Patents Represented by Attorney Robert B. Burns
  • Patent number: 5385207
    Abstract: System for remotely controlling the start-up of a closed-in well. A radio signal transmitted to the well actuates a main flow control valve to provisionally commence flow from the well into a conduit. During the provisional period, a comparator electronically analyzes the well's immediate operating pressure against a preferred operating parameter, and generates a signal representing the difference between the two. A generated signal further initiates such commands as will sustain well flow if the latter is within the preferred operating parameters, or after the brief provisional operating period, discontinues flow if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Texaco, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred R. Cook, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5366518
    Abstract: A motor fuel additive composition comprising the imide reaction product of a hydrocarbyl-substituted dibasic acid anhydride and a random backbone polyoxyalkylene diamine having the formula: ##STR1## in which R' represents hydrogen or an alkyl radical having from 1 to 2 carbon atoms and the random backbone polyoxyalkylene radical consists of from about 5 to 65 weight percent of ethylene oxide and n has a value from 5 to 200 and a haze and emulsion resistant and ORI-inhibited motor fuel composition is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. DeRosa, Joseph M. Russo, Rodney L. Sung, Benjamin J. Kaufman
  • Patent number: 5340477
    Abstract: A separator apparatus for breaking emulsions, particularly an emulsion formed of the hydrocarbon liquid and an aqueous solution, wherein the emulsion is introduced to a main separating tank. The latter includes at least one inlet for introducing emulsion, and a separate discharge port for conducting hydrocarbon-free aqueous component from the tank. An overflow trough positioned near the tank proportion includes a stripping weir which passes the flow of the hydrocarbon which has floated to the surface of the heavier water component. Emulsion flow to the tank is controlled by a flow regulator comprised primarily of a water level sensing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Simon
  • Patent number: 5277814
    Abstract: A method for aerobically treating water-containing organic wastes is provided. This process may be conducted in a closed reactor with suitable controls to prevent any adverse environmental impact, and involves mixing the wastes with an inert and non-friable bulking agent comprising a substantial component having a density less than water in the presence of an active biomass. An oxygen-containing gas is passed through the reaction mixture to assist in the removal of excess (free) water from the wastes to form a wetted high solids content reaction mixture containing the waste solids mixed in a bed of bulking agent. Effective aerobic reaction conditions are employed to convert the wastes to a treated waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Winter, James E. Myers, William R. Deever
  • Patent number: 5248439
    Abstract: An emulsion breaking apparatus for segregating a lesser specific gravity liquid from an emulsion by a gravity separation. A primary separating chamber within the apparatus receives a flow of the emulsion and directs said flow through a panel array which defines a tortuous path and one or more segregating compartments. One or more weirs formed in the panel array function to meter the lighter liquid which rises to the emulsion surface, into the one or more compartments by a gravity flow of the emulsion across said weir. A non-reactive gas introduced into the main separating chamber forms a non-oxidizing gaseous blanket above liquid in the apparatus to avoid corrosive action which might otherwise commence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Scott J. Derrell
  • Patent number: 5238588
    Abstract: An additive composition comprising a graft and aminoheteroaromatic derivatized copolymer prepared from ethylene and at least one C.sub.3 -C.sub.10 alpha-monoolefin and, optionally, a comprising from about 15 to 80 mole percent of ethylene, from about 20 to 85 mole percent of said C.sub.3 -C.sub.10 alpha-monoolefin and from about 0 to 15 mole percent of said polyene having a number average molecular weight ranging from about 5000 to 500,000 which has been reacted with at least one olefinic carboxylic acid acylating agent to form one or more acylating reaction intermediates characterized by having a carboxylic acid acylating function within their structure and reacting said reaction intermediate with an aminoheteroaromatic compound and a lubricating oil composition containing same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore E. Nalesnik, Benjamin J. Kaufman, James G. Dadura
  • Patent number: 5233943
    Abstract: Radiant gas cooler apparatus for treating a particulate-laden synthetic gas, which cooler includes an elongated shell. A water wall in the shell defines an annulus communicated with a pressurized purge gas source. Hot effluent introduced to the unit passes through a heat exchange chamber defined by the water wall and enters a bath in the shell lower end wherein solid material is removed. Cooled synthetic gas which leaves the bath enters the annulus to be discharged into the bath. A regulated flow of purge gas directed into the annulus prevents entry of hot effluent gas therein, precludes the accumulation of residual solid particulate matter and corrosive gaseous components, and scours the annulus surfaces. A double dip tube arrangement also protects the vessel by equalizing the pressure across an internal water wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Martin, George M. Gulko
  • Patent number: 5234478
    Abstract: An amido alkanolamine composition obtained by reacting, at a temperature of 10.degree. C.-200.degree. C.:(a) a 4-alkyl-2-morpholinone represented by the formula: ##STR1## in which R represents a monovalent aliphatic radical having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and(b) an alkylphenoxypolyoxyalkylene amine represented by the formula: ##STR2## in which R' represents a hydrocarbyl radical having from 4 to 30 carbon atoms, x has a value from 5 to 50, and R" represents a methyl radical or a mixture of hydrogen and methyl radicals is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignees: Texaco Inc., Texaco Chemical Co.
    Inventors: Wei-Yang Su, Sheldon Herbstman, Robert L. Zimmerman, Michael Cuscurida, Wheeler C. Crawford, Daniel T. Daly
  • Patent number: 5230436
    Abstract: A tank for storing liquids, particularly of the vaporized type. A floating roof on the tank includes a peripheral seal which slideably engages the tank inner wall to maintain a degree of sealing as the roof adjusts in response to variations in the liquid level. A plurality of sleeves to depend downwardly from the roof underside to support the latter when the tank has been emptied and is no longer supported on contained liquid. A column is slidably received in each sleeve and is adjustable to limit downward movement of the roof when in the non-supported mode to facilitate the cleaning of the tank interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: L. Gene Vaughn
  • Patent number: 5220978
    Abstract: In a rotating shaft machine having at least one shaft bearing, a lubricating system for circulating a liquid lubricant to and from the bearing. The lubricant, after engaging the bearing, flows to a reservoir containing a lubricant pool, which reservoir also embodies a heat pipe partially submerged in lubricant with at least one segment above the lubricant pool surface. A stream of air generated by a fan or other duct facility, is directed toward the exposed segment of the heat pipe whereby to cool the latter and consequently to effect heat exchange with the lubricant pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. McMaster
  • Patent number: 5207912
    Abstract: A method for aerobically treating a low solids water-containing oily sludge which comprises combining said sludge with a biologically inert, non-friable bulking agent characterized by having a substantial component with a density less than water to form a mixture, passing an oxygen-containing gas through said mixture to separate excess water and form a high solids content reaction mixture, reacting said high solids content reaction mixture in the presence of an aerobic biomass under effective aerobic conditions to form a treated sludge and an active biomass-coated bulking agent component having a density less than water in said high solids content reaction mixture, separating said biomass-coated bulking agent component from said treated sludge, and recovering said treated sludge from said reaction mixture has been provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Winter, James E. Myers, William R. Deever
  • Patent number: 5205949
    Abstract: An additive composition comprising a graft and derivatized block copolymer prepared from a styrene-ethylenebutylene-styrene characterized in that unsaturation in the styrene blocks is equal to or greater than 50 percent, and the ethylenebutylene block is hydrogenated leaving no more than 10 percent unsaturation which has been grafted with at least one olefinic carboxylic acid acylating agent and then derivatized with an aminoaromatic compound from the group consisting of aminopyridines, aminopyrazines and aminopyrimidines, and a lubricating oil composition containing same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore E. Nalesnik, Benjamin J. Kaufman, James G. Dadura
  • Patent number: 5203879
    Abstract: An amido alkanolamine composition obtained by reacting, at a temperature of 10.degree. C.-200.degree. C.:(a) a 4-alkyl-2-morpholinone represented by the formula: ##STR1## in which R represents a monovalent aliphatic radical having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and(b) a hydrocarbyl oxypolyoxyalkylene amine represented by the formula: ##STR2## in which R' represents an alkyl, an alicyclic, or a alkylalicyclic radical having from 8 to 30 carbon atoms, x has a value from 5 to 50, and R" represents a methyl radical or a mixture of hydrogen and methyl radicals is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Yang Su, Sheldon Herbstman, Joseph M. Russo, Robert L. Zimmerman, Michael Cuscurida
  • Patent number: 5201491
    Abstract: Apparatus for regulating the fluid flow produced from a gas pressurized subterranean reservoir. The produced mixture comprising crude oil, water, gas and varying amounts of particulated matter. The apparatus includes a bean which is characterized by a constant diameter flow passage, which limits the flow to a maximum rate. An adjustable valve positioned immediately upstream of the bean flow passage is adjustable to regulate the flow of pressurized fluid from its source, to a desired value less than the maximum level maintained by the bean. The apparatus is structured to allow ready access to the interior to facilitate replacement and repair of internal parts which may become worn or damaged due to constant wear and erosion by the flowing, abrasive fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Domangue
  • Patent number: 5200102
    Abstract: An additive composition comprising a graft and derivatized copolymer prepared from ethylene and at least one C.sub.3 -C.sub.10 alpha-monoolefin and, optionally, a polyene selected from non-conjugated dienes and trienes comprising from about 15 to 80 mole percent of ethylene, from about 20 to 85 mole percent of said C.sub.3 -C.sub.10 alpha-monoolefin and from about 0 to 15 mole percent of said polyene having an average molecular weight ranging from about 5,000 to 500,000, which has been reacted with at least one olefinic carboxylic acid acylating agent to form one or more acylating reaction intermediates characterized by having a carboxylic acid acylating function within their structure and reacting said reaction intermediate with an amino alkylthio thiadiazole to form said graft derivatized copolymer, and a lubricating oil composition containing same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Munmaya K. Mishra, Isaac D. Rubin
  • Patent number: 5188745
    Abstract: An additive composition comprising a graft and derivatized copolymer prepared from ethylene and at least one C.sub.3 -C.sub.10 alpha-monoolefin and, optionally, a polyene selected from non-conjugated dienes and trienes comprising from about 15 to 80 mole percent of ethylene, from about 20 to 85 mole percent of said C.sub.3 -C.sub.10 alpha-monoolefin and from about 0 to 15 mole percent of said polyene having an average molecular weight ranging from about 5,500 to 500,000, which has been reacted with at least one olefinic carboxylic acid acylating agent to form one or more acylating reaction intermediates characterized by having a carboxylic acid acylating function within their structure and reacting said reaction intermediate with a N-(2-aminoalkyl)imidizolidone to form said graft derivatized copolymer, and a lubricating oil composition containing same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Cyril A. Migdal, Theodore E. Nalesnik
  • Patent number: 5183478
    Abstract: Quenched slag discharged from a gasification process such as a coal gasification process can be continually dewatered and removed without disrupting operations by alternately discharging the quenched slag from means such as lockhoppers and directing the slag to one of two disengagement zones symmetrically arranged on either side of a clear water pit. The slag settles along a sloping active disengagement zone, allowing water to separate and drain into an adjacent slag pit. The accumulated water is drained into the clear water pit through vertically-spaced drains in the walls separating the slag pits from the clear water pit and pumped away after solids have settled. After an active disengagement zone-slag pit is used for a period of time, perhaps 24 hours, the discharge of slag is redirected to the other such area while dewatered slag is removed from the first slag pit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas K. Holland, Edward W. Dillingham
  • Patent number: D333981
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Ian M. Brown, William Robertson
  • Patent number: D339066
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Ian M. Brown, William Robertson
  • Patent number: D353334
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Ian M. Brown, William R. Stewart