Patents by Inventor Bruce McDaniel

Bruce McDaniel 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: 9759486
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for reducing moisture in mineral slurries, particularly mineral slurries containing minerals of small particle diameter, using a granular drying material. The invention also relates to novel mineral products and intermediates useful in connection with the process. The method and system reduced moisture by contacting the mineral slurry with the granular drying material. The granular drying material is selected to be readily separated from the dried minerals using a size separation technique such as a sieve screen. The granular drying material is the regenerated, preferably using a process involving heat exchange and cross-flow air. The granular drying material is preferably capable of regeneration and recycling in a continuous process with minimal attrition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: VITRINITE SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Richard W. Bland, C. Bruce McDaniel, Austin McDaniel
  • Publication number: 20160047598
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for reducing moisture in coal and mineral slurries, particularly slurries containing small diameter particles, using a granular drying material. The invention also relates to novel products and intermediates useful in connection with the process. The method and system reduced moisture by contacting the slurry with the granular drying material. The granular drying material is selected to be readily separated from the dried coal or minerals using a size separation technique such as a sieve screen. The granular drying material is the regenerated, preferably using a process involving heat exchange and cross-flow air. The granular drying material is preferably capable of regeneration and recycling in a continuous process with minimal attrition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: Richard W. BLAND, Bruce MCDANIEL
  • Publication number: 20150323254
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for reducing moisture in mineral slurries, particularly mineral slurries containing minerals of small particle diameter, using a granular drying material. The invention also relates to novel mineral products and intermediates useful in connection with the process. The method and system reduced moisture by contacting the mineral slurry with the granular drying material. The granular drying material is selected to be readily separated from the dried minerals using a size separation technique such as a sieve screen. The granular drying material is the regenerated, preferably using a process involving heat exchange and cross-flow air. The granular drying material is preferably capable of regeneration and recycling in a continuous process with minimal attrition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Richard W. BLAND, C. Bruce MCDANIEL, Austin MCDANIEL
  • Patent number: 9004284
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for reducing moisture in mineral slurries, particularly mineral slurries containing minerals of small particle diameter, using a granular drying material. The invention also relates to novel mineral products and intermediates useful in connection with the process. The method and system reduced moisture by contacting the mineral slurry with the granular drying material. The granular drying material is selected to be readily separated from the dried minerals using a size separation technique such as a sieve screen. The granular drying material is the regenerated, preferably using a process involving heat exchange and cross-flow air. The granular drying material is preferably capable of regeneration and recycling in a continuous process with minimal attrition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Vitrinite Services, LLC
    Inventors: Richard W. Bland, Bruce McDaniel
  • Publication number: 20140196304
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for reducing moisture in mineral slurries, particularly mineral slurries containing minerals of small particle diameter, using a granular drying material. The invention also relates to novel mineral products and intermediates useful in connection with the process. The method and system reduced moisture by contacting the mineral slurry with the granular drying material. The granular drying material is selected to be readily separated from the dried minerals using a size separation technique such as a sieve screen. The granular drying material is the regenerated, preferably using a process involving heat exchange and cross-flow air. The granular drying material is preferably capable of regeneration and recycling in a continuous process with minimal attrition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Vitrinite Services, LLC
    Inventors: Richard W. BLAND, Bruce MCDANIEL
  • Publication number: 20140190036
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for drying coal using activated alumina. The method and system dries the coal by combining coal with the activated alumina. While in combination, the mixture is agitated to maximize surface contact between the activated alumina and the coal. As the coal contact the activated alumina, the surfactant moisture on the coal is then absorbed by the activated alumina. The activated alumina allow for the water molecules to pass into the sieves, thus being removed from the coal. After a period of agitation, the method and system thereby separates the activated alumina and the coal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Vitrinite Services, LLC
    Inventors: Richard W. BLAND, Bruce MCDANIEL
  • Publication number: 20140144812
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for reducing moisture in mineral slurries, particularly mineral slurries containing minerals of small particle diameter, using a granular drying material. The invention also relates to novel mineral products and intermediates useful in connection with the process. The method and system reduced moisture by contacting the mineral slurry with the granular drying material. The granular drying material is selected to be readily separated from the dried minerals using a size separation technique such as a sieve screen. The granular drying material is the regenerated, preferably using a process involving heat exchange and cross-flow air. The granular drying material is preferably capable of regeneration and recycling in a continuous process with minimal attrition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: NANO DRYING TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Richard W. BLAND, Bruce MCDANIEL
  • Publication number: 20110252662
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for drying mineral slurry concentrate and high moisture content minerals using activated alumina. The method and system dries the mineral slurry concentrate by combining the slurry with the activated alumina. While in combination, the mixture is agitated to maximize surface contact between the activated alumina and the slurry. As the mineral slurry concentrate contacts the activated alumina, the surfactant moisture on the mineral elements is then absorbed by the activated alumina. The activated alumina allow for the water molecules to be adsorbed by the activate alumina, thus being removed from the slurry elements. After a period of agitation, the method and system thereby separates the activated alumina from the mineral slurry concentrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Richard W. Bland, Bruce McDaniel
  • Publication number: 20110247233
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for drying coal using activated alumina. The method and system dries the coal by combining coal with the activated alumina. While in combination, the mixture is agitated to maximize surface contact between the activated alumina and the coal. As the coal contact the activated alumina, the surfactant moisture on the coal is then absorbed by the activated alumina. The activated alumina allow for the water molecules to pass into the sieves, thus being removed from the coal. After a period of agitation, the method and system thereby separates the activated alumina and the coal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Richard W. Bland, Bruce McDaniel
  • Publication number: 20100098497
    Abstract: A system comprising a subsea structure beneath a body of water, subject to a water current; an installation vessel floating on the body of water; a line connected to the subsea structure and the installation vessel; and one or more vortex induced vibration suppression devices connected to the line, which have been lowered from the vessel to be installed on the subsea structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Donald Wayne Allen, Stephen Paul Armstrong, Richard Bruce McDaniel, Catherine Anne Preator, David Wayne McMillan, Janet Kay McMillan, Christopher Steven West
  • Patent number: 7578038
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for remotely installing vortex-induced vibration (VIV) reduction and drag reduction devices on elongated structures in flowing fluid environments. The apparatus is a tool for transporting and installing the devices. The devices installed can include clamshell-shaped strakes, shrouds, fairings, sleeves and flotation modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: David Wayne McMillan, Richard Bruce McDaniel
  • Patent number: 7017666
    Abstract: A method for controlling drag and vortex induced vibration in a substantially cylindrical element by providing an ultra-smooth surface about the cylindrical element. The system for controlling drag and vortex induced vibration utilizes a substantially cylindrical marine element having an ultra-smooth effective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Donald Wayne Allen, Dean Leroy Henning, David Wayne McMillan, Richard Bruce McDaniel, Kenneth Dupal
  • Patent number: 6702026
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling drag and vortex-induced vibration exerted onto a substantially cylindrical element of a fixed position subjected to a fluid flowing environment. Apparatus of the invention comprise a sleeve comprising an ultra-smooth surface. Methods for installing such apparatus onto cylindrical elements, and systems for controlling drag and vortex-induced vibrations in which a substantially cylindrical marine element has an ultra-smooth effective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Donald Wayne Allen, Dean Leroy Henning, Richard Bruce McDaniel, David Wayne McMillan, Kenneth Dupal
  • Patent number: 6695539
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for remotely installing vortex-induced vibration (VIV) reduction and drag reduction devices on elongated structures in flowing fluid environments. The apparatus is a tool for transporting and installing the devices. The devices installed can include clamshell-shaped strakes, shrouds, fairings, sleeves and flotation modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: David Wayne McMillan, Richard Bruce McDaniel
  • Patent number: 6565287
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for suppressing vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) of aquatic elements of underwater structures. The system includes use of a sleeve positioned around at least a portion of an aquatic element and at least one strake positioned along at least a portion of the length of the aquatic member. The apparatus further comprises copper to suppress the growth of aquatic organisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventors: David Wayne McMillan, Richard Bruce McDaniel, Dean Leroy Henning, Donald Wayne Allen, Howard Ray Mitschke
  • Patent number: 6561734
    Abstract: A partial helical strake system and method for suppressing vortex-induced-vibration of a substantially cylindrical marine element, the strake system having a base connected to the cylindrical marine element and an array of helical strakes projecting from the base for about half or less of the circumference of the cylindrical marine element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Donald Wayne Allen, Dean Leroy Henning, Joe Henry Haws, David Wayne McMillan, Richard Bruce McDaniel
  • Publication number: 20030074777
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for remotely installing vortex-induced vibration (VIV) reduction and drag reduction devices on elongated structures in flowing fluid environments. The apparatus is a tool for transporting and installing the devices. The devices installed can include clamshell-shaped strakes, shrouds, fairings, sleeves and flotation modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: David Wayne McMillan, Richard Bruce McDaniel
  • Publication number: 20020146287
    Abstract: Apparatus are disclosed for controlling drag and vortex-induced vibration exerted onto a substantially cylindrical element of a fixed position subjected to a fluid flowing environment. Apparatus of the invention comprise a sleeve comprising an ultra-smooth surface. Methods for installing such apparatus onto cylindrical elements, and systems for controlling drag and vortex-induced vibrations in which a substantially cylindrical marine element has an ultra-smooth effective surface are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: Donald Wayne Allen, Dean Leroy Henning, Richard Bruce McDaniel, David Wayne McMillan, Ken Dupal
  • Publication number: 20020112858
    Abstract: Smooth buoyancy cylindrical elements having a surface roughness coefficient of K/D less than or equal to 1×10−4, where K is the average peak-to-trough roughness and D is the effective outside diameter of said the cylindrical element are affixed about marine elements to decrease vortex induced vibration, thereby decreasing stress and loading on the marine elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Richard Bruce McDaniel, Donald Wayne Allen, David Wayne McMillian, Kenneth Dupal
  • Patent number: 6067922
    Abstract: A fairing system is disclosed for protecting a cylindrical marine element from drag and vortex induced vibration. A noncorrosive fairing shroud is rotatably mounted about the cylindrical marine element and defines an annular region between the exterior of the cylindrical marine element and the inside of the fairing shroud and at least one copper element is mounted at the annular region to discourage marine growth at the fairing shroud-cylindrical marine element interface. This enables the fairing to remain free to weathervane to orient most effectively with the current Another aspect of the present invention is a method for protecting a substantially cylindrical marine element from vortex-induced vibration in which a rotatable fairing is installed about the marine element and a marine growth inhibitor is mounted in active communication with the annular interface of the rotatable fairing and the cylindrical marine element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Early Baggett Denison, Richard Bruce McDaniel, David Wayne McMillan