Patents by Inventor Bruce K. Smith

Bruce K. Smith has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6324867
    Abstract: A natural gas liquefaction system and process wherein excess refrigeration available in a typical natural gas liquefaction system is used to cool the inlet air to gas turbines in the system to thereby improve the overall efficiency of the system. A cooler is positioned in front of the air inlet of each gas turbine; and coolant (e.g. water) is flowed through each of the coolers to cool the ambient air as it flows into the gas turbines. The water, in turn, is cooled with propane taken from a refrigerant circuit in the system which, in turn, is used to initially cool the natural gas which is to be liquefied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Fanning, Brett L. Ryberg, Bruce K. Smith, Luan D. Phan
  • Patent number: 5030405
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for combining soap segments, including providing a soap mold member formed with complementarily configured shells defining an internal cavity therewithin securable to an elongate handle to secure soap segments therewithin. The shells include apertures directed therethrough, whereupon positioning a plurality of soap segments within the cavity, the mold is positioned within a container. The container includes a sponge core defining a central cavity defined by a diameter substantially equal to that defined by the shells when secured together. The sponge core is saturated with water prior to insertion of the mold therewithin to permit continuous moistening of the segments contained within the mold when positioned within the cavity. The soap from the mold may be further directed within a press, wherein the press includes an upper and lower lid, wherein the soap portions are positioned within the press upon lifting of the upper lid and resecurement thereof relative to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Inventors: Bruce K. Smith, Levonia Jones