Patents by Inventor Zhiyi Bao

Zhiyi Bao 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: 20230375143
    Abstract: The process begins by obtaining a first batch of monomers selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl methacrylate. A second batch of monomers is then selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight greater than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight greater than butyl methacrylate. A mixture is then prepared by mixing the first batch of monomers and the second batch of monomers, wherein the second batch of monomers are greater than 50% by weight of the mixture. Finally, the mixture is polymerized to produce a drag reducing polymer. The drag reducing polymer is capable of imparting drag reducing properties in liquid hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Zhiyi BAO, Stuart N. MILLIGAN, Michael OLECHNOWICZ, Ray L. JOHNSTON, Timothy L. BURDEN, Kenneth W. SMITH, William F. HARRIS, Wayne R. DREHER, JR.
  • Publication number: 20220099255
    Abstract: The process begins by obtaining a first batch of monomers selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl methacrylate. A second batch of monomers is then selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight greater than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight greater than butyl methacrylate. A mixture is then prepared by mixing the first batch of monomers and the second batch of monomers, wherein the second batch of monomers are greater than 50% by weight of the mixture. Finally, the mixture is polymerized to produce a drag reducing polymer. The drag reducing polymer is capable of imparting drag reducing properties in liquid hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Zhiyi BAO, Stuart N. MILLIGAN, Michael OLECHNOWICZ, Ray L. JOHNSTON, Timothy L. BURDEN, Kenneth W. SMITH, William F. HARRIS, Wayne R. DREHER, JR.
  • Patent number: 11098221
    Abstract: A composition comprising a drag reducing latex formulation produced by emulsion polymerization to create solid particles dispersed in an aqueous medium and an additive. The use of the composition results in a decrease of film formation while injected through a pump head when compared to the drag reducing latex formulation injected through the pump head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: LIQUIDPOWER SPECIALTY PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Ray L. Johnston, Zhiyi Bao, Richard D. Thomas, Timothy L. Burden
  • Publication number: 20200284398
    Abstract: The process begins by obtaining a first batch of monomers selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl methacrylate. A second batch of monomers is then selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight greater than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight greater than butyl methacrylate. A mixture is then prepared by mixing the first batch of monomers and the second batch of monomers, wherein the second batch of monomers are greater than 50% by weight of the mixture. Finally, the mixture is polymerized to produce a drag reducing polymer. The drag reducing polymer is capable of imparting drag reducing properties in liquid hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Zhiyi BAO, Stuart N. MILLIGAN, Michael OLECHNOWICZ, Ray L. JOHNSTON, Timothy L. BURDEN, Kenneth W. SMITH, William F. HARRIS, Wayne R. DREHER, JR.
  • Publication number: 20190242529
    Abstract: The process begins by obtaining a first batch of monomers selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular, weight equal to or less than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl methacrylate. A second batch of monomers is then selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight greater than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight greater than butyl methacrylate. A mixture is then prepared by mixing the first batch of monomers and the second batch of monomers, wherein the second batch of monomers are greater than 50% by weight of the mixture. Finally, the mixture is polymerized to produce a drag reducing polymer. The drag reducing polymer is capable of imparting drag reducing properties in liquid hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: Zhiyi BAO, Stuart N. MILLIGAN, Michael OLECHNOWICZ, Ray L. JOHNSTON, Timothy L. BURDEN, Kenneth W. SMITH, William F. HARRIS, Wayne R. DREHER
  • Patent number: 10316118
    Abstract: The process begins by obtaining a first batch of monomers selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl methacrylate. A second batch of monomers is then selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight greater than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight greater than butyl methacrylate. A mixture is then prepared by mixing the first batch of monomers and the second batch of monomers, wherein the second batch of monomers are greater than 50% by weight of the mixture. Finally, the mixture is polymerized to produce an ultra high molecular weight polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: LIQUIDPOWER SPECIALTY PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Zhiyi Bao, Stuart M. Milligan, Michael Olechnowicz
  • Publication number: 20180355209
    Abstract: A composition comprising a drag reducing latex formulation produced by emulsion polymerization to create solid particles dispersed in an aqueous medium and an additive. The use of the composition results in a decrease of film formation while injected through a pump head when compared to the drag reducing latex formulation injected through the pump head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Ray L. JOHNSTON, Zhiyi BAO, Richard D. THOMAS, Timothy L. BURDEN
  • Patent number: 10053595
    Abstract: A composition comprising a drag reducing latex formulation produced by emulsion polymerization to create solid particles dispersed in an aqueous medium and an additive. The use of the composition results in a decrease of film formation while injected through a pump head when compared to the drag reducing latex formulation injected through the pump head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: LiquidPower Specialty Products Inc.
    Inventors: Ray L. Johnston, Zhiyi Bao, Richard D. Thomas, Timothy L. Burden
  • Publication number: 20180156390
    Abstract: The process begins by obtaining a first batch of monomers selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl methacrylate. A second batch of monomers is then selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight greater than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight greater than butyl methacrylate. A mixture is then prepared by mixing the first batch of monomers and the second batch of monomers, wherein the second batch of monomers are greater than 50% by weight of the mixture. Finally, the mixture is polymerized to produce a drag reducing polymer. The drag reducing polymer is capable of imparting drag reducing properties in liquid hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: ZHIYI BAO, STUART N. MILLIGAN, MICHAEL OLECHNOWICZ, Ray L. Johnston, Timothy L. Burden, Kenneth W. Smith, William F. Harris, Wayne R. Dreher
  • Patent number: 9951151
    Abstract: A method of producing a polymer latex drag reducer. The method begins by forming an aqueous solution comprising a surfactant, a buffer and water. The method then forms an organic solution comprising a monomer and a co-stabilizer. The aqueous solution and the organic solution are mixed to form an emulsion. The emulsion is then subjecting to a high shear device to produce a miniemulsion, wherein the monomers are broken into small droplets followed by polymerizing the miniemulsion with the addition of an initiator, wherein a nucleation occurs in the small monomer droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: LiquidPower Specialty Products Inc.
    Inventors: Zhiyi Bao, Kenneth W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20180030168
    Abstract: The process begins by obtaining a first batch of monomers selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl methacrylate. A second batch of monomers is then selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight greater than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight greater than butyl methacrylate. A mixture is then prepared by mixing the first batch of monomers and the second batch of monomers, wherein the second batch of monomers are greater than 50% by weight of the mixture. Finally, the mixture is polymerized to produce an ultra high molecular weight polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Zhiyi Bao, Stuart M. Milligan, Michael Olechnowicz
  • Patent number: 9784414
    Abstract: A process for preparing a drag reducing polymer which is to be added to a liquid hydrocarbon. The liquid hydrocarbon has an asphaltene content of at least about 3 weight percent and an API gravity of less than about 26°. The drag reducing polymer can comprise the residues of a monomer having at least one heteroatom. Treatment of the liquid hydrocarbon with the drag reducing polymer allows a reduction in pressure drop associated with turbulent flow of the liquid hydrocarbon through a conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: LIQUIDPOWER SPECIALTY PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Zhiyi Bao, Stuart N. Milligan, Michael Olechnowicz, Ray L. Johnston, Timothy L. Burden, Kenneth W. Smith, William F. Harris, Wayne R. Dreher
  • Publication number: 20170283577
    Abstract: An electrostatic mat, wherein the mat comprises at least one electrostatic layer, wherein the at least one layer comprises an elastomeric rubber, wherein the elastomeric rubber comprises 20-100 phr elastomeric polyether, wherein the elastomeric polyether comprises 10-75 wt % ethylene oxide, 20-70 wt % epihalohydrin, and 0-10% vinyloxirane. The mat prevents the generation of voltage when it is walked on and/or dissipates the charge that was generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew MITTERMILLER, Clark CABLE, Zhiyi BAO
  • Patent number: 9676878
    Abstract: The process begins by obtaining a first batch of monomers selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl methacrylate. A second batch of monomers is then selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight greater than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight greater than butyl methacrylate. A mixture is then prepared by mixing the first batch of monomers and the second batch of monomers, wherein the second batch of monomers are greater than 50% by weight of the mixture. Finally, the mixture is polymerized to produce an ultra high molecular weight polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: LiquidPower Specialty Products Inc.
    Inventors: Zhiyi Bao, Stuart N. Milligan, Michael Olechnowicz
  • Publication number: 20160305613
    Abstract: A composition in a pipeline includes a liquid hydrocarbon having an asphaltene content of at least about 3 weight percent and an API gravity of less than about 26° and a drag reducing polymer is disclosed. The drag reducing polymer can comprise the residues of a monomer having at least one heteroatom. The drag reducing polymer allows a reduction in pressure drop associated with turbulent flow of the liquid hydrocarbon through a conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Stuart N. Milligan, Zhiyi Bao, Michael Olechnowicz, Timothy L. Burden, Wayne R. Dreher, JR., Kenneth W. Smith, Ray L. Johnston, William F. Harris
  • Publication number: 20130037118
    Abstract: The process begins by obtaining a first batch of monomers selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl methacrylate. A second batch of monomers is then selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight greater than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight greater than butyl methacrylate. A mixture is then prepared by mixing the first batch of monomers and the second batch of monomers, wherein the second batch of monomers are greater than 50% by weight of the mixture. Finally, the mixture is polymerized to produce an ultra high molecular weight polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Zhiyi Bao, Stuart M. Milligan, Michael Olechnowicz
  • Publication number: 20120123019
    Abstract: A composition comprising a drag reducing latex formulation produced by emulsion polymerization to create solid particles dispersed in an aqueous medium and an additive. The use of the composition results in a decrease of film formation while injected through a pump head when compared to the drag reducing latex formulation injected through the pump head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Ray L. Johnston, Zhiyi Bao, Richard D. Thomas, Timothy L. Burden
  • Publication number: 20120000544
    Abstract: The process begins by obtaining a first batch of monomers selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl methacrylate. A second batch of monomers is then selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight greater than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight greater than butyl methacrylate. A mixture is then prepared by mixing the first batch of monomers and the second batch of monomers, wherein the second batch of monomers are greater than 50% by weight of the mixture. Finally, the mixture is polymerized to produce a drag reducing polymer. The drag reducing polymer is capable of imparting drag reducing properties in liquid hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Zhiyi Bao, Stuart N. Milligan, Michael Olechnowicz
  • Publication number: 20110184121
    Abstract: A method of producing a polymer latex drag reducer. The method begins by forming an aqueous solution comprising a surfactant, a buffer and water. The method then forms an organic solution comprising a monomer and a co-stabilizer. The aqueous solution and the organic solution are mixed to form an emulsion. The emulsion is then subjecting to a high shear device to produce a miniemulsion, wherein the monomers are broken into small droplets followed by polymerizing the miniemulsion with the addition of an initiator, wherein a nucleation occurs in the small monomer droplets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Zhiyi Bao, Kenneth W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20070142587
    Abstract: A composite of poly(tert-butylacrylate) linked by a linker moiety to a substrate is described. The composites are useful for binding reactive molecules to terminal acid groups of the polymer to thereby anchor chemical reagents such as proteins and biomolecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Gregory Baker, Zhiyi Bao, Merlin Bruening