Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Devine

Thomas M. Devine 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: 9464242
    Abstract: A system for characterizing and optimizing refinery feedstock blends according to their corrosivity is provided. Refinery feedstocks can be characterized based on any of: dissociation of acids in the crude, breakup of naphthenic acid molecular associations, mass changes of carbon steel samples, and/or dissociation of sulfur compounds in the feedstocks. The characterization can be carried out via any of impedance, spectroscopic measurements, and continuous measurements of mass changes of carbon steel samples with a crystal microbalance over a range of temperature, e.g., from ambient to 750° F. The system can be employed in any of refinery, terminal, and laboratories, using models and/or hardware to optimize the usage of refinery feedstocks in the blending and valuation of the feedstocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Grzegorz Jan Kusinski, Thomas M. Devine
  • Patent number: 9347009
    Abstract: A method for characterizing and optimizing refinery feedstock blends according to their corrosivity is provided. Refinery feedstocks can be characterized based on any of: dissociation of acids in the crude, breakup of naphthenic acid molecular associations, mass changes of carbon steel samples, and/or dissociation of sulfur compounds in the feedstocks. The characterization is performed as a function of temperature via any of electrical resistivity measurement, vibrational spectroscopic analysis, voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, crystal microbalance measurements of weight changes, and combinations thereof. The method employs models and/or hardware to optimize the usage of refinery feedstocks in the blending and valuation of the feedstocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Grzegorz Jan Kusinski, Thomas M. Devine
  • Publication number: 20160025614
    Abstract: A new technique to measure corrosion rates in naphthenic crudes in a high temperature environment has been designed using a gallium phosphate (GAPO) crystal microbalance. The technique is highly sensitive and can measure instantaneous corrosion rates. Due to the high temperature stability of the GAPO crystals, this technique can be used to measure in the laboratory dynamic naphthenic acid corrosion rates of iron at the high temperatures that are prevalent in various locations in oil and gas production and refining facilities, therefore opening a new and more accurate method to study naphthenic corrosion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas M. DEVINE, Rajashree CHAKRAVARTI, Brian N. PATRICK, Kyrolos Paul EL GIHENY
  • Patent number: 9140679
    Abstract: A method for characterizing refinery feedstocks according to their corrosivity is provided. The characterization is based on any of: dissociation of acids in the crude, breakup of naphthenic acid molecular associations, and/or dissociation of sulfur compounds in the feedstocks. In one embodiment, the characterization is done via vibrational spectroscopic measurements over a range of temperature, e.g., from ambient to 700° F. The method can be practiced in any of refinery, terminal, and laboratories. It can be used in conjunction with models and hardware to optimize the usage of refinery feedstocks in the blending and valuation of the feedstocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Grzegorz Jan Kusinski, Thomas M. Devine
  • Patent number: 9103813
    Abstract: Refinery feedstocks can be characterized based on any of: dissociation of acids in the crude, breakup of naphthenic acid molecular associations, and/or dissociation of sulfur compounds in the feedstocks. The characterization is performed as a function of temperature via any of electrical resistivity measurement, vibrational spectroscopic analysis, voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and combinations thereof. The method can be practiced in any of refinery, terminal, and laboratories. It can be used in conjunction with models and hardware to optimize the usage of refinery feedstocks in the blending and valuation of the feedstocks. In one embodiment, the characterization of refinery feedstocks is via the use of EIS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Grzegorz Jan Kusinski, Thomas M. Devine
  • Patent number: 8245661
    Abstract: A system for coating a surface comprising providing a source of iron-based amorphous metal, the iron-based amorphous metal including devitrified ferrite; directing the iron-based amorphous metal toward the surface by a spray for coating the surface; and separating at least a portion of the devitrified ferrite from the spray before the spray reaches the surface. Also an apparatus for coating a surface comprising a source of iron-based amorphous metal, the iron-based amorphous metal including devitrified ferrite; an application system for directing the iron-based amorphous metal toward the surface by a spray for coating the surface, and a system for separating at least a portion of the devitrified ferrite from the spray before the spray reaches the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, Sandia National Laboratories
    Inventors: Phillip D. Hailey, Sumner D. Day, Joseph C. Farmer, Nancy Yang, Thomas M. Devine, Jr., Larry Kaufman
  • Publication number: 20120160709
    Abstract: Refinery feedstocks can be characterized based on any of: dissociation of acids in the crude, breakup of naphthenic acid molecular associations, and/or dissociation of sulfur compounds in the feedstocks. The characterization is performed as a function of temperature via any of electrical resistivity measurement, vibrational spectroscopic analysis, voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and combinations thereof The method can be practiced in any of refinery, terminal, and laboratories. It can be used in conjunction with models and hardware to optimize the usage of refinery feedstocks in the blending and valuation of the feedstocks. In one embodiment, the characterization of refinery feedstocks is via the use of EIS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Grzegorz Jan Kusinski, Thomas M. Devine
  • Publication number: 20120160736
    Abstract: A method for characterizing and optimizing refinery feedstock blends according to their corrosivity is provided. Refinery feedstocks can be characterized based on any of: dissociation of acids in the crude, breakup of naphthenic acid molecular associations, mass changes of carbon steel samples, and/or dissociation of sulfur compounds in the feedstocks. The characterization is performed as a function of temperature via any of electrical resistivity measurement, vibrational spectroscopic analysis, voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, crystal microbalance measurements of weight changes, and combinations thereof. The method employs models and/or hardware to optimize the usage of refinery feedstocks in the blending and valuation of the feedstocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Grzegorz Jan Kusinski, Thomas M. Devine
  • Publication number: 20120160707
    Abstract: A method for characterizing refinery feedstocks according to their corrosivity is provided. The characterization is based on any of: dissociation of acids in the crude, breakup of naphthenic acid molecular associations, and/or dissociation of sulfur compounds in the feedstocks. In one embodiment, the characterization is done via vibrational spectroscopic measurements over a range of temperature, e.g., from ambient to 700° F. The method can be practiced in any of refinery, terminal, and laboratories. It can be used in conjunction with models and hardware to optimize the usage of refinery feedstocks in the blending and valuation of the feedstocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Grzegorz Jan Kusinski, Thomas M. Devine
  • Publication number: 20120166099
    Abstract: A system for characterizing and optimizing refinery feedstock blends according to their corrosivity is provided. Refinery feedstocks can be characterized based on any of: dissociation of acids in the crude, breakup of naphthenic acid molecular associations, mass changes of carbon steel samples, and/or dissociation of sulfur compounds in the feedstocks. The characterization can be carried out via any of impedance, spectroscopic measurements, and continuous measurements of mass changes of carbon steel samples with a crystal microbalance over a range of temperature, e.g., from ambient to 750° F. The system can be employed in any of refinery, terminal, and laboratories, using models and/or hardware to optimize the usage of refinery feedstocks in the blending and valuation of the feedstocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Grzegorz Jan Kusinski, Thomas M. Devine
  • Publication number: 20070281102
    Abstract: A system for coating a surface comprising providing a source of iron-based amorphous metal, the iron-based amorphous metal including devitrified ferrite; directing the iron-based amorphous metal toward the surface by a spray for coating the surface; and separating at least a portion of the devitrified ferrite from the spray before the spray reaches the surface. Also an apparatus for coating a surface comprising a source of iron-based amorphous metal, the iron-based amorphous metal including devitrified ferrite; an application system for directing the iron-based amorphous metal toward the surface by a spray for coating the surface, and a system for separating at least a portion of the devitrified ferrite from the spray before the spray reaches the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Phillip D. Hailey, Sumner D. Day, Joseph C. Farmer, Nancy Yang, Thomas M. Devine, Larry Kaufman
  • Patent number: 4777643
    Abstract: A method for the diffusion bonding of a graphite member to a metallic surface as part of a composite rotary anode for an X-ray tube is set forth. In the completed structure a carbide-free compound laminate separating and metallurgically bonded to the graphite member and to the metallic surface consists of, in sequence, a layer of interdiffused metals comprising a first metal selected from the group consisting of molybdenum and tungsten and a second metal selected from the group consisting of tantalum, columbium and alloys thereof, a layer consisting essentially of the second metal, a zone of interdiffused metals comprising platinum and the second metal and then a continuous layer comprising platinum or platinum alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Thomas M. Devine, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4715055
    Abstract: A method for the diffusion bonding of a graphite member to a metallic surface of molybdenum, molybdenum alloy, tungsten or tungsten alloy as part of a composite rotary anode for an X-ray tube is set forth. In the completed structure a crack-free compound laminate separating and joining the graphite member and the metallic surface comprises a layer of carbide of metal of the metallic surface bonded to a layer of platinum or platinum alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Thomas M. Devine, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4700882
    Abstract: A method for the diffusion bonding of a graphite member to a metallic surface as part of a composite rotary anode for an X-ray tube is set forth. In the completed structure a compound laminate separating and metallurgically bonded to the graphite member and to the metallic surface consists of, in sequence, a layer comprising carbide of vanadium and of a metal selected from the group consisting of of molybdenum and tungsten, a layer of metal selected from the group consisting of vanadium and vanadium alloys, a zone of interdiffused metals comprising platinum and vanadium and then a continuous layer comprising platinum or platinum alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Thomas M. Devine, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4689810
    Abstract: Methods for the diffusion bonding of a graphite member to a metallic surface as part of a composite rotary anode for an X-ray tube are set forth. The preferred joint for the composite is made by using a layer of palladium in combination with a layer of metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, osmium, rhodium, ruthenium and alloys thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Thomas M. Devine, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4645121
    Abstract: A method for the diffusion bonding of a graphite member to a metallic surface of molybdenum, molybdenum alloy, tungsten or tungsten alloy as part of a composite rotary anode for an X-ray tube is set forth. In the completed structure a crack-free compound laminate separating and joining the graphite member and the metallic surface comprises a layer of carbide of metal of the metallic surface bonded to a layer of platinum or platinum alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Thomas M. Devine, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4641334
    Abstract: A method for the diffusion bonding of a graphite member to a metallic surface as part of a composite rotary anode for an X-ray tube is set forth. In the completed structure a compound laminate separating and metallurgically bonded to the graphite member and to the metallic surface consists of, in sequence, a layer comprising carbide of vanadium and of a metal selected from the group consisting of molybdenum and tungsten, a layer of metal selected from the group consisting of vanadium and vanadium alloys, a zone of interdiffused metals comprising platinum and vanadium and then a continuous layer comprising platinum or platinum alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Thomas M. Devine, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4418859
    Abstract: This invention provides zirconium stabilized corrosion-resistant ferritic stainless steels particularly suitable for long-term use at moderate service temperatures in the as-welded condition or following a high temperature anneal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Thomas M. Devine, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE31560
    Abstract: A graphite disc assembly for a rotating x-ray tube embodying a graphite substrate and an anode target of either tungsten or tungsten rhenium joined thereto by a layer of rhodium, osmium, ruthenium, platinum, platinum-chromium, or palladium. .Iadd.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Thomas M. Devine, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE31568
    Abstract: A composite substrate for use in a rotating x-ray anode tube consists of a graphite member joined to another member to which a target anode is affixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Thomas M. Devine, Jr.