Patents Represented by Attorney Douglas H. May
  • Patent number: 5336790
    Abstract: A process for recovery of molybdenum from residual fractions derived from an epoxidation reaction of propylene with tertiary butyl hydroperoxide in liquid phase with tertiary butyl alcohol, in the presence of soluble molybdenum, which process comprises:Fractionating epoxidation reaction product for obtaining a liquid fraction containing essentially all molybdenum from the reaction product;Contacting the liquid fraction with anhydrous ammonia for forming a precipitate containing the major portion of the molybdenum and a liquid phase containing 500 ppm or less molybdenum;Separating the liquid phase from the precipitated solid;Evaporating the liquid phase under conditions of elevated temperatures and reduced pressure in the presence of 1 to 3% water for separation into an evaporator overhead vapor essentially free of molybdenum and an evaporator concentrate comprising essentially all of the molybdenum fed to the evaporator;Rapidly cooling evaporator concentrate from about evaporation temperature to about room te
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Texaco Chemical Company
    Inventors: Edward T. Marquis, Howard F. Payton, Robert A. Meyer
  • Patent number: 5291746
    Abstract: A refrigerated container for receiving, storing, and transporting materials without necessity of personnel contacting the materials after deposit in the container. The container is particularly adapted for use with medical wastes which may contain infectious materials. The container comprises a lower portion and a lid portion. The container lower portion includes an open-topped inner box for holding waste materials, and an open-topped insulated outer box surrounding and spaced apart from the inner box forming an annular space therebetween. The lid is releasably attached to the outer box and has doors for access into the inner box of the container. A refrigeration unit and air circulation fan are attached to the lid, and are in communication with the annular space for cooling the inner box by circularing refrigerated air through the annular space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventor: Derwood C. Abbott
  • Patent number: 5290527
    Abstract: A process for recovery of molybdenum from residual fractions derived from an epoxidation reaction of propylene with tertiary butyl hydroperoxide in liquid phase with tertiary butyl alcohol, in the presence of soluble molybdenum, which process comprises:Fractionating epoxidation reaction product for obtaining a liquid fraction containing essentially all molybdenum from the reaction product;Contacting the liquid fraction with anhydrous ammonia for forming a precipitate containing the major portion of the molybdenum and a liquid phase containing 500 ppm or less molybdenum;Separating the liquid phase from the precipitated solid;Evaporating the liquid phase under conditions of elevated temperatures and reduced pressure in the presence of 1 to 3% water for separation into an evaporator overhead vapor essentially free of molybdenum and an evaporator concentrate comprising essentially all of the molybdenum fed to the evaporator;Rapidly cooling evaporator concentrate from about evaporation temperature to about room te
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Texaco Chemical Company
    Inventors: Edward T. Marquis, Howard F. Payton, Robert A. Meyer
  • Patent number: 5281024
    Abstract: A method for locating surface deposits of porous, permeable soils having high percolation rates at locations having both permeable and impermeable soils present. During warmer periods of the year, when ambient atmospheric temperatures and soil temperatures are higher than the annual mean temperatures for the location, earth surface temperatures are measured at a plurality of points within a location. Points having relatively higher temperatures are identified as likely to have surface soils more porous and permeable than soils at points having relatively lower temperatures. The porosity and permeability of the soils at selected points may be quantified by testing the soil's percolation rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Lloyd C. Fons
  • Patent number: 5274138
    Abstract: An epoxidation reaction wherein: an olefin and an organic hydroperoxide, preferably, propylene and tertiary butyl hydroperoxide are reacted in a primary reaction zone in a liquid phase with an organic solvent, preferably tertiary butyl alcohol, in the presence of a soluble molybdenum catalyst at a ratio of propylene to tertiary butyl hydroperoxide of from about 0.9:1 to about 3:1, at a reaction temperature from about 100.degree. C. to about 140.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Texaco Chemical Company
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Keating, Edward T. Marquis, Mark A. Mueller
  • Patent number: 5209368
    Abstract: An insulated tank construction for a water heater, including a cylindrical tank, a cylindrical shell placed around and spaced radially apart from the tank to form an annular space, and a ring-shaped form dam disposed circumferentially at a selected position in the annular space along the height of the tank. The foam dam is comprised of a resilient compressible material, preferably porous, open-cell polyurethane foam, and has an inner diameter less than the tank outer diameter and an outer diameter greater than the shell inner diameter. Thus, the foam dam is compressed into sealing engagement with both the tank wall and the shell wall. The shell inner wall, foam dam and tank outer wall form an annular chamber within the annular space. Expandable polymer foam material is injected into the annular chamber and expanded to form a jacket of insulating foam around the tank. Initially, gasses generated by expansion of the foam escape the annular chamber through the porous body of the foam dam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Bradenbaugh
  • Patent number: 4675852
    Abstract: A down-hole signal generator for a mud-pulse telemetry system comprises an annular impeller surrounding a casing and arranged to be driven by the mud passing along the drill string. The impeller serves to drive a torque control arrangement, and preferably also an electrical generator, within the casing. The torque control arrangement is switchable between two states by a signalling actuator in response to an electrical input signal. In a first state the impeller may be driven relatively easily so that it is rotated at a relatively fast speed by the mud flow, whereas, in a second state, a greater torque is required to drive the impeller so that it is rotated at a relatively slow speed. Thus suitable variation of the input signal may be used to vary the impeller speed to transmit a modulated pressure signal in the mud flow which may be sensed at the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: NL Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Russell, Anthony W. Russell
  • Patent number: 4453605
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for mechanically and metallurgically holding a cutter in a drill bit pocket. The method includes using powder metallurgy techniques in the formation of a drill bit member having a plurality of pockets configured to inhibit displacement of cutters out of the pockets in a direction transverse to the drill bit working surface. The method further includes the steps of metallurgically bonding and mechanically engaging the cutter with the cutter pocket. The drill bit manufactured in accordance with the methods of the present invention include a carbide menstrum drill bit head having a working surface with a plurality of fluid courses and nozzles thereon in adjacent relationship with a plurality of cutter blade bands comprising a series of cutter pockets having cutters disposed therein in a fashion parallel with the working surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1984
    Assignee: NL Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Lot W. Short, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4220623
    Abstract: A fluidized catalytic cracking unit wherein cyclone diplegs extend from the reactor vessel into the stripping vessel, for reducing the overall height of the unit. Valve means are provided at the lower end of the diplegs to prevent blow by of gas through the diplegs. The diplegs pass through the vent lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1980
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick C. Jahnke, John P. MacLean, Dale Williams, John D. Brown
  • Patent number: 4216076
    Abstract: A method for preventing fouling of equipment used in hydrocarbon processing is provided comprising adding to said hydrocarbon a polyalkyleneoxy sulfoxy salt represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a linear alkyl radical having from about 6 to 15 carbon atoms or an alkyl phenyl radical wherein the alkyl group contains from about 8 to 10 carbon atoms, R.sub.1 is H or CH.sub.3, n is a number from 3 to 8, x is 3 or 4 and M.sup.+ is an ammonium or an alkali metal cation.An antifouling formulation is also provided which comprises an alcohol-water dispersion of the above antifouling agent and a surfactant comprising a fatty acid dialkanol amide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1980
    Assignee: NL Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward T. Dillon, Lloyd W. Duncan
  • Patent number: 4194915
    Abstract: Additives useful in producing foundry mold and core washes comprise either: a mixture of 66.75% to 80.05% of an organophilic clay and 19.95% to 33.25% of an alcohol soluble, hexane insoluble thermoplastic resin skin-forming agent; or 7.15% to 15.25% of an organophilic clay, 2.85% to 4.75% of the skin forming agent, and 80% to 90% of a refractory material having a particle size fo 200 mesh or finer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1980
    Assignee: N L Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Roderick B. Perkins
  • Patent number: 4191640
    Abstract: An improved dual fractionating process for hydrocarbons which employs a high pressure and a low pressure fractionating zone, light ends from the low pressure fractionating zone being introduced into the high pressure fractionating zone, heavy ends from the high pressure fractionating zone being introduced into the low pressure fractionating zone, the improvement being characterized by the introduction into one of the fractionating zones of a stable hydrocarbon stream, the hydrocarbon stream being stable under the conditions existing in the high pressure fractionating zone, at least a portion of the hydrocarbon stream having a boiling point lower than the boiling point of at least one of the unstable components which accumulates in the high pressure fractionating zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1980
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Chess, Clements A. Helbling, Jr., Randlow Smith
  • Patent number: 4172842
    Abstract: A process for conversion of hydrogen and carbon monoxide into hydrocarbons in the presence of an ebullient bed of catalyst comprising reduced iron oxide promoted with potassium equivalent to 2-10 pounds potassium carbonate per 1000 pounds iron oxide catalyst, and having an average particle size in the range of 100-1000 microns, wherein the catalyst is chlorided for increasing the yield of C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 range hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1979
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Warren G. Schlinger, William L. Slater
  • Patent number: 4138219
    Abstract: Apparatus for the regeneration of fluidized solid catalyst including a regeneration chamber adapted to hold a fluidized solids bed, oxygen containing gas source communicating with the chamber, a tangential inlet communicating with the regeneration chamber to impart a swirling motion to spent catalyst entering the regeneration chamber and a free standing drawoff conduit disposed within the regeneration chamber, the drawoff conduit having an upper, open end in communication with the solids bed, the open end being formed by an obliquely truncated, outwardly flared portion of the conduit, the high portion of said truncated conduit lying closest the spent catalyst inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1979
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Colvert, John P. MacLean, Dale Williams, Henry B. Jones
  • Patent number: 4132658
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing high dropping point aluminum complex soap thickened greases having selected consistency, water resistance, rheopectic properties, and antiwear properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1979
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Coleman, Arnold C. Witte, Jr., Aubrey L. Stone
  • Patent number: 4128472
    Abstract: A solvent dewaxing process for removing wax from intermediate grade waxy petroleum distillate oils wherein a waxy oil stock, prediluted with 0-2 volumes dewaxing solvent is heated to a temperature in the range of about 110 to 130.degree. F for melting all wax therein; wherein the heated waxy oil stock/solvent mixture is cooled to about 5.degree. F above the depressed cloud point and is diluted with 1-5 volumes dewaxing solvent having a temperature 25.degree.-40.degree. F below the depressed cloud point for forming a wax/oil/solvent mixture having a temperature 5.degree.-15.degree. F below the depressed cloud point, and wherein the wax/oil/solvent mixture is further cooled at 1.degree.-8.degree. F/min. to a selected separation temperature in the range of 0 to -40.degree. F for precipitating additional wax. Precipitated wax is removed at the separation temperature to produce a wax free oil/solvent mixture which is subsequently fractionated to yield a dewaxed oil suitable for use in lubricating oils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1978
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Harrison, Paul P. Bozeman, Jr., deceased
  • Patent number: 4125497
    Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing shaped objects from cement wherein cement is wetted with an aqueous solution of an acetone-formaldehyde resin, optionally including a water-soluble alcohol, the wet mixture molded to the desired shape and then cured preferably at a temperature within the range of 30.degree. C to 100.degree. C, wherein the bending strength of the finished product is improved by incorporating a metal soap in the composite prior to molding the wet mixture.Also disclosed is an improved composition of matter comprising Portland cement, an acetone-formaldehyde resin and a metal soap, and optionally containing an inorganic aggregate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1978
    Assignee: Deutsche Texaco Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Friedrich Josten, Martin Cherubim, Karl-Heinz Renkes
  • Patent number: 4119149
    Abstract: A process for enhanced recovery of petroleum from subterranean formations is disclosed, wherein steam is injected into a formation via an injection well, and a mixture of petroleum and steam condensate is produced via a production well, wherein the produced mixture is flashed for production of a steam-distilled hydrocarbon fraction, and wherein the steam distilled hydrocarbon fraction is injected, with additional steam, into a subterranean formation for increased recovery of petroleum. The process disclosed is particularly useful in recovery of heavy (low API gravity) petroleum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1978
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Ching H. Wu, Alfred Brown, Wilbur L. Hall
  • Patent number: 4115241
    Abstract: A solvent dewaxing process wherein a waxy oil charge, heated for melting wax therein, is cooled to a temperature about 5.degree.-15.degree. F below the cloud point, wherein the cooled waxy oil charge is mixed under conditions of good mixing with solvent having a temperature 20.degree.-40.degree. F above a selected separation temperature in a solvent to oil ratio of about 1:1 to 5:1 for precipitating wax from the resulting mixture, and wherein the wax/oil/solvent mixture is further cooled in a second cooling zone at a rate of ca. 1.degree.-8.degree. F./min to said selected separation temperature for precipitating additional wax. Precipitated wax is separated from the mixture at the separation temperature, producing a wax free solvent-oil solution. Dewaxed oil is recovered by fractionation from the wax free solvent-oil solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1978
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Harrison, Paul P. Bozeman, Jr., deceased
  • Patent number: 4115243
    Abstract: A process for dewaxing heavy distillate and residual petroleum oil stocks wherein a waxy oil stock, prediluted with 1-2.5 volumes dewaxing solvent, is cooled to about the depressed cloud point, wherein the cooled, prediluted waxy oil stock is treated with dewaxing solvent, in increments of 0.3-1.5 volumes each to a total dilution of 3.5 to 4 volumes solvent, under conditions of good mixing and cooling at about 1.degree.-8.degree. F/min, to a desired separation temperature for precipitating wax crystals and producing a dewaxed oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1978
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Harrison, Herbert J. Pitman, Avilino Sequeira