Patents by Inventor Richard D. Kuerston

Richard D. Kuerston 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).

  • Crude oil processing apparatus for heavy oil extraction
    Patent number: 5188709
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for preparing and treating a heavy oil extraction solvent. A solvent fraction is separated from a crude oil and combined with a slip stream of rerun solvent taken from an extraction process solvent recycle system. The solvent fraction and rerun solvent are fractionated to provide a purified extraction solvent. The purified extraction solvent is then utilized in the heavy oil extraction process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Richard D. Kuerston, Ronald E. Brown
  • Method and apparatus for heavy oil extraction
    Patent number: 4992162
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for preparing and treating a heavy oil extraction solvent. A solvent fraction is separated from a crude oil and combined with a slip stream of rerun solvent taken from an extraction process solvent recycle system. The solvent fraction and rerun solvent are fractionated to provide a purified extraction solvent. The purified extraction solvent is then utilized in the heavy oil extraction process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Richard D. Kuerston, Ronald E. Brown
  • Retorting process using an anti-bridging mechanical agitator
    Patent number: 4652342
    Abstract: A process for the destructive distillation of hydrocarbonaceous solids in a retort, wherein a viscous bridging zone comprising viscous liquids in intimate contact with solids, which tends to impede the flow of vaporized hydrocarbons and the flow of solid particles, is agitated by reciprocating mechanical means actuated by a rotatable crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: Richard D. Kuerston
  • Retort with anti-bridging mechanical agitator
    Patent number: 4563247
    Abstract: An apparatus for the destructive distillation of hydrocarbonaceous solids in a retort, wherein a viscous bridging zone comprising viscous liquids in intimate contact with solids, which tends to impede the flow of vaporized hydrocarbons and the flow of solid particles, is agitated by reciprocating mechanical means actuated by a rotatable crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1986
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: Richard D. Kuerston