Patents by Inventor Lonny R. Kelley

Lonny R. Kelley 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).

  • Process components, containers, and pipes suitable for containing and transporting cryogenic temperature fluids
    Patent number: 6212891
    Abstract: Process components, containers, and pipes are provided that are constructed from ultra-high strength, low alloy steels containing less than 9 wt % nickel and having tensile strengths greater than 830 MPa (120 ksi) and DBTTs lower than about −73° C. (−100° F.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Moses Minta, Lonny R. Kelley, Bruce T. Kelley, E. Lawrence Kimble, James R. Rigby, Robert E. Steele
  • Flow enhanced one-pass centrifuge separator
    Patent number: 6102843
    Abstract: A one-pass centrifuge separator for mixtures of two liquids which may also contain gas. The centrifuge uses separation zones on a rotor's inner wall to improve separation efficiency and minimize turbulent mixing. The zones consist of surface and interface vanes, and baffle plates to control flow at the fluid interface. The zones also retain an open concept to facilitate washing by cleaning fluids which are provided by nozzles installed on a stationary feedpipe mounted along the rotational axis of the centrifuge. A fluid accelerator gradually accelerates the fluid from the feedpipe to the inner wall of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Lonny R. Kelley, Mark E. Ehrhardt, Mukhtiar S. Purewal, Jeffrey W. Frederick, Houston G. Wood, III, James P. Johnston
  • Multi-component refrigeration process for liquefaction of natural gas
    Patent number: 5950453
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for liquefying a pressurized gas stream rich in methane in which the liquefication of the gas stream occurs in a heat exchanger being cooled by a closed-loop multi-component refrigeration system to produce a methane-rich liquid product having a temperature above about -112.degree. C. (-170.degree. F.) and a pressure sufficient for the liquid product to be at or below its bubble point. The liquefied gas product is then introduced to a storage means at a temperature above about -112.degree. C. (-170.degree. F.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Company
    Inventors: Ronald R. Bowen, Eric T. Cole, Edward L. Kimble, Eugene R. Thomas, Lonny R. Kelley
  • Centrifuge processor and liquid level control system
    Patent number: 4846780
    Abstract: A centrifugal method and apparatus capable of separating a fluid stream composed of a plurality of components with differing specific gravities. The stream contemplated for separation is that of a producing oil well with components of oil, water, natural gas, and particulates. The method and apparatus use centrifugal forces to separate the gaseous, solid, and liquid components from each other. After separation is completed, detector and sensor arrangements are used to maintain liquid levels in the separator and to control the removal of the individual separated fluids from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Company
    Inventors: Jimmie G. Galloway, Lonny R. Kelley, Mark E. Ehrhardt, Tracy A. Fowler