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).
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Patent number: 9759486Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 13, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: VITRINITE SERVICES, LLCInventors: Richard W. Bland, C. Bruce McDaniel, Austin McDaniel
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Publication number: 20160047598Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: February 18, 2016Inventors: Richard W. BLAND, Bruce MCDANIEL
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Publication number: 20150323254Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2015Publication date: November 12, 2015Inventors: Richard W. BLAND, C. Bruce MCDANIEL, Austin MCDANIEL
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Patent number: 9004284Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Vitrinite Services, LLCInventors: Richard W. Bland, Bruce McDaniel
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Publication number: 20140196304Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2014Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: Vitrinite Services, LLCInventors: Richard W. BLAND, Bruce MCDANIEL
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Publication number: 20140190036Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: Vitrinite Services, LLCInventors: Richard W. BLAND, Bruce MCDANIEL
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Publication number: 20140144812Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: NANO DRYING TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Richard W. BLAND, Bruce MCDANIEL
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Publication number: 20110252662Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventors: Richard W. Bland, Bruce McDaniel
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Publication number: 20110247233Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2011Publication date: October 13, 2011Inventors: Richard W. Bland, Bruce McDaniel
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Publication number: 20100098497Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2008Publication date: April 22, 2010Inventors: Donald Wayne Allen, Stephen Paul Armstrong, Richard Bruce McDaniel, Catherine Anne Preator, David Wayne McMillan, Janet Kay McMillan, Christopher Steven West
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Patent number: 7578038Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 23, 2004Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: David Wayne McMillan, Richard Bruce McDaniel
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Patent number: 7017666Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 26, 2000Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Donald Wayne Allen, Dean Leroy Henning, David Wayne McMillan, Richard Bruce McDaniel, Kenneth Dupal
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Patent number: 6702026Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 29, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Donald Wayne Allen, Dean Leroy Henning, Richard Bruce McDaniel, David Wayne McMillan, Kenneth Dupal
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Patent number: 6695539Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 19, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: David Wayne McMillan, Richard Bruce McDaniel
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Patent number: 6565287Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 19, 2000Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Inventors: David Wayne McMillan, Richard Bruce McDaniel, Dean Leroy Henning, Donald Wayne Allen, Howard Ray Mitschke
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Patent number: 6561734Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 4, 2000Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Donald Wayne Allen, Dean Leroy Henning, Joe Henry Haws, David Wayne McMillan, Richard Bruce McDaniel
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Publication number: 20030074777Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2001Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventors: David Wayne McMillan, Richard Bruce McDaniel
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Publication number: 20020146287Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2001Publication date: October 10, 2002Inventors: Donald Wayne Allen, Dean Leroy Henning, Richard Bruce McDaniel, David Wayne McMillan, Ken Dupal
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Publication number: 20020112858Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2001Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventors: Richard Bruce McDaniel, Donald Wayne Allen, David Wayne McMillian, Kenneth Dupal
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Patent number: 6067922Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 27, 1998Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Early Baggett Denison, Richard Bruce McDaniel, David Wayne McMillan