Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Cortlan R. Schupbach
  • Patent number: 6187147
    Abstract: The return bend elbow fittings connecting adjacent tubes in a delayed coker furnace are improved by subjecting the interior surface of the fittings to a diffusion hardfacing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Doerksen
  • Patent number: 6172151
    Abstract: This invention relates to improving the flow of flowing streams of hydrocarbons, such as petroleum or finished products, in a conduit such as a pipeline. The present invention also relates to a stable, nonagglomerating nonaqueous suspension suitable for improving flow of hydrocarbons in conduits, particularly finished product hydrocarbons in conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Ray L. Johnston, Yung N. Lee
  • Patent number: 5504132
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon soluble drag reducing suspension is described as well as a process for obtaining the same. Process is directed toward producing a drag reducing product which is easily transportable, non-hazardous, easily handled and while providing a significant increase in drag reduction capability over existing commercial products. The suspension is preferably substantially solvent-free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Ken W. Smith, Leo V. Haynes, Debora F. Massouda
  • Patent number: 5504131
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon soluble drag reducing suspension is described as well as a process for obtaining the same. Process is directed toward producing a drag reducing product which is easily transportable, non-hazardous, easily handled and while providing a significant increase in drag reduction capability over existing commercial products. The suspension is preferably substantially solvent-free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Ken W. Smith, Leo V. Haynes, Debora F. Massouda
  • Patent number: 4962666
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for a liquid mass non-venting flowmeter. The flowmeter apparatus gives correct flow regardless of changes in density, viscosity, or composition of the liquid and corrects flow in spite of errors common in currently used flowmeters, such as calibration shifts, restricted orifices and/or bearing drag and blade wear of turbine meters. The non-venting characteristic allows use with toxic and corrosive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Billy R. Adney, Charles W. Alworth, John B. Durkee, Bryce T. Jeffries
  • Patent number: 4800539
    Abstract: A computer-implemented technique for dip filtering of seismic data whereby seismic data of a selected attribute in space and time coordinates is displayed in accordance with a 3-D illumination model such that the apparent angle of illumination of the data relative to an apparent viewing position is optimally adjusted to achieve best differentiation and display presentation of seismic dipping events, fault indications, excessive multiple indications, and the like. The method requires a perceptual view of a seismic section as a 3-D surface from which a vector of images can be derived. Thereafter, vector of images surface components are derived and, in accordance with a pre-determined illumination model, i.e. composed as a function of azimuth and elevation relative to a display, the vector of images of the seismic data are transformed to produce enhancing a specific eye view/illumination alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Kruger C. Corn, Gary L. Raney
  • Patent number: 4794573
    Abstract: A process for separating upgoing and downgoing seismic wave events in a vertical seismic profile, and particularly for vertical seismic profiles wherein the seismic energy source is offset from the borehole in which seismic detectors are located in vertical spaced array. The process operates on two detector signals at a time (as S.sub.1 and S.sub.2) and is based on the concept that waves traveling in opposite directions have spatial derivatives of opposite sign. The derivative is approximated by the difference of the two signals which is time integrated to recover the phase. The resulting integrated difference signal I is then amplitude scale corrected and combined by addition or substraction with a signal S.sub.0 representing the sum of the two detector signals to form a succession of filtered signals which, when recorded in alignment in order of detector depths to form a vertical seismic profile preserves either the upgoing or the downgoing seismic events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Bell, Vernon D. Cox
  • Patent number: 4786478
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for isotope separation using the combination of selective pre-excitation by light radiation with further collisional processing in a DC, rf or microwave gas discharge field to recover ionized atoms or dissociated molecules of the selected isotope. Thus, uranium atoms or molecules in gas phase are irradiated in an interaction volume with light radiation of selected wavelength to raise energy states to a relatively stable second or mid-level. At the same time a gas discharge within said interaction volume subjects raised energy atoms or molecules to a collisional process tending to raise a significant number through the energy ladder to the respective ionization continuum or dissociation light whereupon the charged atoms or molecules may be collected as an enriched bulk of selected isotopic species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Samir Ahmed, John Gergely
  • Patent number: 4785431
    Abstract: A hydraulic vibrator having an adjustable piston rod and a fixed piston rod to vary the cylinder volume for operation at different vibration frequencies. The adjustable piston rod is in threaded engagement with the fixed piston rod and has a piston head adjacent a piston head on the fixed piston rod. Rotation of the adjustable piston rod displaces the two piston heads, thereby varying the cylinder volume of the hydraulic vibrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventor: Wilbur J. Myers
  • Patent number: 4785196
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing improved synthetic velocity logs from seismic traces. The seismic traces are processed to enhance high frequency content by converting each trace to a spike trace, then filtering the spike trace with a function designed to reduce side lobes and enhance high frequency content. The processed trace is then operated on by a conventional summation process to produce a synthetic velocity log. Due to the enhanced high frequency content of the processed trace, the resulting synthetic log tends to show sharp discontinuities in the geology, much like a log taken from a well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Reed
  • Patent number: 4785430
    Abstract: Vibrator apparatus having adjustable cylinder volume by means of a continuously adjustable end sleeve that varies the axial limit of the cylinder. A reaction mass with an axial cylinder bore reciprocates on a double rod piston. Frist and second end sleeves define the cylinder volume and one end sleeve is threaded and axially translatable relative to the piston to vary volume while a position sensing device continually maintains centering of the piston in the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventor: Jack H. Cole
  • Patent number: 4783770
    Abstract: A method of three-component seismology wherein seismic energy induced vertical, radial and transverse particle movement is detected at plural spaced positions along a survey line to produce orthogonal data signals, and the different orthogonal data signals are variously processed both separately and interactively to develope novel signal relationships which improve indication and identification of steeply dipping reflections, out-of-plane reflections, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventor: Steve H. Danbom
  • Patent number: 4779238
    Abstract: A method for processing seismic data in the x-t domain to derive a slant stack in the p-tau domain wherein partial slant stacks are computed over a plurality of small groups of traces which are iteratively merged using linear interpolation into successively larger groups of traces to exhibit the p-tau data characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventor: Michael S. Howard
  • Patent number: 4775487
    Abstract: A continuous separation apparatus having a plurality of separation chambers in a continuously rotating block between fixed end plates. The axis of the chambers, preferably cylinders, is parallel to the axis of rotation of the block, wherein the end plates are provided with stationary inlet and discharge ports which overlap openings in the cylinders as the cylinders rotate so that cylinders are constantly being filled by forcing a free-floating piston to one end of the cylinder, cylinder contents are separated by hydraulically forcing the piston toward the fill end of the cylinder where the liquid is removed through screen means at the fill end of the cylinder and solid contents evacuated through an end plate port. The cylinder block continues rotation to permit a constant flow into the apparatus, a continuous removal of separated fluid and a constant separated solids flow from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: Consolidation Coal Company
    Inventor: Ahmed A. El-Saie
  • Patent number: 4773520
    Abstract: This invention describes a steering apparatus for a tramming conveyor having at least one end articulated about a vertical axis so that said articulated end can deviate angularly in either direction about the longitudinal axis of the conveyor. The steering apparatus basically comprises a control apparatus which is coupled to an external apparatus in a manner to communicate a deviation of the articulated end of the tramming conveyor from alignment with the external apparatus. The control apparatus generates an output responsive to the steering apparatus which will result in a deviation of the articulated end either to the right or left of the external apparatus, such steering apparatus will continue the deviation of the articulated end of the tramming conveyor until the tramming conveyor is again realigned with the external apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: Consolidation Coal Company
    Inventors: Richard E. Doerr, John B. Riester
  • Patent number: 4724130
    Abstract: In flue gas desulfurization, sorbent promoters are recovered by mixing collected particulates with water to form a slurry. The slurry is dewatered and wet solids are disposed. The recovered material contains water soluble desulfurization promoters and is reinjected in a flue gas desulfurization humidification system. The recycle allows recovery of water soluble promoters and reduces consumption. In addition, for promoters having undesirable disposal characteristics, the system improves the disposal characteristics of the waste solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Statnick, Duane C. McCoy
  • Patent number: 4720290
    Abstract: The dispersing ability of atomizing nozzles is improved by dissolving a portion of the dispersion gas into the subject liquid at pressures of at least 50 psi. Explosive expansion of the dissolved gas in the nozzle greatly aids atomization. Further atomization effects are obtained by adding a surfactant to the subject liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventor: Duane C. McCoy
  • Patent number: 4718443
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for a liquid mass flowmeter. The flowmeter apparatus gives correct flow regardless of changes in density, viscosity, or composition of the liquid and corrects flow in spite of errors common in currently used flowmeters, such as, calibration shifts, restricted orifices and/or bearing drag and blade wear of turbine meters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Billy R. Adney, Charles W. Alworth, John B. Durkee, Bryce T. Jeffries
  • Patent number: 4719029
    Abstract: The ammonium salt of a sulfated ethoxylated alcohol is used as an emulsifying agent to provide resistance to biological degradation of continuous water phase hydraulic fluids. The emulsification agent allows the necessary emulsification properties and in addition provides bioresistance such that there is no need to add a secondary biocide nor to correct emulsification characteristics in order to hold such materials stable in emulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventor: Bryant J. Hardy
  • Patent number: 4708395
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for hydraulically mining a location using a hydraulic monitor which has horizontal and vertical positionable control apparatus. The hydraulic monitor is connected to a source of high pressure water. Distance and direction measuring equipment are mounted on the monitor and controlled in a manner to scan the location. The output from the distance and direction measuring equipment is inputted to a computer and a visual video display monitor. The computer converts the information from the distance and direction measuring equipment to a visual representation of the cavity being mined. The hydraulic monitor includes a means for diverting the high velocity jet during the distance measuring period so that the water pressure is not varied in the high pressure pipe and the mined material is continuously washed toward the collection apparatus during the measuring period. All hydraulic monitor functions are controlled from remote operator location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Eston F. Petry, John B. Riester