Patents by Inventor Richard W. Baker

Richard W. Baker 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).

  • Steam cracker gas separation process
    Patent number: 5785739
    Abstract: The invention is a process for treating a gas stream from ethylene or propylene production, or any other stream containing low molecular weight olefin gases and other hydrocarbons, to separate hydrogen and methane from the C.sub.2+ hydrocarbons. The invention involves three separation steps: condensation, flash evaporation and membrane separation. The steps are integrated together in such a way as to provide a good separation between the components, and to avoid creation of secondary streams that need additional treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Baker
  • Process for recovering semiconductor industry cleaning compounds
    Patent number: 5779763
    Abstract: A process for separating perfluoro compound gas or vapor from another gas, typically nitrogen, in a gas mixture. The process involves a combination of membrane separation and condensation, and is particularly useful in the semiconductor industry, for treating exhaust gases from cleaning of chemical vapor deposition chambers. Operation of the condensation step at temperatures no lower than about -30.degree. C. reduces the need for refrigeration equipment and controls the amount of gas dissolved in the recovered perfluoro compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Ingo Pinnau, Johannes G. Wijmans, Zhenjie He, Shannon Goakey, Richard W. Baker
  • Membrane hybrid process for treating low-organic-concentration gas streams
    Patent number: 5772734
    Abstract: A membrane hybrid process for treating organic-containing gas streams to remove or recover the organic. The process combines absorbent scrubbing, gas stripping, condensation, and membrane separation, and is particularly useful in treating high-volume, low-organic-concentration streams. The process may be operated such that the only products are a clean air stream suitable for venting to the atmosphere, and a small-volume, condensed liquid organic stream suitable to reuse or disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Baker, Ramin Daniels
  • Natural gas liquids (NGL) stabilization process
    Patent number: 5772733
    Abstract: An improved, membrane-based method of treating gas evolved during natural gas liquids (NGL) stabilization, to separate the very light hydrocarbon gases, methane in particular, from the heavier hydrocarbons. The membrane acts as a demethanizer and establishes a vapor/liquid equilibrium during phase separation that is different than would otherwise obtain. This can increase NGL production and reduce the weight of C.sub.3+ hydrocarbons in the off-gas from the stabilizing phase separators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Richard W. Baker
  • Membrane separation of associated gas
    Patent number: 5769926
    Abstract: An improved, membrane-based method of treating gas evolved during gas/oil separation, to separate the very light hydrocarbon gases, methane in particular, from the heavier hydrocarbons. The membrane acts as a demethanizer and establishes a vapor/liquid equilibrium during phase separation that is different than would otherwise obtain. This can increase oil production and reduce the weight of C.sub.4+ hydrocarbons lost in the associated gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Richard W. Baker
  • Membrane expansion process for organic component recovery from gases
    Patent number: 5762685
    Abstract: A process for recovering organic components from gas streams by condensation. The process uses a semipermeable separation membrane as an expansion device to provide cooling for condensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Baker, Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala
  • Separation process combining condensation, membrane separation and flash evaporation
    Patent number: 5755855
    Abstract: A process for separating two low-boiling components of a gas-phase mixture. The invention involves three separation steps: condensation, flash evaporation and membrane separation. The steps are integrated together in such a way as to provide a good separation between the components, and to avoid creation of secondary streams that need additional treatment. The invention is particularly useful for separation of low molecular weight organic compounds from other gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Baker, Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Douglas Gottschlich, Marc L. Jacobs
  • Method and therapeutic system for smoking cessation
    Patent number: 5721257
    Abstract: A method for treating conditions responsive to nicotine therapy, and particularly for smoking cessation therapy and for reducing nicotine craving, is described that utilizes transdermal nicotine delivery for obtaining base-line nicotine plasma levels coupled with transmucosal administration of nicotine to satisfy transient craving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Pharmacia & Upjohn AB
    Inventors: Richard W. Baker, Giancarlo Santus, Susan Vintilla-Friedman
  • Gas separation membrane module and process
    Patent number: 5711882
    Abstract: A spiral-wound, gas-separation membrane module and a gas-separation process. The module and process provide at least partial counter-current flow between the feed and permeate gas streams without requiring a permeate sweep. The counter-current flow pattern can be achieved by appropriate placement of barriers or baffles in the feed channel. Similar modules and processes may also be used for pervaporation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Hofmann, Matthias Wessling, Richard W. Baker
  • Methane/nitrogen separation process
    Patent number: 5669958
    Abstract: A membrane separation process for treating a gas stream containing methane and nitrogen, for example, natural gas. The separation process works by preferentially permeating methane and rejecting nitrogen. We have found that the process is able to meet natural gas pipeline specifications for nitrogen, with acceptably small methane loss, so long as the membrane can exhibit a methane/nitrogen selectivity of about 4, 5 or more. This selectivity can be achieved with some rubbery and super-glassy membranes at low temperatures. The process can also be used for separating ethylene from nitrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Baker, Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Ingo Pinnau, Scott Segelke
  • Vapor recovery process using baffled membrane module
    Patent number: 5611841
    Abstract: A gas-separation method for controlling vapor emissions. The method employs a spiral-wound membrane module, adapted to provide one or more feed-side baffles in the feed channel. The method may be used to control vapor emissions from a volatile liquid, and is particularly useful to control fuel vapors emitted during fuel transfer operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Baker, Douglas Gottschlich, Thomas Hofmann, Scott Segelke, Matthias Wessling
  • Method and therapeutic system for smoking cessation
    Patent number: 5593684
    Abstract: A method for treating conditions responsive to nicotine therapy, and particularly for smoking cessation therapy and for reducing nicotine craving, is described that utilizes transdermal nicotine delivery for obtaining base-line nicotine plasma levels coupled with transmucosal administration of nicotine to satisfy transient craving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Pharmacia AB
    Inventors: Richard W. Baker, Giancarlo Santus, Susan Vintilla-Friedman
  • Liquid reservoir transdermal patch for the administration of ketorolac
    Patent number: 5591767
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a patch for the transdermal delivery of the racemic form or the active enantiomer of the analgesic ketorolac. The transdermal patch is capable of delivering therapeutically effective doses of the drug for a period of 12 hours or more. The patch is capable of delivering the racemate of ketorolac at a flux rate of 40 .mu.g/cm.sup.2 .multidot.hr or more, and of the active enantiomer at a flux rate of 20 .mu.g/cm.sup.2 .multidot.hr or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Pharmetrix Corporation
    Inventors: Judy M. Mohr, Richard W. Baker, Lisa A. Nakaji
  • Transdermal delivery of the active enantiomer of ketorolac
    Patent number: 5589498
    Abstract: The invention provides for the transdermal delivery of the active enantiomer of the analgesic ketorolac. Transdermal patches according to the invention are capable of delivering (-) ketorolac to a patient at therapeutically effective levels, at a flux rate of 20 .mu.g/cm.sup.2.hr or more. Patches for use in the present invention may be adhesive matrix, monolithic matrix, or liquid reservoir transdermal patches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Pharmetrix Corporation
    Inventors: Judy M. Mohr, Richard W. Baker, Lisa A. Nakaji
  • Acid gas fractionation process
    Patent number: 5558698
    Abstract: Improved processes for treating gas streams containing hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide, particularly natural gas streams. The processes rely on the availability of a membrane that maintains high hydrogen sulfide/methane selectivity and adequate hydrogen sulfide/carbon dioxide selectivity when measured with multicomponent gas mixtures at high pressure. The processes have three steps: an acid gas removal step, to remove both hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide from the primary gas stream; a membrane fractionation step, to separate hydrogen sulfide from carbon dioxide and create a highly hydrogen-sulfide-concentrated fraction; and a sulfur-fixing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Baker, Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala
  • Acid gas fractionation process for fossil fuel gasifiers
    Patent number: 5556449
    Abstract: Improved processes for treating gas streams containing hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide, particularly gas streams from fossil fuel gasification processes. The processes rely on the availability of a membrane that maintains high hydrogen sulfide/methane selectivity and adequate hydrogen sulfide/carbon dioxide selectivity when measured with multicomponent gas mixtures at high pressure. The processes have three steps: an acid gas removal step, to remove both hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide from the primary gas stream; a membrane fractionation step, to separate hydrogen sulfide from carbon dioxide and create a highly hydrogen-sulfide-concentrated fraction; and a sulfur-fixing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Baker, Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala
  • Pervaporation apparatus and process
    Patent number: 5538640
    Abstract: A pervaporation apparatus and process adapted to handle a diverse range of feed stream compositions and volumes. The apparatus includes a pervaporation unit and condenser, one or more tanks and a control system to direct liquid flows within the apparatus according to the chosen processing scheme. The apparatus and process can achieve separation performance comparable to a one-stage, two-stage, two-step or more complicated pervaporation system, including those in which two-phase permeates are produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Johannes G. Wijmans, Juergen Kaschemekat, Richard W. Baker
  • Pervaporation apparatus and process
    Patent number: 5417847
    Abstract: A pervaporation apparatus and process adapted to handle a diverse range of feed stream compositions and volumes. The apparatus includes a pervaporation unit and condenser, one or more tanks and a control system to direct liquid flows within the apparatus according to the chosen processing scheme. The apparatus and process can achieve separation performance comparable to a one-stage, two-stage, two-step or more complicated pervaporation system, including those in which two-phase permeates are produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Johannes G. Wijmans, Juergen Kaschemekat, Richard W. Baker
  • Process for removing inorganic components from water
    Patent number: 5415681
    Abstract: A process for removing inorganic components from water is disclosed. The process involves gas stripping followed by membrane separation treatment of the stripping gas. The stripping step can be carried out using one or multiple gas strippers and using air or any other gas as stripping gas. The membrane separation step can be carried out using a single-stage membrane unit or a multistage unit. Apparatus for carrying out the process is also disclosed. The process is particularly suited for treatment of contaminated groundwater or industrial wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Baker
  • Sour gas treatment process including membrane and non-membrane treatment steps
    Patent number: 5407466
    Abstract: Improved processes for treating gas streams containing hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, water vapor and methane, particularly natural gas streams. The processes rely on the availability of two membrane types, one of which has a hydrogen sulfide/methane selectivity of at least about 40 when measured with multicomponent gas mixtures at high pressure. Based on the different permeation properties of the two membrane types, optimized separation processes can be designed. The membrane separation is combined with non-membrane treatment of the residue and/or permeate streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Richard W. Baker