Patents by Inventor Robert O. Martin
Robert O. Martin 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).
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Patent number: 8387901Abstract: The current invention provides an improved jet nozzle suitable for use in a micronizing jet mill or retrofitting to an existing jet mill. The improved jet nozzle incorporates a coanda effect inducing element to enhance entrainment of particles to be ground within the vortex created by the micronizing jet mill. When the jet mill uses steam to generate the jet, use of the improved nozzle will reduce energy costs by increasing the efficiency of the jet mill.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Tronox LLCInventors: Harry E. Flynn, Robert O. Martin, Charles A. Natalle
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Patent number: 8215825Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for influencing mixing of a first fluid injected through a slot into a second fluid flowing through a conduit, by automatically or remotely adjusting the slot width to provide at least a certain slot velocity of the first fluid being introduced into the conduit. In particular, methods and apparatus are provided for mixing control in injecting titanium tetrachloride into an oxygen stream in a process for making titanium dioxide.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Tronox LLCInventors: Harry E. Flynn, Robert O. Martin, Charles A. Natalie
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Patent number: 8128127Abstract: A piping elbow capable of facilitating a fluid flow direction change in a smaller space than conventional piping elbows, without causing the larger pressure losses found when using conventional elbows in the equivalent space. Piping elbows of the present invention comprise a substantially-cylindrical body having a first end, a second end, and a substantially-constant inside diameter; a tangential inlet attached to the body near the first end of the body and having an inside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the body; and a tangential outlet attached to the body near the second end of the body and having an inside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the body. Fluid flows linearly through the tangential inlet and enters the body. Inside the body, linear motion of the fluid is converted into a rotational or spiral motion. The fluid in the body continues its spiral motion as it also moves axially through the body toward the tangential outlet.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Tronox LLCInventors: Harry Eugene Flynn, Robert O. Martin, Charles A. Natalie
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Patent number: 7854917Abstract: A process for manufacturing titanium dioxide by the chloride process is provided. In one embodiment, a particle size control agent comprising an ionizing agent such as potassium chloride is introduced into the reaction zone of the oxidation reactor to control the particle size of the titanium dioxide. In a first aspect, the effectiveness of the particle size control agent in controlling the particle size of the titanium dioxide is improved by adding the particle size control agent to at least one of the reactant streams at a sufficient distance upstream of the oxidization reactor to allow the ionizing agent to efficiently ionize and the particle size control agent to thoroughly admix with the stream(s) prior to entering the reaction zone. In a second aspect, the particle size control agent comprises an ionizing agent and fumed silica. In another embodiment, the amount of alumina added to the reaction zone of the oxidization reactor is increased in order to control the particle size of the titanium dioxide.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Tronox LLCInventors: Harry E. Flynn, Robert O. Martin, Charles A. Natalie, Jeffrey W. Giles
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Publication number: 20100025502Abstract: The current invention provides an improved jet nozzle suitable for use in a micronizing jet mill or retrofitting to an existing jet mill. The improved jet nozzle incorporates a coanda effect inducing element to enhance entrainment of particles to be ground within the vortex created by the micronizing jet mill. When the jet mill uses steam to generate the jet, use of the improved nozzle will reduce energy costs by increasing the efficiency of the jet mill.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2006Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: Tronox LLCInventors: Harry E. Flynn, Robert O. Martin, Charles A. Natalle
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Publication number: 20080274040Abstract: An injector assembly for injecting an additional component into a component stream flowing through a reactor conduit along the longitudinal axis thereof. A chemical reactor including an injector assembly for injecting an additional component into a moving component stream and a chemical process are also provided. In one embodiment, the chemical process is a process for producing titanium dioxide.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2007Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventors: Harry Eugene Flynn, Robert O. Martin, Charles A. Natalie
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Publication number: 20080260627Abstract: A process for manufacturing titanium dioxide by the chloride process is provided. In one embodiment, a particle size control agent comprising an ionizing agent such as potassium chloride is introduced into the reaction zone of the oxidation reactor to control the particle size of the titanium dioxide. In a first aspect, the effectiveness of the particle size control agent in controlling the particle size of the titanium dioxide is improved by adding the particle size control agent to at least one of the reactant streams at a sufficient distance upstream of the oxidization reactor to allow the ionizing agent to efficiently ionize and the particle size control agent to thoroughly admix with the stream(s) prior to entering the reaction zone. In a second aspect, the particle size control agent comprises an ionizing agent and fumed silica. In another embodiment, the amount of alumina added to the reaction zone of the oxidization reactor is increased in order to control the particle size of the titanium dioxide.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2005Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: TRONOX LLCInventors: Harry E. Flynn, Robert O. Martin, Charles A. Natalie, Jeffrey W. Giles
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Publication number: 20080219087Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for influencing mixing of a first fluid injected through a slot into a second fluid flowing through a conduit, by automatically or remotely adjusting the slot width to provide at least a certain slot velocity of the first fluid being introduced into the conduit. In particular, methods and apparatus are provided for mixing control in injecting titanium tetrachloride into an oxygen stream in a process for making titanium dioxide.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2005Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: TRONOX LLCInventors: Harry E. Flynn, Robert O. Martin, Charles A. Natalie
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Publication number: 20080069764Abstract: A process is disclosed for making pigmentary titanium dioxide through the oxidation of titanium tetrachloride in the presence of aluminum chloride, in which aluminum chloride solids are sublimed and combined with titanium tetrachloride gases and the combination oxidized in an oxidizer. Also, a process and apparatus for subliming aluminum chloride solids at least in part by conductive heat transfer from inert, thermally conductive solids in a fluidized bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2006Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: Harry E. Flynn, Charles A. Natalie, Robert O. Martin
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Patent number: 7150416Abstract: Liquid fuel injectors are provided. The liquid fuel injectors allow the injection of a fine spray of liquid fuel. The liquid fuel injectors utilize a schrader valve movable between an open position and a closed position. When the schrader valve is in the closed position fuel flow is blocked and purge gas is allowed to flow through the fuel injectors. When the schrader valve is in the open position, the flow of purge gas is blocked and fuel is allowed to flow through the fuel injector. In this manner, the fuel injectors provide for an immediate and automatic purge of the fuel lines when the fuel flow is shut off.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2004Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Tronox LLCInventors: Robert O. Martin, Harry Eugene Flynn, Charles A. Natalie
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Patent number: 7115157Abstract: Novel gas separation apparatus and methods are provided that help reduce the amount of process gas lost through the discharge outlet of either a cyclone separating gas/solid mixtures or a hydroclone separating gas/liquid mixtures. Significant savings are realized by minimizing losses and neutralization costs. A cyclone or hydroclone is placed within a containment vessel that creates a contained atmosphere common to both the gas outlet and the discharge outlet of the cyclone or hydroclone. Process gas mixed with the solids or mixed with the liquids in the discharge underflow are displaced from the discharge underflow and contained within the containment vessel. The displacement of the process gas is facilitated by an introduction of a small amount of purge gas to the discharge underflow exiting the cyclone or hydroclone via the discharge outlet.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Tronox, LLCInventors: Harry Eugene Flynn, Robert O. Martin, Charles A. Nataile
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Patent number: 6994117Abstract: Liners useful as piping elbow liners comprising a body liner, a tangential inlet liner, and a tangential outlet liner. The tangential inlet liner and the tangential outlet liner can be removably inserted into a cavity in the body liner. The body liner can comprise two substantially-identical body section liners.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Kerr-McGee Chemical, LLCInventors: Harry Eugene Flynn, Robert O. Martin, Charles A. Natalie
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Patent number: 6962434Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting wear in a liner. In one embodiment of the present invention, an electrically conductive wire is placed on or near the outside surface of the liner and the electrical resistance in the electrically conductive wire is measured to determine whether the wire has worn through. In another embodiment of the present invention, the temperature measured by a temperature measuring device, such as a thermocouple, is monitored over time to estimate wear in the liner.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2003Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: Kerr-McGee Chemical, LLCInventors: Robert O. Martin, Joe Bert Maker, Lonnie G. Hewell
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Patent number: 6851896Abstract: A fluid barrier along the inside surface of ductwork between a reactor and subsequent product separation and recovery apparatus to reduce the buildup of solids on the ductwork from a gaseous product mixture conveyed through the ductwork. Barrier fluid is sprayed along the internal surface of the ductwork to form a fluid barrier and cool the gaseous mixture. The barrier fluid can be comprised of a component of the gaseous mixture. The barrier fluid can be a liquid at the second temperature and converted to a gaseous state in the ductwork, using the heat of vaporization of the barrier fluid to help cool the gaseous mixture.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2003Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Kerr-McGee Chemical, LLCInventors: Harry Eugene Flynn, Robert O. Martin, Charles A. Natalie