Patents by Inventor Randal Joseph Rapoza

Randal Joseph Rapoza 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: 9347591
    Abstract: A method to prevent the accumulation of static electricity in a pipe system for containing corrosive petroleum products is provided, for a total resistance of less than 1 MEG ohms to ground from all points. The pipe system has at least two pipe sections, each comprising a structural layer and a corrosion resistant layer. The corrosion resistant layer has at least a conductive surface area in contact with the fluid, with the conductive surface area defining an electrical pathway extending a length of the pipe section. Each pipe section has a tapered end exposing a portion of the corrosion resistant layer. The method comprises joining the two pipe sections at the tapered ends by a conductive adhesive overlay, and electrically connecting the conductive adhesive overlay to a grounding device, wherein the grounding device helps dissipate build-up of electrostatic charge in the pipe system carrying the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Warren Schmidt, Randal Joseph Rapoza, Brian Gene Thompson, Edwin Hall Niccolls
  • Publication number: 20130036604
    Abstract: A method to prevent the accumulation of static electricity in a pipe system for containing corrosive petroleum products is provided, for a total resistance of less than 1 MEG ohms to ground from all points. The pipe system has at least two pipe sections, each comprising a structural layer and a corrosion resistant layer. The corrosion resistant layer has at least a conductive surface area in contact with the fluid, with the conductive surface area defining an electrical pathway extending a length of the pipe section. Each pipe section has a tapered end exposing a portion of the corrosion resistant layer. The method comprises joining the two pipe sections at the tapered ends by a conductive adhesive overlay, and electrically connecting the conductive adhesive overlay to a grounding device, wherein the grounding device helps dissipate build-up of electrostatic charge in the pipe system carrying the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Kyle Warren Schmidt, Randal Joseph Rapoza, Brian Gene Thompson, Edwin Hall Niccolls
  • Publication number: 20130037155
    Abstract: A pipe system for containing corrosive petroleum products with a total resistance of less than 1 MEG ohms to ground from all points to prevent the accumulation of static electricity is provided. The pipe system has at least two pipe sections, each comprising a structural layer and a corrosion resistant layer. The corrosion resistant layer has at least a conductive surface area in contact with the fluid, with the conductive surface area defining an electrical pathway extending a length of the pipe section. Each pipe section has a tapered end exposing a portion of the corrosion resistant layer. The two pipe sections are joined at the tapered ends by a conductive adhesive overlay. The conductive adhesive overlay is electrically connected to a grounding device, wherein the grounding device helps dissipate build-up of electrostatic charge in the pipe system carrying the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Chevron Corporation
    Inventors: Edwin Hall Niccolls, Randal Joseph Rapoza, Kyle Warren Schmidt, Brian Gene Thompson