Patents Assigned to FMC
  • Patent number: 5733593
    Abstract: A rapidly hydratable konjac flour is disclosed which is distinguishable from native konjac flour in that it gains at least least 60% of its potential peak viscosity within 10 minutes after dispersal into water at 25.degree. C., at least 80% of its potential peak viscosity within 20 minutes after dispersal into water at 25.degree. C., and from 80 to 100% of its potential peak viscosity within 30 minutes after dispersal into water at 25.degree. C. Methods for manufacturing rapidly hydratable konjac flour and uses for the inventive flour also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald J. Shelso, Robert Kopesky, William R. Thomas, Frederick L. Robinson
  • Patent number: 5730952
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of lithium aluminum hydride in an ethereal solvent via the metathesis of sodium aluminum hydride and lithium chloride in a one direct step reaction comprising heating together sodium aluminum hydride and lithium chloride in an ethereal solvent at a temperature of 25.degree. C. to the reflux temperature of the solvent until the reaction is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Terry Lee Rathman, James Anthony Schwindeman, Eric John Granger, Sharon Bergmann Smith
  • Patent number: 5730218
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a device for guiding a tool on a string within a blow out prevention ("BOP") stack. In one embodiment, the device includes a top collar connected to a bottom collar by a shroud having a plurality of flexible members which bow outwardly from the collars, wherein the shroud covers a portion of the tool. An energy absorbing bumper is provided above the top collar to absorb structural impact caused by a blow out or other inadvertant pressure in a downhole application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Brian Swagerty, David Earl Cain, John Robert Herold, Don B. Wafer, Randy Elum, Bashir M. Koleilat, Henry Wong
  • Patent number: 5730419
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dual backseat valve assembly comprising a valve body having an interior valve chamber and a generally horizontal flow passage; a valve gate adapted to reciprocate vertically within said valve chamber; a valve stem adapted to be received in threaded engagement with a gate lift nut mounted in said gate such that rotation of said stem causes vertical movement of said gate and a valve bonnet fixed to said valve body receiving said stem therethrough; wherein the valve stem comprises a radially extending portion defining a downward facing surface, a first enlarged diameter portion proximate the radially extending portion and a reduced diameter portion adjacent the first enlarged diameter portion; a first backseat seal comprising a radially energized seal ring fixed relative to said bonnet and having a first sealing portion for sealing against said bonnet and a second sealing portion which is adapted to be spaced apart from said reduced diameter portion when said valve is in no
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Williams, Jeffrey L. Mathews, Jimmy D. Andrews
  • Patent number: 5730551
    Abstract: A subsea connector system and method utilizing a skid (18) on the sea floor (F) four coupling a subsea conduit (16) carried by the skid (18) to a subsea conduit (12) on a relatively fixed subsea structure (10). A lift line device or structure (24) has an upper lift line (36) connected by a spreader bar (40) to a pair of lower guide lines (38) which are directed from a vertical position to a generally horizontal relation by J-tubes (30). The ends of the guide lines (38) have anchor members (42) thereon which are anchored to guides (46) on the subsea facility (10). Upon raising of the upper lift line (36), the skid (18) moves in a combined pulling and lifting motion to engage a side (52) of the subsea facility (10) for being guided into a docked position with aligned guides (46) on the subsea facility (10). In this position, an ROV (26) secures the skid (18) into a releasably locked position by insertion of retainer pins (not shown) into aligned openings (35, 51) of the skid (18) and subsea facility (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Harold Brian Skeels, Bill George Louis
  • Patent number: 5727596
    Abstract: A changeover valve which accommodates thermal transients and is operable over a range of temperatures includes a crossover member (20) and a seat assembly (30) in each outlet passage (15), a thrust bearing (45) rotatably supporting the crossover member and a split load ring (40) comprising an inner ring (142) and an outer ring (146) threaded into the changeover valve body. A wave spring (150) is disposed between the inner and outer ring. The loading on the wave spring can be adjusted by the threaded in outer ring, which in turn adjusts the force of engagement of the crossover member against the seat assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Harry E. Eminger
  • Patent number: 5725886
    Abstract: A particulate co-processed unattrited microcrystalline cellulose:hydrocolloid composition wherein the respective components are present in a weight ratio of from about 99:1 to 70:30. The composition is useful as a spheronizing agent for producing spheroids of uniform size and sphericity and having high drug loadings. The composition is produced by drying a slurry of the microcrystalline cellulose in an aqueous solution of the hydrocolloid. The preferred hydrocolloid is methylcellulose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: David F. Erkoboni, Scott A. Fiore, Thomas A. Wheatley
  • Patent number: 5726308
    Abstract: A process for preparing high purity solutions of highly substituted lithium amide bases by direct reaction of lithium metal with highly substituted amine bases alone or in an ether solvent, a hydrocarbon solvent or in a mixed ether/hydrocarbon solvent mixture, optionally in the presence of a catalyst selected from tin salts and transition metal salts of Groups 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, and 8 of the Periodic Table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Randy W. Hall, Robert S. Wedinger, Terry L. Rathman, James A. Schwindeman
  • Patent number: 5723807
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and article of manufacture is disclosed for using stand-up expanded metal armor members for protecting vehicles or other objects from ballistic threats. One or more spaced expanded metal member has projectile engaging faces which present sharp edges and arcuate surfaces to the small point of the projectile. When the point of the projectile engages the faces of the expanded metal members, the projectile is progressively deflected or shattered causing the wide arcuate side surface of the projectile to stop the projectile, or to pass through some or all of the members and engage the protected object with less than lethal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: James A. Kuhn, II
  • Patent number: 5720501
    Abstract: In combination with a dual elbow swivel joint having a female elbow member rotationally coupled to a male elbow member, the invention comprises an orientation device having an angle marker located on one elbow member and an indicator mark located on the other elbow member. The angle marker contains a number of angle markings located at predetermined angles measured from the central axis of the elbow member. The indicator mark is placed on the other elbow member in a location such that, when aligned with an angle marking, the elbow members are in a predetermined angular orientation relative to each other. The angle markings on the angle marker each have a length which is related to the amount of wear that has been found to occur in the dual elbow swivel joint when the female and male members are oriented at that particular angle. Thus, the orientation device enables an operator to orient the female and male elbow members at an angle at which the dual elbow swivel joint will experience the least amount of wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Charles R. Ortloff, Tep Ungchusri
  • Patent number: 5718877
    Abstract: A novel method of preparing a spinel Li.sub.1+X Mn.sub.2-X O.sub.4+Y intercalation compound with low lattice distortion and a highly ordered and homogeneous structure for 4 V secondary lithium and lithium ion cells is provided. The method of preparing the spinel Li.sub.1+X Mn.sub.2-X O.sub.4+Y intercalation compound comprises providing a spinel Li.sub.1+X Mn.sub.2-X O.sub.4 intercalation compound having a lithium to manganese mole ratio of between about 1.02:2 and 1.1:2 and firing the spinel at different temperature ranges with corresponding gas flow rates to form the spinel Li.sub.1+X Mn.sub.2-X O.sub.4+Y intercalation compounds. The spinel Li.sub.1+X Mn.sub.2-X O.sub.4+Y intercalation compounds have a mean X value of between about 0.01 and 0.05, a mean Y value of between about -0.02 and 0.04 and a full width at half maximum of the x-ray diffraction peaks at a diffraction angle 2.theta. of planes (400) and (440) using CuK.alpha..sub.1 rays of between about 0.08.degree. and 0.13.degree.. The spinel Li.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Vesselin Manev, Titus Faulkner
  • Patent number: 5718969
    Abstract: Substantially dry, rehydratable, water-dispersible, gel-forming, porous hydrocolloid micro-particulates containing internally or internally and externally at least one water-soluble, non-gelling, hydration enhancing hydrocolloid, processes and intermediates for their preparation, and their uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Sewall, Donald W. Renn, Peter J. Riley, William R. Thomas, Lisa E. Dumont, Guy A. Crosby
  • Patent number: 5718837
    Abstract: A composition containing a persulfate and a carbonate, a bicarbonate or sesquicarbonate, which composition is suitable for oxidizing wet strength resin based broke used in wet strength paper. The combination decreases the time required for effectively repulping broke from such paper. Additionally, the combination is a single product capable of beaking down the wet strength resin and adjusting or maintaining pH at a predetermined value without additional chemical treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Frank E. Caropreso, Dean S. Thorp, Robert H. Tieckelmann
  • Patent number: 5715701
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing conditioned air to an aircraft parked at an airport. The air conditioning unit is able to accommodate various aircraft sizes. The unit uses two blowers to allow an increase in variation in the volume of air supplied without changing the static pressure of the air supplied. The unit also uses dampers to accommodate aircraft with one and two air hose connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Naum Kreymer
  • Patent number: 5713389
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a check valve assembly comprising an upstream body member and a downstream body member which are joined in sealing engagement to thereby form a closed body; a generally ring-shaped seating member formed from a unitary piece of material and comprising a flat base surface positioned in said closed body with said flat base surface facing upstream, a flat top surface parallel to said flat base surface, a flow passage extending from said base surface to said top surface and a bore extending into said top surface toward said base surface, said bore defining an annular lip surrounding said flow passage and a recessed upward-angled planar top sealing surface; said seating member further comprising a cut-out segment formed in said lip which defines two extensions projecting axially from the top sealing surface and a transverse hole in each extension through which a hinge pin is received to connect a movable flapper lid to said seating member; said flapper lid comprising a flapper s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Wilson, Jr., Roy C. Bates
  • Patent number: 5712281
    Abstract: There is provided an insecticidal composition comprising, in admixture with an agriculturally acceptable carrier, an insecticidally effective amount of a tetrahydroquinazoline compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, and R.sup.9 are as defined herein, and methods of using the same. Certain novel substituted-phenyl tetrahydroquinazoline compounds per se are also identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas G. Cullen, Robert N. Henrie, II, Clinton J. Peake, Brian D. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5709896
    Abstract: Reduced-fat food dispersions containing an aqueous dispersion of sugar and an aggregate of microcrystalline cellulose and a gum selected from galactomannan gum, glucomannan gum and mixtures thereof exhibit the ability to set, have sugar bloom stability and mimic the rheology of full fat chocolate coatings. These dispersions are useful, for example, in food coatings, food inclusions and fudge. A method for setting of a high sugar content dispersion to a solid which solid is a soft or a firm solid at room temperature is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Susan Erin Hartigan, Mark T. Izzo, Carol A. Stahl, Marlene T. Tuazon
  • Patent number: 5710157
    Abstract: An insecticidal composition comprising, in admixture with an agriculturally acceptable carrier, an insecticidally effective amount of a 5-deazapteridine compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, U, V, and W are as defined herein; agriculturally acceptable salts thereof; methods for using the same; and certain novel 5-deazapteridine per se.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Robert N. Henrie, II, Clinton J. Peake, Thomas G. Cullen, Munirathnam Krishnappa Chaguturu, Partha Sarathi Ray, Brian D. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5706893
    Abstract: A tubing hanger is provided with a production bore and an annulus bore spaced radially outwardly of the production bore. The annulus bore is closed by a valve member in the form of an annular disc that is rotatable by a piston provided in the tubing hanger to move between a position in which the aperture in the valve member is aligned with the annulus bore and a position in which spaced parallel upper and lower surfaces of the valve member close the annulus bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Graham Morgan
  • Patent number: 5708092
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of hydrocarbon solutions of monofunctional ether initiators of the following general structure:M--Q.sub.n --Z--OA(R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3)wherein M is defined as an alkali metal, selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium and potassium, Q is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group derived by incorporation of a compound selected from the group consisting of conjugated diene hydrocarbons and alkenylsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons; Z is a branched or straight chain hydrocarbon group which contains 3-25 carbon atoms, optionally containing aryl or substituted aryl groups; A is an element selected from carbon and silicon; R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Schwindeman, Conrad W. Kamienski, Robert C. Morrison