and furan compounds from a variety of substrates using the microorganism Hyphozyma roseoniger, CBS 214.83 and ATCC 20624.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: Fritzsche Dodge & Olcott Inc.
    Inventors: Mohamad I. Farbood, Brian J. Willis
  • Patent number: 4605778
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel musk compounds, useful as fragrance materials which have the structure: ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or methyl and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl, and provides methods for preparing these compounds from readily available intermediates. The invention also provides fragrance compositions which include the compounds, and processes for altering the organoleptic properties of perfume compositions, colognes and perfumed articles by adding organoleptically effective amounts of the compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Fritzsche Dodge & Olcott Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Willis, Teodosij Zazula
  • Patent number: 4560656
    Abstract: Optically active .gamma.-decalactone is produced by culturing a microorganism capable of hydrolyzing castor oil and effecting .beta.-oxidation of the resulting hydrolysate in the presence of castor oil or castor oil hydrolysate and a co-oxidant. The resulting .gamma.-hydroxydecanoic acid is lactonized to form .gamma.-decalactone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: Fritzsche Dodge & Olcott Inc.
    Inventors: Mohamad I. Farbood, Brian J. Willis
  • Patent number: 4510319
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing compounds having the general structure: ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or an acyclic or alicyclic fragment containing between one and about ten carbon atoms, and R.sub.1 is hydrogen or an alkyl containing between one and about four carbon atoms or an aryl group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Assignee: Fritzsche Dodge & Olcott Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Willis, Robert G. Eilerman, Philip A. Christenson, John M. Yurecko, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4483786
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel musk compounds, useful as a fragrance materials which have the structure: ##STR1## wherein R is a methyl or ethyl. The invention also provides fragrance compositions which include the compounds, and processes for altering the organoleptic properties of perfume compositions, colognes and perfumed articles by adding an organoleptically effective amount of the compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Assignee: Fritzsche Dodge & Olcott Inc.
    Inventors: Philip A. Christenson, Brian J. Drake, Brian J. Willis
  • Patent number: 4476040
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel musk compounds, useful as fragrance materials which have the structure: ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or methyl and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl, and provides methods for preparing these compounds from readily available intermediates. The invention also provides fragrance compositions which include the compounds, and processes for altering the organoleptic properties of perfume compositions, colognes and perfumed articles by adding organoleptically effective amounts of the compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1984
    Assignee: Fritzsche, Dodge & Olcott, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Willis, Teodosij J. Zazula
  • Patent number: 4432378
    Abstract: The present invention relates to substituted cyclohexane derivatives having the structure: ##STR1## wherein the dotted line may be a carbon-carbon double bond or a carbon-carbon single bond; wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 may be hydrogen or lower alkyl; wherein Z may be any of the following: ##STR2## wherein R.sub.9 may be hydrogen or lower alkyl; and wherein R.sub.10 and R.sub.11 are lower alkyl. This invention also provides methods of preparing and using the compounds as odor-modifying ingredients in perfumes and perfumed products, and as flavor-modifying ingredients in foodstuffs and tobacco products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1984
    Assignee: Fritzsche, Dodge & Olcott, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Willis, Robert G. Eilerman
  • Patent number: 4428870
    Abstract: The invention discloses perfume compositions containing one or more phenylethynyl carbinol compounds along with conventional perfume ingredients. The phenylethynyl carbinol compounds have the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is the same or different lower alkyl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1984
    Assignee: Fritzsche Dodge & Olcott Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Eilerman, Brian J. Willis, John M. Yurecko, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4424146
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the novel compound acetaldehyde ethyl 6-dihydrolinalyl acetal, useful as a fragrance material. The invention also provides a method of preparing this compound from 6-dihydrolinalool, and fragrance compositions which include the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1984
    Assignee: Fritzsche Dodge & Olcott Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Willis, Michael R. Britten-Kelley, Odd Hansen
  • Patent number: 4400545
    Abstract: Alicyclic ketone and alcohol derivatives having the structure: ##STR1## wherein the dotted line represents a carbon-carbon double bond or a carbon-carbon single bond; wherein Z is ##STR2## and wherein each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, and R.sub.5 is hydrogen or lower alkyl are useful as odor-modifying ingredients in perfumes and perfumed products and as flavor-modifying ingredients in foodstuffs and tobacco products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1983
    Assignee: Fritzsche Dodge & Olcott Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Willis, Robert G. Eilerman, John M. Yurecko, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4382972
    Abstract: The flavoring compositions and flavored comestibles of this invention include alkyl 2,3-dihydro-3(1'-hydroxyalkylidene)-2-oxo-5-alkylfuran-4-carboxylates in amounts capable of significantly enhancing the flavor of the flavoring compositions or flavored comestibles. For example, butterscotch flavors are materially improved in smoothness and certain fruit flavors are given greater richness and ripeness when the carboxylates of this invention are incorporated therein. Similarly, fruit flavored carbonated soft drinks which include the carboxylates possess enhanced flavors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1983
    Assignee: Fritzsche Dodge & Olcott Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Willis, Frank Fischetti, Jr., Robert G. Eilerman
  • Patent number: 4341908
    Abstract: Compounds useful as fragrance materials having the structure ##STR1## wherein each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 are hydrogen or methyl can be prepared by reacting a halogen-containing cyclohexane, having the structure ##STR2## wherein each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 are hydrogen or methyl and X is a halogen, with a reagent capable of effecting intramolecular cyclization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1982
    Assignee: Fritzsche Dodge & Olcott Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Willis, Philip A. Christenson, Robert A. Mack
  • Patent number: 4339593
    Abstract: Dialkyl-substituted .beta.-resorcylic acid esters having the structure: ##STR1## wherein each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 is lower alkyl may be readily prepared by reacting the corresponding dihydroresorcylic acid esters with sulfuryl chloride. These compounds, particularly, methyl 3,6-dimethyl-resorcylate and methyl 3-ethyl-6-methyl-resorcylate, have oakmoss-like odors rendering them valuable as perfume ingredients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1982
    Assignee: Fritzsche Dodge & Olcott Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Willis, David I. Lerner, Derek H. R. Barton
  • Patent number: 4326997
    Abstract: Alicyclic ketone and alcohol derivatives having the structure: ##STR1## wherein the dotted line represents a carbon-carbon double bond or a carbon-carbon single bond; wherein Z is ##STR2## and wherein each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, and R.sub.5 is hydrogen or lower alkyl are useful as odor-modifying ingredients in perfumes and perfumed products and as flavor-modifying ingredients in foodstuffs and tobacco products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1982
    Assignee: Fritzsche Dodge & Olcott Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Willis, Robert G. Eilerman, John M. Yurecko, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4326996
    Abstract: The present invention relates to substituted cyclohexane derivatives having the structure: ##STR1## wherein the dotted line may be a carbon-carbon double bond or a carbon-carbon single bond; wherein R.sub.1,R.sub.2,R.sub.3, R.sub.4,R.sub.5,R.sub.6,R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 may be hydrogen or lower alkyl; wherein Z may be any of the following: ##STR2## wherein R.sub.9 may be hydrogen or lower alkyl; and wherein R.sub.10 and R.sub.11 are lower alkyl. This invention also provides methods of preparing and using the compounds as odor-modifying ingredients in perfumes and perfumed products, and as flavor-modifying ingredients in foodstuffs and tobacco products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1982
    Assignee: Fritzsche Dodge & Olcott Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Willis, Robert G. Eilerman