Patents by Inventor Mark A. Ball

Mark A. Ball 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: 11359146
    Abstract: The present technology is generally directed to methods of decarbonizing coking ovens, and associated systems and devices. In some embodiments, a method of operating and decarbonizing a coking oven can include inserting a charge of coal into the coking oven and heating the coal. The method can further include removing at least a portion of the charge, leaving behind coking deposits in the coking oven. At least a portion of the deposits can be continuously removed from the coking oven. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the deposits can be removed each time a new charge of coal is inserted in the coking oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: SUNCOKE TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: John Francis Quanci, Chun Wai Choi, Mark Ball, Bradley Thomas Rodgers, Tony Amadio, Gary West, Dwayne Johnson
  • Publication number: 20200407641
    Abstract: The present technology is generally directed to methods of decarbonizing coking ovens, and associated systems and devices. In some embodiments, a method of operating and decarbonizing a coking oven can include inserting a charge of coal into the coking oven and heating the coal. The method can further include removing at least a portion of the charge, leaving behind coking deposits in the coking oven. At least a portion of the deposits can be continuously removed from the coking oven. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the deposits can be removed each time a new charge of coal is inserted in the coking oven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: John Francis Quanci, Chun Wai Choi, Mark Ball, Bradley Thomas Rodgers, Tony Amadio, Gary West, Dwayne Johnson
  • Patent number: 10619101
    Abstract: The present technology is generally directed to methods of decarbonizing coking ovens, and associated systems and devices. In some embodiments, a method of operating and decarbonizing a coking oven can include inserting a charge of coal into the coking oven and heating the coal. The method can further include removing at least a portion of the charge, leaving behind coking deposits in the coking oven. At least a portion of the deposits can be continuously removed from the coking oven. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the deposits can be removed each time a new charge of coal is inserted in the coking oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: SUNCOKE TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: John Francis Quanci, Chun Wai Choi, Mark Ball, Bradley Thomas Rodgers, Tony Amadio, Gary West, Dwayne Johnson
  • Patent number: 10053627
    Abstract: A method of testing the coking qualities of sample quantities of coal in a test container and the structure of the test container are disclosed. A test container which is ideally reusable is adapted to receive one or more samples of coal to be tested and then the test container is inserted into a coking oven along with additional, conventional coal during a conventional coking operation. Following the completion or substantial completion of the coking operation, the test container is recovered and from the conventional converted coke and the sample(s) of coke are removed from the container for testing and evaluation. The container is recharged with one or more additional samples of coke and reused in another conventional coking operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: SUNCOKE TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Jacob P. Sarpen, John F. Quanci, Mark A. Ball, Paul J. Norton, Roy J. Griffey, Jose Eustaquio daSilva
  • Publication number: 20160032193
    Abstract: A method of testing the coking qualities of sample quantities of coal in a test container and the structure of the test container are disclosed. A test container which is ideally reusable is adapted to receive one or more samples of coal to be tested and then the test container is inserted into a coking oven along with additional, conventional coal during a conventional coking operation. Following the completion or substantial completion of the coking operation, the test container is recovered and from the conventional converted coke and the sample(s) of coke are removed from the container for testing and evaluation. The container is recharged with one or more additional samples of coke and reused in another conventional coking operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Jacob P. Sarpen, John F. Quanci, Mark A. Ball, Paul J. Norton, Roy J. Griffey, Jose Eustaquio daSilva
  • Patent number: 9169439
    Abstract: A method of testing the coking qualities of sample quantities of coal in a test container and the structure of the test container are disclosed. A test container which is ideally reusable is adapted to receive one or more samples of coal to be tested and then the test container is inserted into a coking oven along with additional, conventional coal during a conventional coking operation. Following the completion or substantial completion of the coking operation, the test container is recovered and from the conventional converted coke and the sample(s) of coke are removed from the container for testing and evaluation. The container is recharged with one or more additional samples of coke and reused in another conventional coking operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: SUNCOKE TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Jacob P. Sarpen, John F. Quanci, Mark A. Ball, Paul J. Norton, Roy J. Griffey, Jose Eustaquio DaSilva
  • Publication number: 20150247092
    Abstract: The present technology is generally directed to methods of decarbonizing coking ovens, and associated systems and devices. In some embodiments, a method of operating and decarbonizing a coking oven can include inserting a charge of coal into the coking oven and heating the coal. The method can further include removing at least a portion of the charge, leaving behind coking deposits in the coking oven. At least a portion of the deposits can be continuously removed from the coking oven. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the deposits can be removed each time a new charge of coal is inserted in the coking oven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Publication date: September 3, 2015
    Inventors: John Francis Quanci, Chun Wai Choi, Mark Ball, Bradley Thomas Rodgers, Tony Amadio, Gary West, Dwayne Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140061018
    Abstract: A method of testing the coking qualities of sample quantities of coal in a test container and the structure of the test container are disclosed. A test container which is ideally reusable is adapted to receive one or more samples of coal to be tested and then the test container is inserted into a coking oven along with additional, conventional coal during a conventional coking operation. Following the completion or substantial completion of the coking operation, the test container is recovered and from the conventional converted coke and the sample(s) of coke are removed from the container for testing and evaluation. The container is recharged with one or more additional samples of coke and reused in another conventional coking operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Jacob P. Sarpen, John F. Quanci, Mark A. Ball, Paul J. Norton, Roy J. Griffey, Jose Eustaquio DaSilva
  • Patent number: 8152970
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for quenching metallurgical coke made in a coking oven. The method includes pushing a unitary slab of hot coke onto a substantially planar receiving surface of a hot car. The hot car containing the coke is then transported to a quench car station. The unitary slab of hot coke is pushed onto a substantially planar receiving surface of a quench car at the quench car station. Quenching of the slab of hot coke is conducted in the quench car with a predetermine amount of water. After quenching, the quenched coke is dumped onto a receiving pad for collection thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: SunCoke Technology and Development LLC
    Inventors: Michael P. Barkdoll, Donald M. Watkins, Richard C. Retort, Richard W. Westbrook, Jerome A. Karnowski, Mark A. Ball
  • Patent number: 7744436
    Abstract: A portable, roll-able or fold-able mat for supporting one or more individuals includes a non-inflatable, buoyant core. The core includes buoyancy sufficient to support the one or more individuals on a surface of the mat. The core includes at least one layer of foam and a non-foam layer connected with at least one surface of the layer of foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: BRK Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Pole, III, Mark Ball, Charles G. Detmar, Jr., Jay Crookston
  • Publication number: 20090188921
    Abstract: A combined vented container and collection bag for use during debris collecting, transporting and removal procedures includes a portable container having a closed bottom end and an open top end. The container has an outer surface continuously spanning along a circumference of the container such that a cavity is formed intermediately of the bottom and top end. The top end has a top rim continuously extending about the entire perimeter. The outer and inner surfaces of the container have several vent openings to allow air to enter and exit the container. Also, a manually-operable mechanism is provided for regulating air flow into and out from the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Mark Ball
  • Publication number: 20090186540
    Abstract: A portable, roll-able or fold-able mat for supporting one or more individuals includes a non-inflatable, buoyant core. The core includes buoyancy sufficient to support the one or more individuals on a surface of the mat. The core includes at least one layer of foam and a non-foam layer connected with at least one surface of the layer of foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Robert C. Pole, III, Mark Ball, Charles G. Detmar, JR., Jay Crookston
  • Patent number: 7497930
    Abstract: Relatively high speed methods for increasing the bulk density of coal particles, apparatus for increasing the bulk density of coal particles and methods for making metallurgical coke. Once such method includes depositing coal particles onto a charging plate external to a coking oven to provide an elongate bed of dry, uncompacted coal having an upper surface of the charging plate. The charging plate has side walls, and at least one movable end wall An impact pressure is applied to the upper surface of the bed of dry, uncompacted coal while degassing the coal to provide a dry, compacted coal bed having a bulk density ranging from about 960 to about 1200 kilograms per cubic meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: SunCoke Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Barkdoll, Mark A. Ball, Daniel Korrect, Richard C. Retort
  • Patent number: 7331298
    Abstract: An oven door latch system for a coke oven door positionable within an oven door opening and method of sealing a coke oven. The door latch system includes a rotary member rotatively attachable to the oven door. The rotary member has a wedge-shaped, arcuate engagement edge for variably engaging a striker plate on a buck stay member adjacent the oven door opening when the oven door is disposed in the opening of the oven. A tab member is also included on the rotary member. A remotely operated adjustment actuator is provided for engaging the tab member to rotate the rotary member in conjunction with an oven door opening or closing operation. Enhanced oven door sealing is provided by the rotary wedge latch system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: SunCoke Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Barkdoll, Mark A. Ball, Richard E. Taylor, Terry D. Taylor, Dexter J. Mounts, Ronnie E. Stacy, John W. Crigger, Darrell E. Horn, William H. Stacy
  • Publication number: 20070289861
    Abstract: Relatively high speed methods for increasing the bulk density of coal particles, apparatus for increasing the bulk density of coal particles and methods for making metallurgical coke. Once such method includes depositing coal particles onto a charging plate external to a coking oven to provide an elongate bed of dry, uncompacted coal having an upper surface of the charging plate. The charging plate has side walls, and at least one movable end wall An impact pressure is applied to the upper surface of the bed of dry, uncompacted coal while degassing the coal to provide a dry, compacted coal bed having a bulk density ranging from about 960 to about 1200 kilograms per cubic meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Michael P. Barkdoll, Mark A. Ball, Daniel Korrect, Richard C. Retort, Donald M. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20070205091
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for quenching metallurgical coke made in a coking oven. The method includes pushing a unitary slab of hot coke onto a substantially planar receiving surface of a hot car. The hot car containing the coke is then transported to a quench car station. The unitary slab of hot coke is pushed onto a substantially planar receiving surface of a quench car at the quench car station. Quenching of the slab of hot coke is conducted in the quench car with a predetermine amount of water. After quenching, the quenched coke is dumped onto a receiving pad for collection thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Barkdoll, Donald Watkins, Richard Retort, Richard Westbrook, Jerome Karnowski, Mark Ball
  • Publication number: 20060049641
    Abstract: An oven door latch system for a coke oven door positionable within an oven door opening and method of sealing a coke oven. The door latch system includes a rotary member rotatively attachable to the oven door. The rotary member has a wedge-shaped, arcuate engagement edge for variably engaging a striker plate on a buck stay member adjacent the oven door opening when the oven door is disposed in the opening of the oven. A tab member is also included on the rotary member. A remotely operated adjustment actuator is provided for engaging the tab member to rotate the rotary member in conjunction with an oven door opening or closing operation. Enhanced oven door sealing is provided by the rotary wedge latch system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Publication date: March 9, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Barkdoll, Mark Ball, Richard Taylor, Terry Taylor, Dexter Mounts, Ronnie Stacy, John Crigger, Darrell Horn, William Stacy
  • Patent number: D604918
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventors: Rita Thomas, Mark Ball