Patents by Inventor Robert D. Higgins

Robert D. Higgins 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: 4356014
    Abstract: A vapor fraction containing hydrogen and at least one hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 hydrocarbons is separated from a hydrogen-rich refinery off-gas feed to give a liquid product fraction. The refinery off-gas is fed to and compressed in a compressor/expander having compressor means and expander means mounted and driven on a common shaft, and then cooled and partially condensed to form a two-phase fluid in a heat exchanger followed by separation of the vapor and liquid product phases of the fluid in a separator or a separator/fractionation column stabilizer unit. The separated vapor phase is transmitted to the compressor/expander unit wherein the vapor is depressurized and partially condensed, thereby driving the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1982
    Assignee: Petrochem Consultants, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Higgins
  • Patent number: 4272270
    Abstract: A vapor fraction containing hydrogen and at least one hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 hydrocarbons is separated from a hydrogen-rich refinery off-gas feed to give a liquid product fraction. The refinery off-gas is fed to and compressed in a compressor/expander having compressor means and expander means mounted and driven on a common shaft, and then cooled and partially condensed to form a two-phase fluid in a heat exchanger followed by separation of the vapor and liquid product phases of the fluid in a separator or a separator/fractionation column stabilizer unit. The separated vapor phase is transmitted to the compressor/expander unit wherein the vapor is depressurized and partially condensed, thereby driving the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Assignee: Petrochem Consultants, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Higgins
  • Patent number: 4238008
    Abstract: A control valve linkage arrangement which is closely adjacent a vehicle operator and which allows easy access to a compartment upon which the operator sits. A control linkage (12) is disclosed wherein positioning of the member (30) to be controlled determines a control signal. The linkage (12) is connected to the valve control member (30) and may be pivoted relative to the valve control member (30) along a plane generally containing the valve control member (30) without axial movement of the said member (30). The linkage (12) can also be moved axially thereby moving the control member (30) axially without pivoting the linkage (12) relative to the control member (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1980
    Assignee: Towmotor Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Higgins, John E. Wible
  • Patent number: 4126209
    Abstract: A lift truck having a frame which includes parallel beams having forward ends that terminate in bifurcated ends forming upper and lower portions with U-shaped openings therebetween adapted to receive a front drive axle assembly therein for forward removal from the frame. Co-planar transverse plates are secured to the upper and lower portions of the beam ends and have hanger plates including upward opening hook removably attached thereto for supporting a mast assembly thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1978
    Assignee: Towmotor Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Higgins, Richard A. Schwehr
  • Patent number: T998004
    Abstract: A motor mounting assembly is separable into two portions between the frame and the motor enabling one portion of the mounting assembly to remain resiliently connected to the vehicle frame while the other portion is removed with the motor. Reinstallation of the motor is greatly simplified as the separable portions of the mounting assembly can readily be repositioned and reconnected without the misalignment problems encountered during installation of motors using conventional mounts which must be engaged at the vehicle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1980
    Assignee: Towmotor Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. Higgins
  • Patent number: D295105
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: Caterpillar Industrial Inc.
    Inventors: Ian J. Dawson, Bernard E. Erlacher, Robert D. Higgins, John E. Wible, Robert L. McNutt