Patents by Inventor Richard D. Favinger

Richard D. Favinger 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: 5783760
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for observing fluid replacement in core samples while simulating subsurface reservoir conditions, including oil composition, temperature, fluid pressure, and overburden pressure. Overburden pressure is applied to a core sample placed in the apparatus, and the core sample is saturated with a core saturating fluid at a pressure greater than the bubble point pressure of the core saturating fluid. One or more replacement fluids are provided in fluid communication with the core sample and at the same pressure as the core saturating fluid pressure. The apparatus is placed in a centrifuge and spun, and the extent and rate of replacement of the core saturating fluid in the core by a replacement fluid can be observed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Marathon Oil Company
    Inventors: Hiemi K. Haines, Gary R. Kennedy, Richard D. Favinger
  • Patent number: 5563333
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for observing fluid replacement in core samples while simulating subsurface reservoir conditions, including oil composition, temperature, fluid pressure, and overburden pressure. Overburden pressure is applied to a core sample placed in the apparatus, and the core sample is saturated with a core saturating fluid at a pressure greater than the bubble point pressure of the core saturating fluid. One or more replacement fluids are provided in fluid communication with the core sample and at the same pressure as the core saturating fluid pressure. The apparatus is placed in a centrifuge and spun, and the extent and rate of replacement of the core saturating fluid in the core by a replacement fluid can be observed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventors: Hiemi K. Haines, Gary R. Kennedy, Richard D. Favinger
  • Patent number: 5039063
    Abstract: A valve which minimizes fluid turbulence. The valve body has inlet and outlet ports at the end of threaded counterbores. Threaded collars mounted on the ends of the conduits are locked in place in the counterbores. A flange such as a snap ring on the conduits is engaged by a transverse wall on the collars to prevent movement of the conduits away from the valve body. A sliding valve element containing a flow opening permits fluid to flow through the valve when in open position. The interior of the valve body, the opening in the sliding valve member, the inlet and outlet ports and the inside diameter of the conduits are the same dimension with no gaps therebetween, creating a smooth bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Marathon Oil Company
    Inventors: David B. Louch, Richard D. Favinger