Patents by Inventor Ruben F. Lah

Ruben F. Lah 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).

  • Publication number: 20130233694
    Abstract: A seat system for a coke drum deheading valve can include a groove in the surface of the seat for supplying a lubricant to the surface of the seat. Various channels can be formed in the body of the seat that connect to the groove. In this way, lubricant can be flowed through the channels and into the groove to provide lubrication between the surface of the seat and the blind. The seat system can also include a split ring packing gland to facilitate the formation of a seal within the deheading valve. The split ring packing gland can be used to retain and compress packing positioned between a retaining ring and a dynamic seat such that when the packing is compressed, an improved seal is formed. By improving the seal, less steam can be required during the delayed coking process thereby increasing the efficiency of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Ruben F. Lah
  • Patent number: 8512525
    Abstract: The present invention features a coke drum de-heading system that enables the de-heading of a coke drum without having to physically remove the head units. This is essentially accomplished using one of a variety of specially designed de-header valves that may be removably coupled to a coke drum much the same way a conventional head or flange unit would be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Corporation
    Inventor: Ruben F. Lah
  • Patent number: 8459608
    Abstract: The present invention provides more efficient, cost effective coke drum valve devices and system as well as more efficient, cost effective methods for isolating the flow of matter in a delayed coker unit operation. Specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to various seat systems used in valves for delayed coking operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Corporation
    Inventor: Ruben F. Lah
  • Patent number: 8440057
    Abstract: A linked coke drum connection to minimize the stresses experienced by the joint between the coke drum and the supporting structure of the coke drum is described. The connection may be attached to a circumferential connection plate attached to the coke drum or directly to the drum. Some embodiments connect to a segmented circumferential connection plate. The connection includes a coke drum link, a connecting link, and a ground link. The links are pivotally connected with connecting pins. As the coke drum is heated and expands, the connecting link pivots outwardly about a point centered in the connecting pin in the ground link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Corporation
    Inventor: Ruben F. Lah
  • Publication number: 20130032465
    Abstract: The present invention features a coke drum de-heading system (1) a main body; (2) a live loaded seat assembly coupled to the main body and comprising a dynamic, live loaded seat, a live seat adjustment mechanism coupled to the main body and designed to control and adjust the force and resulting seat load of the dynamic, live loaded seat, and a force transfer module in juxtaposition to the dynamic, live loaded seat for transferring the force from the live loaded seat adjustment mechanism to the dynamic, live loaded seat; (3) a static seat positioned opposite from and counteracting or counterbalancing the dynamic, live loaded seat; and (4) a blind or sliding blind capable moving in a linear, bi-directional manner within the de-header valve and between the dynamic, live loaded seat and the static seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Ruben F. Lah
  • Patent number: 8282074
    Abstract: The present invention provides more efficient, cost effective coke drum isolation valve devices and system as well as more efficient, cost effective methods for isolating the flow of matter from location to another in the delayed coker unit operation where the valve comprises a first seat; a second seat aligned with said first seat; a blind; a main body having an orifice dimensioned to align with an orifice in said line; wherein said main body is coupled to said line; an upper and lower bonnet coupled to said main body, wherein said bonnets may be removed in order to replace valve parts without separating the main body from the line; and a plate located inside a bonnet, wherein the plate comprises a planar surface that contacts a surface of the blind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Corporation
    Inventors: Ruben F. Lah, Gary Larsen
  • Patent number: 8197644
    Abstract: The described system allows an operator to remotely switch between cutting and boring while removing solid carbonaceous residue from large cylindrical vessels called coke drums which typically utilize a cutting head for ejecting high pressure fluids into the coke bed; a flow diversion apparatus; and a shifting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Corporation
    Inventor: Ruben F. Lah
  • Patent number: 8123197
    Abstract: The present invention provides more efficient, cost effective ethylene productions isolation valve devices and system as well as more efficient, cost effective methods for isolating the flow of matter from one location to another in an ethylene productions operation where the valve comprises a first seat; a second seat aligned with said first seat; a blind; a main body having an orifice dimensioned to align with an orifice in said line; wherein said main body is coupled to said line; an upper and lower bonnet coupled to said main body, wherein said bonnets may be removed in order to replace valve parts without separating the main body from the line; and a plate located inside a bonnet, wherein the plate comprises a planar surface that contacts a surface of the blind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Corporation
    Inventors: Ruben F. Lah, Gary Larsen
  • Publication number: 20110272617
    Abstract: The present invention provides more efficient, cost effective coke drum valve devices and system as well as more efficient, cost effective methods for isolating the flow of matter in a delayed coker unit operation. Specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to various seat systems used in valves for delayed coking operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Ruben F. Lah
  • Patent number: 7931044
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve body and condensate holding tank flushing system and method for use in a delayed coker operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Corporation
    Inventors: Ruben F. Lah, Gary Larsen
  • Patent number: 7871500
    Abstract: A coke drum skirt to minimize the stresses experienced by the coke drum and the supporting structure of the coke drum is described. The skirt includes one circumferential horizontal plate attached to the coke drum, and the circumferential horizontal plate is slidingly sandwiched between a lower supporting plate that supports the weight of the drum through the circumferential horizontal plate and an upper retaining plate that prevents the coke drum from tipping or falling over. The upper retaining plate may be embodied as a series of retaining clips that also keep the coke drum centered and prevent rotation of the coke drum. The upper and lower plates are anchored to a concrete support base. The sliding connection of the plates allows the coke drum to thermally expand and contract while reducing stresses and metal fatigue from the typical fixed securing of the coke drum to the support base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Corporation
    Inventor: Ruben F. Lah
  • Patent number: 7820014
    Abstract: A decoking system that not only enables an operator to remotely switch the coke-cutting process from boring to cutting mode without removing the drill stem from the coke drum, but also to remotely determine the drill stem's mode so that efficiency, safety and convenience are not compromised, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Ruben F. Lah
  • Patent number: 7819009
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibration monitoring device and methods for using the same. Specifically, the invention relates to a vibration monitoring device which may be utilized throughout a delayed coker unit operation to ascertain whether the cutting tool is boring, cutting or ramping mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventors: Frederic Borah, Anthony Leib, Jr., George Fkiaras, Ruben F. Lah
  • Publication number: 20100252409
    Abstract: The present invention features a center feed system for use within a delayed coking system, or any other similar system. The center feed system features an inlet sleeve which slidably engages a retractable nozzle, with inlet and outlet, in fluid connection with a feed source of residual byproduct, allowing residual byproduct to flow from the feed source into the interior of a vessel, thus effectuating or inducing even thermal distribution throughout the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Ruben F. Lah
  • Patent number: 7682490
    Abstract: The present invention features a flange to flange dynamic seal and sealing system, particularly suited for use within high temperature, high pressure environments, such as a delayed coking process. The dynamic flange seal and sealing system comprises two primary elements or seals, each of which are capable of independently forming a flange seal between two flanged components or combining to create a flange seal. Specifically, these primary seals are an iconel bellows seal and a bi-material gasket, each of which surround a flange opening along a sealing surface. The flange seal created by the dynamic flange seal and sealing system is capable of being maintained in light of, or rather the sealing system adapts to, any structural or environmental changes within the connected flanges. As such, the flange seal may be a dynamic flange seal or a static flange seal or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Corporation
    Inventor: Ruben F. Lah
  • Patent number: 7666278
    Abstract: A decoking system that not only enables an operator to remotely switch the coke-cutting process from boring to cutting mode without removing the drill stem from the coke drum, but also to remotely determine the drill stem's mode so that efficiency, safety and convenience are not compromised, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Corporation
    Inventor: Ruben F. Lah
  • Patent number: 7632381
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety system during the entire delayed coker operation. The present invention preferably comprises a coke drum; a first coke drum de-header system coupled to the bottom of the coke drum; a second coke drum de-header system coupled to the top of the coke drum; a containment system coupled to the second coke drum de-header system; and a remote switching system. Hence, the present invention provides system for cutting coke within a coke drum with increased safety, efficiency and convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Corporation
    Inventor: Ruben F. Lah
  • Publication number: 20090236212
    Abstract: A linked coke drum connection to minimize the stresses experienced by the joint between the coke drum and the supporting structure of the coke drum is described. The connection may be attached to a circumferential connection plate attached to the coke drum or directly to the drum. Some embodiments connect to a segmented circumferential connection plate. The connection includes a coke drum link, a connecting link, and a ground link. The links are pivotally connected with connecting pins. As the coke drum is heated and expands, the connecting link pivots outwardly about a point centered in the connecting pin in the ground link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Ruben F. Lah
  • Publication number: 20090214394
    Abstract: The present invention features a center feed system for use within a delayed coking system, or any other similar system. The center feed system features an inlet sleeve which slidably engages a retractable nozzle, with inlet and outlet, in fluid connection with a feed source of residual byproduct, allowing residual byproduct to flow from the feed source into the interior of a vessel, thus effectuating or inducing even thermal distribution throughout the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Ruben F. Lah, Gary Larsen
  • Patent number: 7578907
    Abstract: The present invention features a coke drum de-heading system that provides unique advantages over prior art de-heading systems, namely the de-heading of a coke drum without having to physically remove the head units. This is essentially accomplished using one of a variety of specially designed de-header valves that may be removably coupled to a coke drum much the same way a conventional head or flange unit would be attached. The de-header valve is equipped with, among other things, a valve closure and means for supporting a valve closure capable of forming a continuous contact seal during the coke manufacturing process. The means for supporting a de-header valve typically comprises a seat support system comprising a variety of configurational designs. Actuation of the valve closure functions to open and close the de-header valve, wherein in a closed position, the de-header valve and coke drum are prepared to receive the petroleum byproduct feed from the refinery process used to manufacture coke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Corporation
    Inventor: Ruben F. Lah