Patents by Inventor Christopher Simmons

Christopher Simmons 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).

  • Publication number: 20110253680
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a component. The method includes the steps of heating a working region of a substrate with a heating means; directing a material into the working region to bring the material into a temporary molten state, and depositing said material on the substrate such that when the material solidifies it forms at least part of the component. The heating means power output, stand off, orientation, speed and direction of travel relative to the substrate are adjustable and controlled throughout the material deposition process to control the shape and/or size of the working region to thereby control the distribution and rate of heat delivery to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Daniel CLARK, Christopher A. SIMMONS, Mark D. HANCOCK
  • Publication number: 20110057360
    Abstract: A method for depositing material at an intersection region (116) of at least two surfaces (102,104,106,108,110) of a component (100). The method comprises a first deposition process providing material at said intersection and directing an energy beam (114) toward the intersection region to join the material to the component. The beam is maintained at an obtuse angle relative to at least two of the surfaces such that substantially all of the working area of the beam is incident upon the intersection region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Daniel Clark, Christopher A. Simmons, Mark D. Hancock
  • Publication number: 20060201851
    Abstract: A process for producing a product slate, which includes at least three base oil grades having kinematic viscosities at 100° C. within the range between about 1.8 cSt and 30 cSt, from a waxy feed having an initial boiling point of about 340° C. or less and a final boiling point of about 560° C. or higher, said process comprising (a) isomerizing at least a portion of the waxy feed, whereby the amount of isoparaffins present are increased; (b) distilling a first portion of the isomerized waxy feed in light block mode operation into at least three base oil fractions having different boiling ranges; (c) distilling a second portion of the isomerized waxy feed in medium block mode operation into at least three base oil fractions having different boiling ranges; and (d) blending at least one base oil fraction produced from light block mode with at least one base oil fraction produced from medium block mode to produce a lubricating base oil blend meeting a target value for at least one pre-selected property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: John Rosenbaum, Brent Lok, Philip Quinnett, Christopher Simmons
  • Publication number: 20050224393
    Abstract: A method for preparing low toxicity Fischer-Tropsch fuels suitable for use in a diesel engine and Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel compositions having low toxicity suitable for use in diesel engines characterized by a boiling range distribution wherein the 5 weight percent point is at a temperature of 570 degrees F. or less and the 95 weight percent point is at or above a temperature of 680 degrees F.; a kinematic viscosity at 40 degrees C. of less than 5.5 cSt; and a cloud point of less than ?18 degrees C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Publication date: October 13, 2005
    Inventors: Russell Krug, Stephen Miller, Russell White, David Johnson, Christopher Simmons, James Rutherford
  • Patent number: 6949180
    Abstract: A method for preparing low toxicity Fischer-Tropsch fuels suitable for use in a diesel engine and Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel compositions having low toxicity suitable for use in diesel engines characterized by a boiling range distribution wherein the 5 weight percent point is at a temperature of 570 degrees F. or less and the 95 weight percent point is at or above a temperature of 680 degrees F.; a kinematic viscosity at 40 degrees C. of less than 5.5 cSt; and a cloud point of less than ?18 degrees C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Russell R. Krug, Stephen J. Miller, Russell D. White, David R. Johnson, Christopher A. Simmons, James Arthur Rutherford
  • Patent number: 6900366
    Abstract: A process for treating nitrogen-containing, substantially paraffinic product derived from a Fischer-Tropsch process. The substantially paraffinic product is purified in a purification process to lower the concentration of oxygen, nitrogen, and other impurities. The nitrogen content of the purified product is monitored, and the conditions of the purification step are adjusted to increase nitrogen removal if the nitrogen content of the purified product exceeds a preselected value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Rosenbaum, Christopher A. Simmons, Dennis J. O'Rear
  • Publication number: 20040256287
    Abstract: Waxy hydrocarbon feedstocks are contacted with a hydrocracking catalyst and the effluent then contacted with an intermediate pore size molecular sieve hydroisomerization catalyst. The effluent from the hydroisomerization is fractionated to provide a heavy fraction and a middle distillate fuel. At least a portion of the heavy fraction is dewaxed to provide a high quality lubricant base oil with a high viscosity index and a low pour point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Stephen J. Miller, Dennis J. O'Rear, John M. Rosenbaum, Jerome F. Mayer, Christopher A. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20040256286
    Abstract: Waxy hydrocarbon feedstocks are contacted with a hydrocracking catalyst and the effluent then contacted with an intermediate pore size molecular sieve hydroisomerization catalyst. The effluent from the hydroisomerization is fractionated to provide a heavy fraction and a middle distillate fuel. A high quality lubricant base oil with a high viscosity index and a low pour point is isolated from the heavy fraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Stephen J. Miller, Dennis J. O'Rear, John M. Rosenbaum, Jerome F. Mayer, Christopher A. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20040232045
    Abstract: A process for producing a premium Fischer-Tropsch diesel fuel which comprises (a) hydroprocessing a waxy Fischer-Tropsch feed to remove the oxygenates that are present in the feed, whereby a first Fischer-Tropsch intermediate product is produced with reduced olefins and oxygenates relative to the Fischer-Tropsch feed; (b) separating the first Fischer-Tropsch intermediate product in a separation zone into a heavy Fischer-Tropsch fraction and a light Fischer-Tropsch fraction under controlled separation conditions; (c) hydroisomerizing the heavy Fischer-Tropsch fraction to improve the cold flow properties of the heavy Fischer-Tropsch fraction and recovering an isomerized heavy Fischer-Tropsch fraction; (d) mixing the isomerized heavy Fischer-Tropsch fraction with at least a portion of the light Fischer-Tropsch fraction of (b); and (e) recovering from the blend a Fischer-Tropsch derived diesel product meeting a target value for at least one pre-selected specification for diesel fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Simmons, David R. Johnson, Jerome F. Mayer, John M. Rosenbaum, Richard O. Moore, Russell R. Krug
  • Publication number: 20040159582
    Abstract: A process for producing a premium Fischer-Tropsch diesel fuel which comprises (a) hydroprocessing a waxy Fischer-Tropsch feed to remove the oxygenates that are present in the feed, whereby a first Fischer-Tropsch intermediate product is produced with reduced olefins and oxygenates relative to the Fischer-Tropsch feed; (b) separating the first Fischer-Tropsch intermediate product in a separation zone into a heavy Fischer-Tropsch fraction and a light Fischer-Tropsch fraction under controlled separation conditions; (c) hydroisomerizing the heavy Fischer-Tropsch fraction to improve the cold flow properties of the heavy Fischer-Tropsch fraction and recovering an isomerized heavy Fischer-Tropsch fraction; (d) mixing the isomerized heavy Fischer-Tropsch fraction with at least a portion of the light Fischer-Tropsch fraction of (b); and (e) recovering from the blend a Fischer-Tropsch derived diesel product meeting a target value for at least one pre-selected specification for diesel fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher A. Simmons, David R. Johnson, Jerome F. Mayer, John M. Rosenbaum
  • Publication number: 20040124121
    Abstract: A method for preparing low toxicity Fischer-Tropsch fuels suitable for use in a diesel engine and Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel compositions having low toxicity suitable for use in diesel engines characterized by a boiling range distribution wherein the 5 weight percent point is at a temperature of 570 degrees F. or less and the 95 weight percent point is at or above a temperature of 680 degrees F.; a kinematic viscosity at 40 degrees C. of less than 5.5 cSt; and a cloud point of less than −18 degrees C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Russell R. Krug, Stephen J. Miller, Russell D. White, David R. Johnson, Christopher A. Simmons, James Arthur Rutherford
  • Publication number: 20040068150
    Abstract: A process for upgrading a Fischer-Tropsch feedstock which comprises (a) recovering from a Fischer-Tropsch reactor a Fischer-Tropsch wax fraction and a Fischer-Tropsch condensate fraction, wherein the Fischer-Tropsch condensate fraction contains alcohols boiling below about 370° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Johnson, Christopher A. Simmons, Donald H. Mohr, Stephen J. Miller, Stephen K. Lee, William J. Schinski, Michael S. Driver, William J. Cannella
  • Patent number: 6703535
    Abstract: A process for upgrading a Fischer-Tropsch feedstock which comprises (a) recovering from a Fischer-Tropsch reactor a Fischer-Tropsch wax fraction and a Fischer-Tropsch condensate fraction, wherein the Fischer-Tropsch condensate fraction contains alcohols boiling below about 370° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Johnson, Christopher A. Simmons, Donald H. Mohr, Stephen J. Miller, Stephen K. Lee, William L. Schinski, Michael S. Driver, William J. Cannella
  • Patent number: 6702937
    Abstract: A process for producing low pour point diesel and lubricating base oil products by bulk dewaxing a C5 plus Fischer-Tropsch syncrude, hydrofinishing the dewaxed intermediate, and recovering 120 degrees C. plus products having improved properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Johnson, Christopher A. Simmons, Donald H. Mohr, Stephen J. Miller, Stephen K. Lee
  • Patent number: 6700027
    Abstract: A process for increasing the yield of C10 plus hydrocarbon products from a Fischer-Tropsch plant which comprises (a) recovering a Fischer-Tropsch condensate fraction boiling below about 700 degrees F. from the Fischer-Tropsch plant, wherein said fraction contains at least 10 weight percent and preferably more olefins; (b) contacting the olefins in the Fischer-Tropsch condensate fraction under oligomerization conditions, at a reaction temperature between about 650 degrees F. and 800 degrees F. with an oligomerization catalyst comprising active chromium on an inert support; and (c) recovering a C10 plus hydrocarbon product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Johnson, Christopher A. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20040029984
    Abstract: A process for increasing the yield of C10 plus hydrocarbon products from a Fischer-Tropsch plant which comprises (a) recovering a Fischer-Tropsch condensate fraction boiling below about 700 degrees F. from the Fischer-Tropsch plant, wherein said fraction contains at least 10 weight percent and preferably more olefins; (b) contacting the olefins in the Fischer-Tropsch condensate fraction under oligomerization conditions, at a reaction temperature between about 650 degrees F. and 800 degrees F. with an oligomerization catalyst comprising active chromium on an inert support; and (c) recovering a C10 plus hydrocarbon product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: David R. Johnson, Christopher A. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20030199719
    Abstract: A process for upgrading a Fischer-Tropsch feedstock which comprises (a) recovering from a Fischer-Tropsch reactor a Fischer-Tropsch wax fraction and a Fischer-Tropsch condensate fraction, wherein the Fischer-Tropsch condensate fraction contains alcohols boiling below about 370° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: David R. Johnson, Christopher A. Simmons, Donald H. Mohr, Stephen J. Miller, Stephen K. Lee, William L. Schinski, Michael S. Driver, William J. Cannella
  • Patent number: 6635171
    Abstract: A process for treating nitrogen-containing, substantially paraffinic product derived from a Fischer-Tropsch process. The substantially paraffinic product is purified in a purification process to lower the concentration of oxygen, nitrogen, and other impurities. The nitrogen content of the purified product is monitored, and the conditions of the purification step are adjusted to increase nitrogen removal if the nitrogen content of the purified product exceeds a preselected value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Rosenbaum, Christopher A. Simmons, Dennis J. O'Rear
  • Publication number: 20030150776
    Abstract: A process for increasing the yield of C10 plus hydrocarbon products from a Fischer-Tropsch plant which comprises the steps of (a) separating a Fischer-Tropsch product into a wax fraction and a condensate fraction; (b) dewaxing the wax fraction to produce a high boiling intermediate; (c) hydrofinishing the high boiling intermediate; (d) dehydrating the alcohols in the condensate fraction to convert them into olefins; (e) oligomerizing the olefins to form higher molecular weight hydrocarbons; (f) hydrofinishing the oligomerization mixture; and (g) and recovering a C10 plus hydrocarbon product from the hydrofinishing zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: David R. Johnson, Christopher A. Simmons, Donald H. Mohr, Stephen J. Miller, Stephen K. Lee, William L. Schinski, Michael S. Driver
  • Publication number: 20030150777
    Abstract: A process for producing low pour point diesel and lubricating base oil products by bulk dewaxing a C5 plus Fischer-Tropsch syncrude, hydrofinishing the dewaxed intermediate, and recovering 120 degrees C. plus products having improved properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: David R. Johnson, Christopher A. Simmons, Donald H. Mohr, Stephen J. Miller, Stephen K. Lee