Patents Examined by Andrew H. Metz
  • Method and apparatus for extracting dirt from ducting
    Patent number: 4666530
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing accumulated dirt and dust from ductwork, in-situ. The apparatus includes an auger which is inserted into the ductwork and the power unit for driving the auger. An extraction unit is also connected to the ductwork to remove the dust and dirt which has been produced as a result of the auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Inventor: Lee Houser
  • Method for passivating cracking catalyst
    Patent number: 4666584
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for passivating the adverse catalytic effects of metal contaminated hydrocarbon feedstocks is described. The method is directed at the use of control means to regulate the residence time of the catalyst in the passivation zone and to regulate the reducing gas flow rate to the passivation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Edward C. Luckenbach, Carl F. Bertsch
  • Method for reducing combustion chamber deposits from an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 4666529
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing combustion chamber deposits in an internal combustion engine by the passage of an aqueous deadhering agent such as water to the combustion chamber at cold start conditions and permitting the engine to crank for a period of time until said deposits deadhere from the walls of the combustion chamber. The aqueous deadhering agent can be water or the same with a diluent, such as a lower alkyl ketone. This invention is applicable to combustion chamber deposits which have resulted from the use of an additive agent, such as an amine-urea type detergent additive in as low a concentration in gasoline fuel as 50 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Leonard B. Graiff
  • Method for regeneration of resid cracking catalyst
    Patent number: 4664778
    Abstract: An improved process for hydrocarbon conversion-catalyst regeneration processes particularly useful for residual oil, especially high carbon content residual oil conversion. The process generally comprises cooling the compressed air which is introduced into the second stage catalyst regeneration vessel in order to allow processing of feeds which typically produce high coke loading of catalyst in the conversion zone. The cooling process described can be installed and maintained with minimal expense in existing facilities and generally comprises a refrigeration unit and a heat exchange means installed in the conduit transporting air from a compressor unit to the second stage catalyst regenerator air distributor means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Total Engineering and Research Company
    Inventor: Leo R. Reinkemeyer
  • Catalyst suitable for hydrotreating
    Patent number: 4665048
    Abstract: The invention provides catalysts suitable for hydrotreatment of mineral oil which contain an oxide and/or sulphide derived from a metal of Group VI (B) and one from Group VIII metal and a transition alumina and which show an oxygen chemisorption above 185 micromoles per gram, preferably between 200 and 300. Preferably tha catalysts are free from anions of strong mineral acids.These catalysts can be prepared by impregnation of a transition alumina with an ammoniacal metal solution having an initial pH between 10.5 and 13, preferably between 11.0 and 12.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Internationale Octrooi Matschappij "Octropa" B.V.
    Inventors: Willem A. Van Leeuwen, Eduard K. Poels, Leendert H. Staal, Dirk Verzijl
  • Cracking catalyst restoration with aluminum compounds
    Patent number: 4664779
    Abstract: A method to restore the activity of a cracking catalyst which has been deactivated at least partially by metals contamination which involves contacting the cracking catalyst with an aluminum containing treating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Brent J. Bertus, Dwight L. McKay, H. Wayne Mark
  • Aromatization reactions with zeolites containing phosphorus oxide
    Patent number: 4665251
    Abstract: There is provided a process for producing aromatic hydrocarbons. The process involves contacting one or more non-aromatic compounds, such as propane, propylene, or methanol, with a catalyst containing a zeolite, such as ZSM-5. The zeolite is modified with phosphorus oxide by impregnating the zeolite with a source of phosphate ions, such as an aqueous solution of an ammonium phosphate, followed by calcination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Chin-Chiun Chu
  • Flow-occluding method for the diagnosis of heart conditions
    Patent number: 4664125
    Abstract: A method for analyzing the biomechanical behavior of the cardiac muscle and for diagnosing pathological conditions of the heart. The apparatus measures and records the rise and fall of intra-ventricular isovolumetric pressure monitored by a transducer installed at the tip of a cardiac catheter. The pressure versus time recordings during both the systolic and diastolic phases are mathematically analyzed, and two parameters indicative of the biomechanical conditions of the muscle are derived. The parameters are then plotted against each other on a map in which diagnostic zones of various normal and pathological heart conditions are delineated. The cardiac catheter is fitted with a balloon inflation valve used to close the aortic port during a single heartbeat in order to override the aortic valve and maintain the isovolumetric condition during contraction and relaxation of the cardiac muscle organ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Inventor: John G. Pinto
  • Method and apparatus for fractionating hydrocarbon crudes
    Patent number: 4664784
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for distillation of hydrocarbon oil subject to coking threshold temperature limits. A hydrocarbon oil is heated to a first predetermined maximum temperature above which coking is likely to occur. The heated hydrocarbon oil is introduced into a first distillation zone, wherein the heated hydrocarbon oil is separated into a liquid portion and a vapor portion. The descending liquid portion is withdrawn from the bottom region of the first distillation zone, and the withdrawn liquid is reheated to a second predetermined maximum temperature, above which coking is likely to occur in the return heater line. Finally, the heated withdrawn liquid is returned to a second distillation zone, wherein a second separation occurs to achieve increased valuable products recovery. A divider arrangement maintains the first and second distillation zones physically separate from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Mohsen N. Harandi
  • Method and apparatus for cleaning step boards of escalator
    Patent number: 4664719
    Abstract: A method for cleaning the step boards of an escalator and an apparatus for carrying out the method. The apparatus comprises a holding unit to be fixedly placed at the entrance or at the exit of an escalator, a cleaning unit having a driving means, a power transmitting system and rotary brushes mounted on the holding unit so as to be shiftable widthwise of the escalator, and a pressing means to move the cleaning unit so that the rotary brushes are pressed against each step board of the escalator. Each rotary brush is furnished with a plurality of rows of bristle groups extending helically over the circumference of the cylindrical body thereof, and the individual bristles of each row of the bristle group are inclined both at an angle with respect to the axial direction of the cylindrical body and at an angle with respect to the radial direction of the cylindrical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Meiso Yoko Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoharu Mizutani
  • Hydrocarbon zeolite catalyst employed in hydrocracking process
    Patent number: 4664776
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon conversion catalyst useful for hydrocracking hydrocarbons to more valuable products comprises one or more hydrogenation components supported on a base containing (1) a crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite having activity for cracking hydrocarbons and (2) a dispersion of silica-alumina in an alumina matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventor: John W. Ward
  • Thermal medium oils
    Patent number: 4665275
    Abstract: A thermal medium oil comprising at least one monosubstituted naphthalene derivative such as .beta.-(1,1-dimethyloctyl) naphthalene, .beta.-(1,1-dimethylhexyl) naphthalene and 2-t.-amylnaphthalene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Nippon Oil Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Yoshida, Harumichi Watanabe
  • Low solids content, coal tar based impregnating pitch
    Patent number: 4664774
    Abstract: A novel coal tar based, low solids content, pitch is produced by oxidizing a selected coal tar distillation fraction with air to oxygen at elevated temperatures. This pitch is applicable to end use in which low solids content is desirable. Specifically it may be advantageously applied to the impregnation of carbon electrodes. The oxidized selected coal tar based low solids material described is characterized by high carbon yield and higher product density and has a higher in situ coking value and lower sulfur content which make it particularly beneficial when it is used as an impregnating pitch as compared to the currently commercially used petroleum based pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Allied Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur S. Chu, Edward F. Bart, George R. Cook, David M. Horbachewski
  • Printing screen cleaning and reclaiming compositions
    Patent number: 4664721
    Abstract: Ink cleaning compositions are disclosed which degrade or solubilize broad classes of printing ink residues on printing screens for quick removal by a pressurized water stream. The compositions are essentially non-aqueous and contain N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), an oxygenated solvent, such as butyl cellosolve and cyclohexanone, and a surfactant. Alternatingly, compositions containing NMP and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol as the primary components are disclosed. Methods of cleaning and reclaiming printing screens which provide synergistic activities are also disclosed. The compositions meet health and safety standards due to their biodegradability, lack of flammability and high threshold limit values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Intercontinental Chemical Corporation
    Inventor: Gary M. Valasek
  • Directional tank cleaning process
    Patent number: 4664720
    Abstract: A rotary spray nozzle directional tank cleaning machine has a first, stationary housing, a second housing mounted to the first housing for rotation about a first, typically vertical axis, and a third housing mounted to the second housing for rotation about a second axis. The second axis is at a first, acute angle to the first axis. The second housing is driven about the first housing through an impeller driven gear train by the pressurized cleaning liquid passing therethrough. The third housing is driven by a pair of bevel gears mounted to the first and third housings. One or more nozzles, mounted to the third housing, direct cleaning liquid along a third axis oriented at a second, acute angle to the second axis. The first and second, acute angles are preferably 45.degree. to create a hemispherical spray pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: The Cloud Company
    Inventor: James Rucker
  • Method for recovering nutrients from the flue gases of a fertilizer plant
    Patent number: 4662929
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of recovering nutrients from the flue gases of a fertilizer plant by exposing hot, almost water-saturated reaction gases (4) obtained from the fertilizer production process to a countercurrent scrubbing (5, 6) and by scrubbing the hot gases (19) obtained from the drying (16) of the fertilizer, in order to recover the gaseous impurities present in the gases. According to the invention, the hot gases (19) obtained from the drying of the fertilizer are scrubbed (21) with the scrubbing solution (7) coming from the countercurrent scrubbing (5, 6) of the hot, almost water-saturated reaction gases (4), in order to concentrate this scrubbing solution (7) before it is returned to the fertilizer production process (1-3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Kemira Oy
    Inventor: Pekka T. Lammi
  • Method and device for fine desulfurization of coke oven gas
    Patent number: 4663134
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing hydrogen sulfide from crude coke oven gas comprises initially scrubbing the crude coke oven gas in a low pressure scrubber using an aqueous regeneratable liquor. The gas is subsequently scrubbed in a high pressure scrubber using the same liquor. Streams of spent washing liquor are united and supplied to a regenerating unit where the hydrogen sulfide is removed in the form of sulfur or sulfuric acid. After the regenerating unit the liquor is returned to the high and low pressure scrubbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Firma Carl Still GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Laufhutte, Klaus Schupphaus, Gunter Trowe, Wolf D. Kosske, Friedrich Hubel
  • Method for coke retardant during hydrocarbon processing
    Patent number: 4663018
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of inhibiting the formation of coke during the elevated temperature processing of hydrocarbons. The method generally comprises adding to the hydrocarbon an effective amount of an ammonium borate, particularly ammonium biborate and ammonium pentaborate. Preferably, the ammonium borates are in a glycollic solvent or water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Betz Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Dwight K. Reid, David R. Foster
  • Process of producing carbonaceous pitch
    Patent number: 4663021
    Abstract: A continuous process of producing carbonaceous pitch, including heat-treating an aromatic heavy oil for obtaining a first cracked product, and thermally cracking the first product in a cracking zone by direct contact with a gaseous heat transfer medium to obtain distillable cracked components and a mesophase-containing pitch. A first portion of the liquid phase in the cracking zone, including the mesophase-containing pitch, is separated into a mesophase-rich pitch and a matrix pitch having a low concentration of mesophase. The mesophase-rich pitch is recovered while at least a portion of the matrix pitch is recycled to the cracking zone. The distillable cracked components are withdrawn from the cracking zone and separated into light, middle and heavy fractions. At least a portion of the heavy fraction is heat treated and is recycled to the cracking zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignees: Fuji Standard Research, Inc., Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomio Arai, Takao Nakagawa, Fumio Mogi, Noriaki Oshiguri
  • Catalytic cracking processes
    Patent number: 4663025
    Abstract: Hydrocarbon-containing feed streams (preferably heavy gas oils and hydrotreated residua) having an initial boiling point of at least 400.degree. F. are catalytically cracked in the presence of a cracking catalyst comprising a faujasite-type zeolite having a unit cell size of about 24.28-24.48 A and an an alkali metal content of less than about 0.5 weight percent and being substantially free of iron ions. Preferably, the faujasite-type zeolite has an atomic Si:Al ratio in the crystalline framework of about 8:1 to 21:1 and has been partially dealuminated by a process comprising steam treatment followed by acid leaching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: Chia-Min Fu