Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Michael F. Esposito
  • Dry break coupler with ring collar sleeve operator
    Patent number: 5026099
    Abstract: A quick disconnect coupler comprising a coupler body, a latching mechanism for holding the coupler body to another component, a telescoping sleeve moveable axially on the coupler body to engage and disengage the latching mechanism, and a sleeve operator assembly for moving the telescoping sleeve axially between engaged and disengaged positions. The sleeve operator assembly includes a yoke in the form of a ring collar having opposite ends and opposite side portions straddling the telescoping sleeve. Opposite side portions of the yoke are pivotally connected to respective sides of the telescoping sleeve at diametrically opposite connection points. A handle is provided at one end of the yoke, and a linkage connects the other end of the yoke to the coupler body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: BP America Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond R. Hendrix
  • Thermally conductive ceramic/polymer composites
    Patent number: 5011872
    Abstract: A thermal conductive polymer composition comprising a mixture of a polymer and a thermally conductive filler material, said filler material having a median particle size of between about 130 to 260 microns and a size distribution characterized by the formula: ##EQU1## where % represents the wt. % of the particles below or above the median particle size and M represents the median particle size in microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: The Carborudum Company
    Inventors: Carol A. Latham, Michael F. McGuiggan
  • HCN from crude aceto
    Patent number: 4981670
    Abstract: A process for producing hydrogen cyanide from gaseous acetonitrile comprising reacting the acetonitrile in the presence of an oxygen containing gas while in contact with an oxidation catalyst at an elevated temperature wherein the improvement comprises producing said gaseous acetonitrile from a mixture of crude acetonitrile and polymerization inhibiting agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: BP America Inc.
    Inventors: Susan Dio, Paul Wachtendorf
  • Method and apparatus for column flotation of mineral matter
    Patent number: 4966687
    Abstract: Apparatus for the separation of components of a slurry by froth flotation is disclosed. The apparatus includes a flotation column having an upper section, an intermediate section and a lower section, a spray bar, mounted in the intermediate section of the flotation column, for providing a downwardly directed fine mist in the intermediate section of said flotation column, and at least one spray nozzle mounted in the lower section of the flotation column, the at least one spray nozzle provided with aerating means. A method for the separation of the components of a slurry employing the present apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: The Standard Oil Company
    Inventor: Richard D. Trigg
  • AOG incinerator NO.sub.x emission control via NH.sub.3 injection
    Patent number: 4954323
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the reduction of NO in combustion effluent comprising injecting NH.sub.3 into contact with the combustion effluents wherein the improvement comprising injecting the NH.sub.3 into the combustion effluent through a venturi used to connect the incinerator means which produces the combustion effluent to the cooling means which cools the combustion effluent prior to emission into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: The Standard Oil Company
    Inventor: Edward J. Sockell
  • Apparatus and method for froth flotation
    Patent number: 4950390
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for froth flotation separation of the components of a slurry is provided wherein improved recycling capability is provided by utilization of a partition in the flotation tank in which the froth flotation is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: BP America Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Szentlaszloi, Earl T. Robinson
  • Inverted wellbore completion
    Patent number: 4945994
    Abstract: A method for selectively producing oil from a reservoir containing both oil and gas. A lateral or horizontal wellbore is drilled within the reservoir below the gas-oil interface, and the wellbore has an inverted producing interval that is upwardly inclining toward the tail of the well. The inverted wellbore is drilled and completed in order to improve reservoir drainage by causing gas breakthrough to occur first at the far end of the upwardly inclining producing interval. A fluid restrictor is activated to restrict gas production from this breakthrough area and to permit oil production above the restrictor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Standard Alaska Production Company
    Inventor: Theodore O. Stagg
  • Method and apparatus for determining the flocculation threshold of a petroleum product
    Patent number: 4940900
    Abstract: The flocculation threshold of a petroleum product containing asphaltenes is measured by measuring the radiation in the near infrared transmitted through a sample of the product in solution in a solvent in relation to the quantity of precipitant continuously added to the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: BP Oil International Limited
    Inventor: Didier C. Lambert
  • Promoted bismuth cerium molybdate catalysts
    Patent number: 4939286
    Abstract: Antimony-promoted bismuth cerium molybdate catalysts are promoted with additional elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: The Standard Oil Company
    Inventors: James F. Brazdil, Linda C. Glaeser, Robert K. Grasselli
  • Oxygenate condensation
    Patent number: 4935538
    Abstract: The process for the production of high molecular weight oxygenates by condensing low molecular weight oxygenates in the presence of CO and a catalyst having the general formula A.sub.a CuM.sub.c X.sub.d O.sub.x. In addition, a novel condensation catalyst comprising A.sub.a CuM.sub.c Bi.sub.d O.sub.x is disclosed for use in this process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: The Standard Oil Company
    Inventors: John R. Budge, Senja V. Compton
  • Antimony promoted bismuth cerium molybdate catalysts
    Patent number: 4921828
    Abstract: Antimony-promoted bismuth cerium molybdate catalysts are promoted with additional elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: The Standard Oil Company
    Inventors: James F. Brazdil, Linda C. Glaeser, Robert K. Grasselli
  • Process of making ceramics
    Patent number: 4917842
    Abstract: A slip or casting composition useful in molding or sheet casting comprising:a mixture of inorganic particulate material, an organic solvent and a dispersant for said particulate material having the structure set forth below: ##STR1## where R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 are linear or branched hydrocarbon chains, where no more than one of the R Groups is CH.sub.3 and the remaining R groups are each at least 6 to 30 carbon atoms long;Y is selected from the group consisting of (CH.sub.2).sub.n where n=1 to 10 and ##STR2## where m=1 to 5; and X is selected from the group consisting of COO-, SO.sub.3 -, PO.sub.3 -.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: The Standard Oil Company
    Inventors: Janie K. Currie, Roman Loza, Eleanor J. Fendler
  • Vertical oil separator
    Patent number: 4900433
    Abstract: A vertical separator for separating crude oil into liquid and gas phases composed of an outer casing and two further sets of concentric tubing to enclose two annuli and a central passage, one annulus having an inlet to receive crude oil, the other annulus having an outlet for separated gas, each at the top of the separator. The central passage collects produced oil with a pump near its base and a pump drive pipe extending up it. The crude oil may flow down its annulus with a swirling motion which can be induced and assisted by a tangential inlet, and/or a cyclone at the top, and one or more helices in the annulus. The separator may be used for underwater wells and may extend partially or wholly into the sea bed with a protective cemented external casing around it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: The British Petroleum Company p.l.c.
    Inventors: Alan J. Dean, Hans P. Hopper
  • Divalent ion tolerant aromatic sulfonates
    Patent number: 4894173
    Abstract: Divalent ion tolerant aromatic sulfonate suitable for enhanced oil recovery characterized by the formula: ##STR1## where x=0 to 4R'=H or Ch.sub.3R=CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2)y and y=1 to 15. Preferably, the compositioncomprises of second compound characterized by the formula ##STR2## wherein R, x, y, and R' are the same as defined in claim 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: The Standard Oil Company
    Inventors: Roman Loza, Arthur J. Cooper, Gerald P. Coffey
  • Solids dewatering process and apparatus
    Patent number: 4866856
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for dewatering water-containing mineral particles, e.g., pulverized coal and in particular, high moisture content, low rank coal, is described. In one embodiment, the process and apparatus make use of a hydrophobic dewatering aid to displace water chemically and/or interstitially bound to coal particles followed by stripping of the coal particles with a water-miscible solvent to facilitate drainage of such water from the coal particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: The Standard Oil Company
    Inventor: Brian P. Feeley
  • Monolithic catalytic converter mounting arrangement
    Patent number: 4863700
    Abstract: A device suitable for use as a catalytic converter for purification of the exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine at continuous operating temperatures in excess of 1600.degree. F. and up to 2500.degree. F. includes a frangible ceramic monolith catalyst element resiliently mounted in a metallic housing. The monolith is wrapped in a thermally insulating layer of ceramic fibers capable of withstanding continuous exposure to temperatures of at least 2000.degree. F. A layer of intumescent material disposed between the housing and the ceramic fiber layer resiliently secures the monolith in the housing. A method of manufacture of such a device is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Stemcor
    Inventor: John D. Ten Eyck
  • Catalyst for the manufacture of acrylonitrile and methacrylonitrile
    Patent number: 4863891
    Abstract: A catalyst comprising the oxides of bismuth, molybdenum, iron and at least one element of the Group II metals as essential components and optionally oxides of cobalt, nickel, phosphorus, arsenic and an alkali metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: The Standard Oil Company
    Inventors: Robert K. Grasselli, Arthur F. Miller, Harley F. Hardman
  • Catalyst performance improvement via separate boron addition
    Patent number: 4855275
    Abstract: A process for improving the performance of an ammoxidation catalyst comprising contacting said catalyst with a boron containing or heat decomposable boron compound to deposit boron on the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: The Standard Oil Company
    Inventors: Dev D. Suresh, Michael J. Seely, James F. Brazdil, Robert K. Grasselli
  • Microbial desulfurization of coal
    Patent number: 4851350
    Abstract: A process for the microbial desulfurization of the coal utilizing Hansenula sydowiorum, Hansenula ciferrii, Hansenula lynferdii, and/or Cryptococcus albidus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: The Standard Oil Company
    Inventors: Stanley E. Stevens, Jr., Wilella D. Burgess
  • Froth flotation of mineral ores
    Patent number: H871
    Abstract: A process for the froth flotation beneficiation and separation of molybdenite from copper mining by-product is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: BP America Inc.
    Inventor: Ti-Hua Chin