Patents by Inventor Eric L. Berger

Eric L. Berger 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: 6250131
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for use in the area of equalizing and measuring the quality of steam exiting multiple branches in a two-phase distribution system. The system utilizes fluid level elevational differences to provide a self-correcting mechanism so that the system may be utilized regardless of incoming fluid quality or pressure. The system does not require an inlet seperator. A system having a T-junction with upper and lower manifolds is described. Also described is a system having a differential liquid bypass and vapor branch with flow restrictions. The flow restrictions may be an orifice plate, a venturi, or a control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: James Craig Pauley, James Lindsey Gilbert Schrodt, Eric L. Berger
  • Patent number: 6247917
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for improving the economics of flue gas recirculation. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for the minimization of oxides of nitrogen (“NOx”) in the exhaust gas of various combustion processes via balanced pressure drops of the recirculation gas, and a method for the calculation of flue gas recirculation percentage. The flue gas recirculation system achieves the balanced pressure drops by sizing the air intake line and recirculation line associated with the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Eric L. Berger, Karl W. Kolthoff, Thomas J. Rankin
  • Patent number: 6095792
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for improving the economics of flue gas recirculation. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for the minimization of oxides of nitrogen ("NO.sub.x ") in the exhaust gas of various combustion processes via balanced pressure drops of the recirculation gas, and a method for the calculation of flue gas recirculation percentage. The flue gas recirculation system achieves the balanced pressure drops by sizing the air intake line and recirculation line associated with the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Eric L. Berger, Karl W. Kolthoff, Thomas J. Rankin
  • Patent number: 5415195
    Abstract: Unequal phase splitting at branch T pipe junctions, wherein the branch line is of substantially lesser diameter than the main line, is substantially eliminated by structure (either a weir or sump) in the main line which collects at least a portion of the liquid phase and a bypass line which connects the weir or sump to the branch line downstream of a constriction creating a reduced pressure section in the branch pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Stoy, Eric L. Berger, Edward A. Woerheide, James L. G. Schrodt
  • Patent number: 5250104
    Abstract: Separation of wet steam into its liquid and vapor phases is facilitated prior to encountering a junction. The separated phases are recombined as the steam exits the respective arms of the junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Eric L. Berger, James R. Stoy, Mark T. Rubel, James L. G. Schrodt
  • Patent number: 5218985
    Abstract: The separation of wet steam into its liquid and vapor phases, prior to encountering a pipe junction, is facilitated. The liquid phase is then recombined by aspiration to effectively behave as a single phase vapor of homogeneous density at the point where the flow stream is divided by the junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Eric L. Berger, James R. Stoy, Mark T. Rubel, James L. G. Schrodt