Patents by Inventor Bryan H. Sonnier

Bryan H. Sonnier 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).

  • System for continuous analysis and modification of characteristics of a liquid hydrocarbon stream
    Patent number: 5889202
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for continuous analysis and/or modification of the vapor pressure characteristics of a hydrocarbon stream includes: liquid/gas separation chamber; constant flow liquid influent means; liquid level sensing means; temperature control means; constant pressure gaseous effluent means; liquid effluent means having a flow rate responsive to liquid level sensing means; and influent and effluent flow metering means. Means for sensing composition of gaseous effluent, and manifold means responsive to said composition for variable blending of differing liquid hydrocarbon streams, may also be provided. Influent may be heated or cooled prior to entering the separation chamber.In the preferred embodiment, liquid influent rate is substantially constant. Temperature and pressure, which pressure may be made sub-atmospheric by vacuum means, are selected and maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventors: Rama Rao Alapati, Bryan H. Sonnier, Houman M. Shammai
  • System for continuous analysis and modification of characteristics of a liquid hydrocarbon stream
    Patent number: 5663492
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for continuous analysis and/or modification of the vapor pressure characteristics of a hydrocarbon stream includes: liquid/gas separation chamber; constant flow liquid influent means; liquid level sensing means; temperature control means; constant pressure gaseous effluent means; liquid effluent means having a flow rate responsive to liquid level sensing means; and influent and effluent flow metering means. Means for sensing composition of gaseous effluent, and manifold means responsive to said composition for variable blending of differing liquid hydrocarbon streams, may also be provided. Influent may be heated or cooled prior to entering the separation chamber.In the preferred embodiment, liquid influent rate is substantially constant. Temperature and pressure, which pressure may be made sub-atmospheric by vacuum means, are selected and maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventors: Rama Rao Alapati, Bryan H. Sonnier, Houman M. Shammai