Patents by Inventor Richard O. Sheppard

Richard O. Sheppard 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: 8105403
    Abstract: A novel method of combining the CTL fuel plant and IGCC electrical plant by sharing the systems of coal intake, coal preparation, gas separation, and water units is described herein. This configuration allows for the combined facility to offer advantages in efficiencies of production, operational flexibility, scalability, and reliability by a multi-path integration of the processing units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Rentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Regnery, Richard O. Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20090280986
    Abstract: A pesticide or herbicide formulation comprising an effective amount of a pesticide or herbicide in a carrier or solvent fluid, wherein the carrier or solvent fluid comprises a Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon produced via Fischer-Tropsch conversion of synthesis gas. A method of producing a pesticide or herbicide formulation by combining an amount of an herbicide or pesticide and a biodegradable solvent to form a pesticide or herbicide solution. A method of producing a pesticide or herbicide formulation by converting synthesis gas into Fischer-Tropsch products in the presence of a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst and combining at least one Fischer-Tropsch product with a pesticide or herbicide to create the formulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: RENTECH, INC.
    Inventor: Richard O. Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20090094141
    Abstract: Methods of operating a business arrangement for an integrated CTL process and IGCC facility are disclosed herein. An embodiment of the method encompasses operating the integrated CTL and IGCC facility to optimize profitability, revenue and monitor inventory. Some advantages of the disclosed methods include reduced capital expenditures and increased availability of power or syngas during emergencies. Further advantages of the disclosed methods will be described in more detail herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: RENTECH, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Regnery, Richard O. Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20090090057
    Abstract: A novel method of combining the CTL fuel plant and IGCC electrical plant by sharing the systems of coal intake, coal preparation, gas separation, and water units is described herein. This configuration allows for the combined facility to offer advantages in efficiencies of production, operational flexibility, scalability, and reliability by a multi-path integration of the processing units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: RENTECH, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Regnery, Richard O. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 6976362
    Abstract: A plant for producing Fischer-Tropsch liquids and electrical power with greatly reduced emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere is made up of a syngas generator unit, an air separation unit, a Fischer-Tropsch unit, a CO2 removal unit, and a combined cycle electricity generation unit. Each of Fischer-Tropsch liquids, carbon dioxide, and electrical power can be recoverable under proper economic conditions. Electrical power is recoverable by the use of a gas turbine fueled by predominantly hydrogen and a steam turbine powered by steam generated by cooling exhaust gases from the gas turbine. Sequestration of CO2 and fueling the gas turbine with hydrogen reduces the amount of greenhouse gases emitted to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Rentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard O. Sheppard, Dennis L. Yakobson
  • Publication number: 20040216465
    Abstract: A plant for producing Fischer-Tropsch liquids and electrical power with greatly reduced emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere is made up of a syngas generator unit, an air separation unit, a Fischer-Tropsch unit, a CO2 removal unit, and a combined cycle electricity generation unit. Each of Fischer-Tropsch liquids, carbon dioxide, and electrical power can be recoverable under proper economic conditions. Electrical power is recoverable by the use of a gas turbine fueled by predominantly hydrogen and a steam turbine powered by steam generated by cooling exhaust gases from the gas turbine. Sequestration of CO2 and fueling the gas turbine with hydrogen reduces the amount of greenhouse gases emitted to the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Richard O. Sheppard, Dennis L. Yakobson
  • Patent number: 6632846
    Abstract: A plant for manufacturing urea from carbonaceous materials, oxygen from an air separation unit and water, preferably steam, is made up of a syngas generator unit, an air separation unit, Fischer-Tropsch unit, a CO2 removal unit, a hydrogen removal unit, a methanator unit, an ammonia converter unit and a urea synthesizer unit. Each of Fischer-Tropsch liquids, ammonia, hydrogen and urea can be recoverable under proper economic conditions. Electrical power is recoverable by the addition of at least one of a steam turbine and a gas turbine which is/are coupled to an electrical generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Rentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard O. Sheppard, Dennis L. Yakobson
  • Publication number: 20020055545
    Abstract: A plant for manufacturing urea from carbonaceous materials, oxygen from an air separation unit and water, preferably steam, is made up of a syngas generator unit, an air separation unit, Fischer-Tropsch unit, a CO2 removal unit, a hydrogen removal unit, a methanator unit, an ammonia converter unit and a urea synthesizer unit. Each of Fischer-Tropsch liquids, ammonia, hydrogen and urea can be recoverable under proper economic conditions. Electrical power is recoverable by the addition of at least one of a steam turbine and a gas turbine which is/are coupled to an electrical generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Richard O. Sheppard, Dennis L. Yakobson