Patents by Inventor Michael C. Croudace

Michael C. Croudace 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: 4612880
    Abstract: The control of the octane requirement increase phenomenon in an internal combustion engine is achieved by introducing into an internal combustion engine, having manifold and/or combustion surfaces which inhibit the formation of engine deposits, along with the combustion charge, a fuel composition containing an octane requirement increase-inhibiting amount of (a) an oil-soluble iron compound and (b) carboxylic acids and/or ester derivatives thereof. In particular the esters of a tertiary alcohol and an unsubstituted, mono-carboxylic acid having at least two carbon atoms, e.g., t-butylacetate, in combination with dicyclopentadienyl iron provides an effective octane requirement increase-inhibiting additive for said internal combustion engine. Preferably the manifold and combustion surfaces of said internal combustion engine are coated with a low density alumina or zirconia coating. More preferably said alumina or zirconia coating further comprises a carbon gasification catalyst, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Stephen Brass, Michael C. Croudace, Timothy Wusz
  • Patent number: 4612130
    Abstract: This invention provides novel organometallic compositions represented by the general formula: ##STR1## wherein M is selected from the group consisting of members of Groups IIa, IIb, IIIa, IVa and VIIb of the Periodic System of Elements; R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of radicals represented by the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sup.2 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydrocarbyl radicals and heteroatom-substituted hydrocarbyl radicals wherein said heteroatoms are selected from the group consisting of halogen, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen and phosphorus atoms; R.sup.3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl radicals; R is selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbyl radicals and hetero atom-substituted derivatives thereof wherein said heteroatoms are selected from the group consisting of halogen, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen and phosphorus atoms; and v, w, x, y and z are integers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: James F. Landry, Michael C. Croudace, Harry P. On, Jr., Sidney Y. Shen
  • Patent number: 4602919
    Abstract: A fuel composition containing a malonate as an anti-knock additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Peter J. Jessup, Stephen G. Brass, Michael C. Croudace
  • Patent number: 4600408
    Abstract: A fuel composition containing an alkyl phenyl carbonate as an anti-knock additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Peter J. Jessup, Stephen G. Brass, Michael C. Croudace
  • Patent number: 4595514
    Abstract: A boron-containing heterocyclic compound prepared by reacting a primary amine or ammonia with an alkylene oxide or epoxide and then reacting concurrently or subsequently this reaction intermediate with a boric acid. This boron-containing heterocyclic compound may further be reacted with a metal, metaloid or other metal compound and even further contain sulfur, such as a sulfide group.The boron-containing heterocyclic compound provides extreme pressure anti-wear properties when provided in a lubricating composition. The lubricating composition may also comprise anti-oxidants, copper corrosion inhibitors, and lead corrosion inhibitors. The anti-wear properties of a lubricating composition can be enhanced using the borates of the present invention in conjuction with a copper compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Richard A. Holstedt, Michael C. Croudace
  • Patent number: 4525174
    Abstract: The control of the octane requirement increase phenomenon in a spark ignition, internal combustion engine is achieved by continuously or intermittently introducing with the combustion charge a fuel composition containing (a) an oil-soluble iron compound, (b) a volatile carboxylic acid or ester, and (c) a nonvolatile polar compound capable of solubilizing carbonaceous engine deposits, wherein said nonvolatile polar compound is introduced either simultaneously with said oil-soluble iron compound and said volatile carboxylic acid or ester during the intermission. Preferably said nonvolatile polar compound comprises an oxidation resistant hydrocarbon moiety covalently connected to a polar moiety selected from the group consisting of primary and secondary amino, formamido and sulfo radicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Assignee: Union Oil Company Of California
    Inventor: Michael C. Croudace
  • Patent number: 4444565
    Abstract: The control of the octane requirement increase phenomenon in a spark ignition internal combustion engine is achieved by introducing with the combustion charge a fuel composition containing an octane requirement increase-inhibiting amount of (a) an oil-soluble iron compound and (b) carboxylic acids and/or certain derivatives thereof. In particular the esters of a tertiary alcohol and an unsubstituted, mono-carboxylic acid having at least two carbon atoms, e.g., t-butylacetate, in combination with dicyclopentadienyl iron provides an effective octane requirement increase-inhibiting additive for unleaded gasoline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventor: Michael C. Croudace