Patents Examined by Theodore Morris
  • Patent number: 5205925
    Abstract: A method of recovering polychlorinated biphenyls by mixing and reacting a soluble polymer with polychlorinated biphenyls in non-aqueous solvent to form a precipitate reaction complex of the polymer and biphenyl, and separating the precipitate from the solvent, said polymer having the formula: ##STR1##
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Shong, Robert L. Horton
  • Patent number: 5205923
    Abstract: A hydrogenation process for the hydrogenation of macro- and microcrystalline feeds in a mixed bed is disclosed, the first bed containing a catalyst of the demetallization kind, while the second bed contains a hydrotreatment catalyst. During the operation with microcrystalline feed, after the decrease in Saybolt color index, macrocrystalline feed is substituted for microcrystalline feed, whereby is restored the bed catalytic activity which in turn allows the return to the microcrystalline feed, and successively, so that operation is continuous with high Saybolt color index levels maintained for extended periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras
    Inventors: Guilherme Lues M. De Souza, Antonio Adolfo F. Valle, Rosa Maria P. Wodtke
  • Patent number: 5205924
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for fluidized catalytic cracking of heavy oils is disclosed. The long transfer line connecting the catalytic cracking reactor to the main fractionator is modified by incorporation of a quench zone, of enlarged cross sectional area, where liquid products are recycled from the main fractionator and injected into the transfer line, without wetting the walls of the transfer line near the reactor outlet. Quenching hot cracked products from the FCC reactor in the transfer line, improves yields, and permits higher catalytic cracking reactor temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Betts, Frank M. Buyan
  • Patent number: 5203927
    Abstract: A washing/drying method, comprising: dipping a material to be washed into an aqueous solution containing a surfactant having a water repellency so that at least one molecular layer of the water repellent surfactant is attached to the surface of the material to be washed; and then drying the material according to a known drying method such as vacuum drying, shaking off, blowing with gas and heating; or heating the material to be washed with steam at a temperature of less than 100.degree. C. in an atmosphere reduced to a pressure such that the boiling point of water becomes less than 100.degree. C.; and then drying the material according to a known drying method such as vacuum drying, shaking off, blowing with air, and heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Ichiro Yoshida, Hiroshi Iida, Shuzo Kawaashima, Fukuji Kuroiwa, Isamu Ito, Satoru Asanome, Toshiji Fujimori
  • Patent number: 5203987
    Abstract: Residua comprises upgraded by first partitioning a hydrocracked residua into a vapor fraction and a liquid fraction. The vapor fraction is hydrotreated forming a first hydrotreated product. The liquid fraction is partitioned into a residua fraction and a light liquid fraction. The light liquid fraction can be hydrotreated or hydrocracked to form a hydroprocessed product. The hydrotreated product and the hydroprocessed product are then combined forming a substantially upgraded synthetic crude product refinable as a routine crude in a refinery into products that meet stringent specifications. In particular, residua can be upgraded to make a quality jet fuel fraction and a naphtha fraction containing less than 1 ppmw sulfur and nitrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventor: Emiliano de la Fuente
  • Patent number: 5204074
    Abstract: Gallium values are recovered from basic aqueous solutions thereof, e.g., Bayer liquors, by (i) contacting such basic aqueous solution (A) with a medium (I) containing a gallium extractant, whereby the gallium values are transferred to the medium (I), (ii) contacting such gallium-enriched medium (I) with a basic aqueous solution (B) and back-extracting the gallium values into the basic aqueous solution (B), (iii) contacting such gallium-enriched basic aqueous solution (B) with a second medium (II) containing a gallium extractant, whereby the gallium values are transferred to the medium (II), and (iv) contacting such gallium-enriched medium (II) with an aqueous solution (C), which may be acidic or basic, and back-extracting the gallium values into the aqueous solution (C); such gallium-enriched aqueous solution (C) may, for example, be directly electrolyzed to produce gallium metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Rhone-Poulenc Chimie
    Inventors: Yvette Pescher, Jean-Louis Sabot
  • Patent number: 5201960
    Abstract: A method for removing adherent matrices, such as highly cross-linked photoresist layers, from substrates, such as semiconductor wafers, comprises exposing the matrix to a vapor phase solvent and allowing the solvent to penetrate the matrix. After penetration, the vapor is condensed and then revaporized in order to promote fragmentation of the matrix and facilitate removal. Optionally, the matrix may be treated with a pre-swelling solvent and the resulting fragments removed by washing with a liquid or vapor solvent for the fragmented matrix material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Applied Photonics Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Vladimir Starov
  • Patent number: 5201957
    Abstract: An evaporator in the form of a vacuum pan has partitions (38) providing a plurality of compartments (42, 46) between an inlet and outlet. The compartments increase in volume from the inlet to the outlet, each compartment having at least one pair of hollow fins (50). A pair of shafts (32) pass through the partitions (38) to provide vanes (58) in each compartment. The vanes (58) pass over the surfaces of the respective fins (50) to agitate fluid in the vacuum pan, the fluid passing from compartment to compartment by way of weirs. The number of fins (50) in each compartment increases from the inlet to the outlet, and the fins (50) may be heated, as may be the vanes (58). The apparatus is advantageous in preparing crystalline sugar from sugar solution, providing for even dispersal of sugar crystals and keeping the massecuite in motion before the latter in its most concentrated state leaves the compartment (46) for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Fletcher Smith Limited
    Inventor: John C. D. C. Thelwall
  • Patent number: 5201958
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus and method for washing and rinsing electronic assemblies. The apparatus includes a single closable chamber for containing a single tank with attached ultrasonic transducers. Separate wash and rinse fluid circuits each are arranged to fill the tank, to drain fluid from the tank, and to recondition the fluid for reuse. To permit the safe use of combustible solvents, an inert gas purge system evacuates oxygen and combustible vapors from areas with potential electrical ignition sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Electronic Controls Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Rex Breunsbach, Paul M. Austen
  • Patent number: 5202301
    Abstract: Impregnated carbon adsorbents for the removal of mercury from liquid hydrocarbons are used in a variety of applications. The activated carbon impregnated adsorbents in the present invention remain effective in removing mercury. Generally, these activated carbons are comprised of an activated carbon adsorbent impregnated with a composition containing metal halide or other reducing halide, supplemented according to the desired characteristics with other elements. The formulation of the impregnants in the present invention can be varied to adjust the performance characteristics so as to meet the desired mercury removal performance criteria, to achieve enhanced removal of organic bound mercury from liquid hydrocarbon, and to have other advantages useful in a variety of applications. These impregnated carbon adsorbents possess desirable qualities regarding their ability to remove even trace levels of mercury from liquid hydrocarbon without a leaching effect of the impregnants used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Calgon Carbon Corporation
    Inventor: James D. McNamara
  • Patent number: 5200062
    Abstract: A process for removing elemental sulfur from fluids such as refined petroleum products transported through pipelines for the transportation of sour hydrocarbon streams. The fluids are contacted with a soluble quaternary ammonium hydroxide and preferably an organo mercaptan and alcohol to convert the elemental sulfur to a soluble polysulfide product which is substantially non-corrosive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Marc-Andre Poirier, John B. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 5200060
    Abstract: In a hydrotreating process, a hydrocarbon feedstock having a boiling of at least about 460.degree. F. is contacted with a catalyst having at least one member selected from the group consisting of a carbide of a Group VIB metal and a nitride of a Group VIB metal under hydrotreating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Sajkowski, Shigeo T. Oyama
  • Patent number: 5199997
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for cleansing oil-contaminated particulate materials. The invention is particularly applicable to the treatment of oil well drill sites and to methods and means for continuously cleansing drill cuttings found in used drilling muds. An initial step involves the use of an inclined tub equipped with an inclined spiral conveyor for continuous stripping of the oil and other contaminants from the drill cuttings, and a second step involves the use of a similar inclined tub and inclined spiral conveyor for continuous hot rinse water treatment of the stripped cuttings. An optional ambient or cold water final rinsing step is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: clnZall Corporation
    Inventor: Gene B. Stowe
  • Patent number: 5200063
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a staged process for producing liquids from coal or similar carbonaceous feeds combining a pretreatment stage and a liquefaction stage. In the process, the feed is dispersed in an organic solvent and reacted with carbon monoxide at an elevated temperature and pressure. The so pretreated coal is sent to a liquefaction reactor, wherein the coal is reacted in the presence of hydrogen and catalyst to produce valuable liquid fuels or feedstocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Dan R. Neskora, Stephen N. Vaughn, W. Neal Mitchell, Calude C. Culross, Steve D. Reynolds, Edward Effron
  • Patent number: 5198037
    Abstract: So as to unclog a pipe (16) carrying dangerous and accessible substrances after the removal of a movable member (24, 26), this member is replaced by a guiding member (42), a hydraulic shuttle (66) then being introduced into this guiding member, this shuttle being connected to a high pressure hydraulic source (70) through a box (56) equipped with means for washing the shuttle at the time the latter is withdrawn and means for recovering effluent. The shuttle is then conditioned in a winder connected directly on the box (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Cogema-Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Alain Guyonnet, Eric Lestournel
  • Patent number: 5198098
    Abstract: An improved catalytic process for heavy hydrocarbon conversion, (usually, but not necessarily, in the presence of nickel and vanadium on the catalyst and in the feedstock.) to produce lighter molecular weight fractions. Manganese, which has paramagnetic properties, is added so it progressively accumulates on aged catalyst, and enhances magnetic separation of aged catalyst, to increase activity and improve selectivity of remaining catalyst which is recycled. Manganese acts as a "magnetic hook" to separate more magnetic, older, less catalytically active and less selective, higher-metals-containing catalyst particulates from less-magnetically-active, lower-metal-containing, more catalytically active and selective catalysts fractions, which are then recycled back to the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Ashland Oil, Inc.
    Inventor: William P. Hettinger
  • Patent number: 5198102
    Abstract: A method for selectively separating benzene from gasoline boiling range streams by first fractionating the stream to produce a C.sub.6 heartcut fraction which is then passed to an adsorption zone comprised of a bed of solid adsorbent material capable of selectively removing benzene from the stream. The absorbent is regenerated with a suitable desorbent, preferably toluene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Bal K. Kaul, Joseph T. O'Bara, David W. Savage, J. Patrick Dennis
  • Patent number: 5198100
    Abstract: A hydrotreating process using a sulfided catalyst composition comprised of at least one Group VIII metal and at least one Group VI metal on an inorganic oxide support, which sulfided catalyst is derived from a catalyst precursor comprised of salts and/or complexes of a Group VIII metal(s) with a Group VI metal heteropolyacid on an inorganic oxide support material, wherein the concentration of Group VIII metal ranges from about 2 to 20 wt. %, and the concentration of Group VI metal ranges from 5 to 50 wt. %, which percents are on support and which catalyst composition is substantially free of free water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Clyde L. Aldridge, Kenneth L. Riley
  • Patent number: 5198036
    Abstract: A mounted bracket with wheels that attaches to existing holes on the carriage of a "Rol-Dri"(TM) roller or similar equipment for removing water from and simultaneously drying hard surfaces such as tennis courts. The purpose of the invention is to eliminate the need to lift and carry the roller dry or wet. While transporting the roller to and from the wet area or during the drying operation. This is accomplished by lowering the handle of the roller which places the wheels of the invention in contact with the ground thereby lifting the roller off of the ground. The user can pull the roller along by the wheels of the invention without having the roller in contact with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Inventor: Enrique I. Sotolongo
  • Patent number: 5198035
    Abstract: High-rate washing centrifuges are employed in a corn wet milling process to accomplish displacement washing of the starch and a sharp classification into starch and gluten.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Dorr-Oliver Incorporated
    Inventors: Chie-Ying Lee, Robert W. Honeychurch