Patents by Inventor Robert Downey

Robert Downey 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).

  • Publication number: 20240135449
    Abstract: An illustrative computing device may include a processor and a non-transitory memory device for storing a data structure capable of being compressed, where the data structure includes a plurality of data elements and each of the plurality of data elements includes a date field and a quantity field. The computing device may process instructions to arrange the plurality of data elements in a consecutive series in date order based on a value stored in the date field of each data element, determine whether a gap appears in the consecutive series of data elements based on a value stored in the quantity field of each element, remove the determined gaps in each of the data elements, and repeat the determining and removing steps until a predetermined criterion has been reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Applicant: Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc.
    Inventors: Suzanne Sprague, Sean Downey, Robert Taylor, Dhiraj Bawadhankar, Stephen Hurst, Matthew Simpson, Frederick Sturm
  • Publication number: 20240117242
    Abstract: System and method for the optimized production of hydrocarbons from shale oil reservoirs via cyclic injection to achieve an improved and optimal recovery of oil. The method can determine and optimize the composition of injected fluids to be injected, the rate, pressure and duration of injection, the production rate and pressure of produced fluids; can determine and utilize the optimum number of injection and production cycles; can determine the amount of soaking time (if any); and can determine the equipment design and operating characteristics to provide for the optimized injection of injection fluids, and the separation of produced fluids for both reinjection and delivery to sales or storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Applicant: SHALE INGENUITY, LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. DOWNEY
  • Patent number: 11912066
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for automated vehicle wheel removal and replacement are provided. One system includes a computer system with applications for scheduling the replacement of tires for the vehicle. An electronically controlled lift device and robotic apparatus is configured for interaction with the computer system. The lift device mechanically adjusts arms for placement on lift points of vehicles. The robotic apparatus detects positioning of lug nut configuration for a wheel, removes lug nuts, and then removes the wheel from the wheel hub with gripping arms. The wheel and tire are then handed off to a separate tire changing machine. When a new tire is replaced the robotic apparatus then mounts the wheel to the original wheel hub, and then secures the lug nuts to the lug nut bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: RoboTire, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Victor Darolfi, Robert Baranowski, Mark Bauer, Bernard J. Michini
  • Patent number: 11851609
    Abstract: System and method for the optimized production of hydrocarbons from shale oil reservoirs via cyclic injection to achieve an improved and optimal recovery of oil. The method can determine and optimize the composition of injected fluids to be injected, the rate, pressure and duration of injection, the production rate and pressure of produced fluids; can determine and utilize the optimum number of injection and production cycles; can determine the amount of soaking time (if any); and can determine the equipment design and operating characteristics to provide for the optimized injection of injection fluids, and the separation of produced fluids for both reinjection and delivery to sales or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Shale Ingenuity, LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Downey
  • Patent number: 11851997
    Abstract: Method for production of hydrocarbons from shale oil reservoirs via a cyclic injection and production process. The method determines the composition of injected hydrocarbon-containing composition to be injected, performing injection and production steps, and then re-determines the composition of the injected hydrocarbon-containing composition to be injected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Shale Ingenuity, LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Downey
  • Publication number: 20210340428
    Abstract: System and method for the optimized production of hydrocarbons from shale oil reservoirs via cyclic injection to achieve an improved and optimal recovery of oil. The method can determine and optimize the composition of injected fluids to be injected, the rate, pressure and duration of injection, the production rate and pressure of produced fluids; can determine and utilize the optimum number of injection and production cycles; can determine the amount of soaking time (if any); and can determine the equipment design and operating characteristics to provide for the optimized injection of injection fluids, and the separation of produced fluids for both reinjection and delivery to sales or storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: Shale Ingenuity, LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Downey
  • Publication number: 20210317733
    Abstract: Method for enabling the optimized production of hydrocarbons from shale oil reservoirs via cyclic injection to reservoir pressures that exceed the formation fracture pressure to achieve an improved and optimal recovery of oil. The method determines and optimizes the composition of injected fluids to be injected, the rate, pressure and duration of injection, the production rate and pressure of produced fluids; determines and utilizes the optimum number of injection and production cycles; and the amount of soaking time; and determines the equipment design and operating characteristics to provide for the optimized injection of injection fluids, and the separation of produced fluids for both reinjection and delivery to sales or storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Applicant: Shale Ingenuity, LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Downey
  • Patent number: 9255472
    Abstract: A process for bioconverting a subterranean carbon-bearing subterranean formation deposit include the steps of injecting a fluid into the carbon bearing deposit with at least one injection well and removing injected fluid and product from the deposit through at least one production well, controlling fluid pressure within at least a portion of the deposit by use of the injected fluid such that the pressure causes a net effective stress decrease for the portion of the deposit and an increase in permeability of the deposit, bioconverting at least a portion of carbonaceous materials in the carbon bearing deposit to methane by a microbial consortium, and withdrawing the injected fluid and methane from the carbon bearing deposit. Cetane or butane may also be produced by the microbial consortium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Ciris Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Downey
  • Patent number: 9102953
    Abstract: Method of bioconversion of coal to methane, carbon dioxide, and other valuable gaseous and liquid products in a multi-step process that may include particle size reduction, separation of non-coal materials, addition of chemicals, and multi-stage anaerobic fermentation are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Ciris Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Downey, Song Jin, Paul H. Fallgren
  • Publication number: 20140151027
    Abstract: Processes relating to the production of methane, carbon dioxide, gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons, and other valuable products from subterranean carbon bearing formations, in-situ, are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, such production utilizes indigenous and/or non-indigenous microbial consortia that are capable of converting a carbon bearing material such as shale or coal to desired products. In a particularly preferred embodiment there is provided a process for bioconverting a carbon-bearing subterranean formation, wherein the process comprises injecting fluid into a carbon bearing deposit with at least one injection well and removing injected fluid and product from the deposit through at least one production well, and controlling fluid pressure within at least a portion of the deposit by use of the injected fluid, the pressure being controlled such that the fluid pressure within at least a portion of the deposit exceeds the fluid pressure that normally exists in that portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Robert A. Downey
  • Patent number: 8656992
    Abstract: The invention relates to treating of subterranean formations to increase the susceptibility (by way of chemical break down or solubilization, but not necessarily limited by these or any other theories) of large carbonaceous molecules therein, such as comprise coal, to bioconversion into methane and other useful hydrocarbon products by indigenous and/or non-indigenous microbial consortia, by introducing into the subterranean formations: (a) a solution containing at least one of an oxoacid ester of phosphorus or a thioacid ester of phosphorus; and (b) one or more other chemical compounds/chemical entities selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, carboxylic acids, esters of carboxylic acids, salts of carboxylic acids, oxoacids of phosphorus, salts of oxoacids of phosphorus, vitamins, minerals, mineral salts, metals, and yeast extracts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ciris Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Downey
  • Publication number: 20130264052
    Abstract: The invention relates to treating of subterranean formations to increase the susceptibility (by way of chemical break down or solubilization, but not necessarily limited by these or any other theories) of large carbonaceous molecules therein, such as comprise coal, to bioconversion into methane and other useful hydrocarbon products by indigenous and/or non-indigenous microbial consortia, by introducing into the subterranean formations: (a) a solution containing at least one of an oxoacid ester of phosphorus or a thioacid ester of phosphorus; and (b) one or more other chemical compounds/chemical entities selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, carboxylic acids, esters of carboxylic acids, salts of carboxylic acids, oxoacids of phosphorus, salts of oxoacids of phosphorus, vitamins, minerals, mineral salts, metals, and yeast extracts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Ciris Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Downey
  • Patent number: 8459350
    Abstract: A process for producing methane, carbon dioxide, gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons, and other valuable products from subterranean carbon bearing formations, in-situ. The process utilizes indigenous and/or non-indigenous microbial consortia that are capable of converting a carbon-bearing material such as shale or coal to desired products. The process comprises injecting fluid into a carbon bearing deposit with at least one injection well and removing injected fluid and product from the deposit through at least one production well, and controlling fluid pressure within at least a portion of the deposit by use of the injected fluid, the pressure being controlled such that the fluid pressure within at least a portion of the deposit exceeds the fluid pressure that normally exists in that portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Ciris Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Downey
  • Patent number: 8459349
    Abstract: The invention relates to treating of subterranean formations to increase the susceptibility (by way of chemical break down or solubilization, but not necessarily limited by these or any other theories) of large carbonaceous molecules therein, such as comprise coal, to bioconversion into methane and other useful hydrocarbon products by indigenous and/or non-indigenous microbial consortia, by introducing into the subterranean formations: (a) a solution containing at least one of an oxoacid ester of phosphorus or a thioacid ester of phosphorus; and (b) one or more other chemical compounds/chemical entities selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, carboxylic acids, esters of carboxylic acids, salts of carboxylic acids, oxoacids of phosphorus, salts of oxoacids of phosphorus, vitamins, minerals, mineral salts, metals, and yeast extracts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Ciris Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Downey
  • Publication number: 20130059358
    Abstract: Methods of stimulating microbial consortia, such as microbial consortia in a geological formation, such as comprising methanogens and other bacteria, for producing methane and other fuels or fuel precursors from coal or other carbonaceous materials, are disclosed along with methods for increasing bioconversion of carbonaceous materials, such as coal, into methane and other useful hydrocarbon products, wherein the consortia respond to electrical stimulation, either physical or chemical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: CIRIS ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Robert A. Downey, Song Jin, William J. Brown, Paul H. Fallgren
  • Publication number: 20120285681
    Abstract: Processes relating to the production of methane, carbon dioxide, gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons, and other valuable products from subterranean carbon bearing formations, in-situ, are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, such production utilizes indigenous and/or non-indigenous microbial consortia that are capable of converting a carbon bearing material such as shale or coal to desired products. In a particularly preferred embodiment there is provided a process for bioconverting a carbon-bearing subterranean formation, wherein the process comprises injecting fluid into a carbon bearing deposit with at least one injection well and removing injected fluid and product from the deposit through at least one production well, and controlling fluid pressure within at least a portion of the deposit by use of the injected fluid, the pressure being controlled such that the fluid pressure within at least a portion of the deposit exceeds the fluid pressure that normally exists in that portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Robert A. Downey
  • Publication number: 20120233915
    Abstract: Coal is contacted, or treated, with at least one aromatic alcohol and/or cycloaliphatic alcohol to solubilize at least a portion of the treated coal. The treated coal is optionally bioconverted to produce one or more hydrocarbons, such as methane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Downey, John G. Verkade
  • Patent number: 8176978
    Abstract: Processes relating to the production of methane, carbon dioxide, gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons, and other valuable products from subterranean carbon bearing formations, in-situ, are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, such production utilizes indigenous and/or non-indigenous microbial consortia that are capable of converting a carbon bearing material such as shale or coal to desired products. In a particularly preferred embodiment there is provided a process for bioconverting a carbon-bearing subterranean formation, wherein the process comprises injecting fluid into a carbon bearing deposit with at least one injection well and removing injected fluid and product from the deposit through at least one production well, and controlling fluid pressure within at least a portion of the deposit by use of the injected fluid, the pressure being controlled such that the fluid pressure within at least a portion of the deposit exceeds the fluid pressure that normally exists in that portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Ciris Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Downey
  • Patent number: 8151876
    Abstract: Disclosed are processes for improving recovery of product from a subterranean carbonaceous deposit wherein there has been a reduction in product recovery from a production well, the processes comprising treating the deposit with a liquid that contains at least one of an oxoacid ester of phosphorous or an oxoacid acid ester of sulfur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ciris Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Downey
  • Patent number: D1016273
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Craig Robert Prentice, Bernard Tsz Lun Ip, Richard John Boyes, Thomas Mark Richardson, Gareth Thomas McDermott, Jonathan Mark Downey, Matthew Roger Stephenson