Patents by Inventor Richard L. Hervig

Richard L. Hervig 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).

  • Boron and lithium isotopic method for tracing hydrocarbons and their by-products
    Patent number: 9429554
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for determining the source of hydrocarbons presented in the pores of a host rock or found in contaminated groundwater. The method includes the steps of (a) determining a first isotopic composition of boron and/or lithium in one or more components within a potential source rock sample, such as kerogen, clay, or water; (b) determining a second isotopic composition of boron and/or lithium in the hydrocarbons found within the pores of a host rock sample or in contaminated groundwater; and (c) comparing the first and second isotopic compositions to determine whether the potential source rock is the source of the hydrocarbons within the pores of the host rock or in contaminated groundwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Lynda B. Williams, Richard L. Hervig
  • Boron And Lithium Isotopic Method For Tracing Hydrocarbons And Their By-Products
    Publication number: 20150198577
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for determining the source of hydrocarbons presented in the pores of a host rock or found in contaminated groundwater. The method includes the steps of (a) determining a first isotopic composition of boron and/or lithium in one or more components within a potential source rock sample, such as kerogen, clay, or water; (b) determining a second isotopic composition of boron and/or lithium in the hydrocarbons found within the pores of a host rock sample or in contaminated groundwater; and (c) comparing the first and second isotopic compositions to determine whether the potential source rock is the source of the hydrocarbons within the pores of the host rock or in contaminated groundwater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: Lynda B. Williams, Richard L. Hervig