Patents by Inventor William C. Allen
William C. Allen 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: 5599857Abstract: A polymer concrete pipe liner is formed from a fluidized, but substantially waterless cement containing mixture applied to the pipe interior. The mixture contains inorganic cement particles, a liquid styrene mixture and one or more poly-olefinically unsaturated co-monomers in a greater amount than the styrene. The mixture substantially excludes acrylonitrile and acrylamide. The co-monomers are preferably selected from a group including trimethylolpropane-trimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane-methacrylate, divinyl benzene, and hexadiene. Mixing liquid and solid aggregate components forms a slurry which is transferred to a pipe interior and centrifugally cast to form the liner. The composition avoids the need for high temperature curing the toxic reactive unsaturates to co-polymerize and cross-link polystyrene.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1994Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventor: William C. Allen
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Patent number: 5566986Abstract: A multi-piece, pipe joint seal has a slidable interface between seal pieces. The slidable interface allows for slippage between pieces during pipe joint assembly and disassembly, minimizing rotational and other stresses on the seal pieces and pipe sealing surfaces which may damage or endanger the deformable seal. The slidable interface seal is especially useful for joining brittle-lined pipe sections handling harsh fluids.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1995Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventors: William C. Allen, William M. Rickard, Daniel P. Hoyer, David E. Stikkers, Matthew J. Kelley
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Patent number: 5551976Abstract: A solidified waste is formed from a difficult-to-compact hydraulic cement slurry for use in the disposal of hazardous waste. The slurry contains inorganic non-compactible hydraulic cement particles, a concrete superplasticizer compound, water, and filler particles containing radionuclide and/or toxic contaminants. The slurry is then transferred to a storage vessel, such as a subterranean formation, to cast a stronger, denser solidified waste than a comparable solidified waste containing no superplasticizer.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1994Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventor: William C. Allen
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Patent number: 5525155Abstract: A concrete pipe liner is formed from a difficult-to-compact hydraulic cement slurry applied to a pipe interior. The slurry contains inorganic non-compactible hydraulic cement particles, a concrete superplasticizer component, water, and optionally and preferably filler particles. The pipe is then spun to centrifugally cast a stronger, denser pipe liner than a comparable liner containing no superplasticizer.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1994Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventor: William C. Allen
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Patent number: 5467786Abstract: A method for closing an opening in soft tissue inside the body includes the step of making an incision in the body for permitting access to the interior of the body generally adjacent to the location of the opening in the soft tissue inside the body. An instrument is inserted through the incision to the vicinity of the opening in the soft tissue, and passes through the soft tissue and across the opening in the tissue generally from the first side of the opening to a second side of the opening opposite the first side. At least a part of the instrument lies in a passage in the soft tissue. A first leg of a generally H-shaped suture is pushed generally lengthwise in the instrument into the passage with the first leg and a cross member connecting the first leg to a second leg being resiliently deflected from their relaxed positions relative to one another.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1994Date of Patent: November 21, 1995Assignee: William C. AllenInventors: William C. Allen, Michael G. Maurizi
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Patent number: 5405171Abstract: A multi-piece, pipe joint seal has a slidable interface between seal pieces. The slidable interface allows for slippage between pieces during pipe joint assembly and disassembly, minimizing rotational and other stresses on the seal pieces and pipe sealing surfaces which may damage or endanger the deformable seal. The slidable interface seal is especially useful for joining brittle-lined pipe sections handling harsh fluids.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1993Date of Patent: April 11, 1995Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventors: William C. Allen, William M. Rickard, Daniel P. Hoyer, David E. Stikkers, Matthew L. Kelley
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Patent number: 5384355Abstract: A polymer concrete pipe liner is formed from a fluidized, but substantially waterless cement containing mixture applied to the pipe interior. The mixture is composed of inorganic cement particles, a liquid styrene mixture and a minor amount of one or more poly-olefinically unsaturated co-monomers. The mixture substantially excludes acrylonitrile and acrylamide. The co-monomers are preferably selected from a group including trimethylolpropane-trimethacrylate, divinyl benzene, hexadiene, and polyvinylsiloxanes. Mixing the liquid and solid components forms a slurry which is transferred to a pipe interior. Transfer properties can be controlled by particulate gradation, dissolved polymers, and rheology control additives. The pipe is then spun to centrifugally cast the liner. The composition avoids the need for high temperature curing and toxic reactive unsaturates to co-polymerize and cross-link polystyrene.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1993Date of Patent: January 24, 1995Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventor: William C. Allen
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Patent number: 5357482Abstract: A differential analysis method can be used to determine the presence or absence of a fluid in contact with a tubing string within a wellbore. The method uses a signal generator and detects tubing-perturbed signals, searches for an initial interfacial indicator within a window, axially aligns indicators within a data series as the detector traverses the tubing, discerns an adjacent interfacial indicator known to be incrementally changed by the presence of the fluid, and compares the adjacent indicators to the known incremental change. Even if the absolute location or condition of the interface is uncertain, the relative change indicates the presence or absence of fluid. A prior condition indicator can also be used to determine a second window for detecting an adjacent surface signal indicators.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1991Date of Patent: October 18, 1994Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventors: Terence P. O'Sullivan, William C. Allen
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Patent number: 5353869Abstract: A method and system, for reducing the temperature of a hydrogeothermal fluid, entails directly or indirectly contacting a self-rising, heated hydrogeothermal fluid with a cooling fluid to cool the hydrogeothermal fluid before it enters and/or as it rises in the production tube.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1993Date of Patent: October 11, 1994Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventor: William C. Allen
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Patent number: 5341816Abstract: A biopsy device for obtaining biopsy specimens from hard or soft tissue includes a biopsy extracting member which may be inserted into a cannula and a removable biopsy specimen holder which is preferably threaded into the biopsy extracting member. The specimen holder preferably includes a cutting edge (e.g., serrated for hard tissue, slicing for soft tissue), and retaining fishscales or scallop members for securely holding The biopsy specimen. Once the biopsied specimen is cut from the tissue, it may be sent, within the removable specimen holder, to the pathologist for analysis.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1992Date of Patent: August 30, 1994Inventor: William C. Allen
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Patent number: 5320633Abstract: A system for repairing a tear in the meniscus in the knee joint including a suture having a first leg, a second leg spaced from the first leg and a cross member connecting the first and second legs. An instrument for delivering the suture to the meniscus can be inserted through an incision in the knee and into the vicinity of the meniscus. A first end of the instrument enters the meniscus adjacent to a first side of the tear, passes through the meniscus and exits the meniscus on a second side of the tear in the meniscus generally opposite the first side of the tear. The instrument has a channel extending longitudinally of the instrument in which the first leg of the suture can be inserted. A push rod pushes the first leg and cross member generally lengthwise in the channel and into the meniscus where the suture closes the tear.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1992Date of Patent: June 14, 1994Assignee: William C. AllenInventors: William C. Allen, Michael G. Maurizi
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Patent number: 5276074Abstract: A polymer concrete pipe liner is formed from a fluidized, but substantially waterless cement containing mixture applied to the pipe interior. The mixture is composed of inorganic cement particles, a liquid styrene mixture and a minor amount of one or more poly-olefinically unsaturated co-monomers. The mixture substantially excludes acrylonitrile and acrylamide. The co-monomers are preferably selected from a group including trimethylolpropane-trimethacrylate, divinyl benzene, hexadiene, and polyvinylsiloxanes. Mixing the liquid and solid components forms a slurry which is transferred to a pipe interior. Transfer properties can be controlled by particulate gradation, dissolved polymers, and rheology control additives. The pipe is then spun to centrifugally cast the liner. The composition avoids the need for high temperature curing and toxic reactive unsaturates to co-polymerize and cross-link polystyrene.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1991Date of Patent: January 4, 1994Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventor: William C. Allen
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Patent number: 5240293Abstract: One or more rigid sealing segments are attached to pipe end sections and the assembly lined to form a fluid-resistant joint. A segment surface forms the primary sealing interface of lined pipe sections without the need for a conventional removable liner edge seal. The lining process and configuration sealably bonds the liner to the fluid-resistant sealing segment and to the non-fluid-resistant pipe. The manner of bonding both avoids (or limits) liner stress and covers the non-fluid-resistant material of the pipe. In an alternative embodiment, the sealing segments are engaged at mating threaded surfaces, the mated threads providing a single primary sealing and engagement interface. Redundant liner end sealing may also be accomplished by a sandwiched deformable material if added reliability of sealing harsh fluids is desired. In another embodiment, portions of the rigid sealing segments are slidably mounted relative to each other and the primary seal interface is temperature actuated.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1991Date of Patent: August 31, 1993Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventors: William C. Allen, Stephen D. Pye, Gerald M. Hamblin, Jose M. Perez, William E. Amend, John D. Bush, David Holligan, Delbert E. Pyle
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Patent number: 5236231Abstract: One or more rigid sealing segments are attached to pipe end sections and the assembly lined to form a fluid-resistant joint. A segment surface forms the primary sealing interface of lined pipe sections without the need for a conventional removable liner edge seal. The lining process and configuration sealably bonds the liner to the fluid-resistant sealing segment and to the non-fluid-resistant pipe. The manner of bonding both avoids (or limits) liner stress and covers the non-fluid-resistant material of the pipe. In an alternative embodiment, the sealing segments are engaged at mating threaded surfaces, the mated threads providing a single primary sealing and engagement interface. Redundant liner end sealing may also be accomplished by a sandwiched deformable material if added reliability of sealing harsh fluids is desired. In another embodiment, portions of the rigid sealing segments are slidably mounted relative to each other and the primary seal interface is temperature actuated.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1991Date of Patent: August 17, 1993Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventors: William C. Allen, Stephen D. Pye, Gerald M. Hamblin, Jose M. Perez, William E. Amend, John Bush, David Holligan, Delbert Pyle
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Patent number: 5163715Abstract: A butt welded and lined flange connector allows the joining of pipe sections lined with a brittle material. Spacing and a sleeved liner at the weld end protects the liner during butt welding. A conventional flange face gasket is modified to protrude into the lined zone to perform a dual sealing function. Like conventional flanged joints, the modified gasket forms a seal sandwiched between the flange interface surfaces. However, departing from current practice, the single gasket also fills the gap and seals the liner edges, protecting the pipe sections from the flowing materials. The invention avoids separate putty-like or elastomeric liner seals as well as exotic liner surface configurations. The present invention is expected to be tolerant of severe conditions and cost effective in many applications.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1989Date of Patent: November 17, 1992Assignee: Union Oil Company of California, dba UNOCALInventors: William M. Rickard, Douglas P. Bouche, William C. Allen, Stephen Pye
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Patent number: 5122554Abstract: A polymer concrete pipe liner is formed from a fluidized, but substantially waterless cement containing mixture applied to the pipe interior. The mixture is composed of inorganic cement particles, a liquid styrene mixture and a minor amount of one or more poly-olefinically unsaturated co-monomers. The mixture substantially excludes acrylonitrile and acrylamide. The co-monomers are preferable selected from a group including trimethylolpropane-trimethacrylate, divinyl benzene, hexadiene, and polyvinylsiloxanes. Mixing the liquid and solid components forms a slurry which is transferred to a pipe interior. Transfer properties can be controlled by particulate gradation, dissolved polymers, and rheology control additives. The pipe is then spun to centrifugally cast the liner. The composition avoids the need for high temperature curing and toxic reactive unsaturates to co-polymerize and cross-link polystyrene.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1989Date of Patent: June 16, 1992Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventor: William C. Allen
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Patent number: 5072388Abstract: A log analysis method can be used to determine a relative condition of a lined casing within a geothermal well from logged instrument data. Uncertain conditions, such as an unknown scale layer thickness, may perturb the indicators of a casing condition within the logged signals. The method can be used to detect the perturbed signals, discern a perturbed reference interfacial indicator in the data, searches for an adjacent interfacial indicator within a window, and axially aligns the adjacent indicator by shifting the data signal towards the reference indicator. The baseline indicator may be an arbitrarily selected signal indicator or a prior (non-scaled/non-eroded) condition indicator. A prior condition indicator can also be used to determine a second window for detecting an adjacent surface signal indicators.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1990Date of Patent: December 10, 1991Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventors: Terence P. O'Sullivan, William C. Allen
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Patent number: 5069485Abstract: One or more rigid sealing segments are attached to pipe end sections and the assembly lined to form a fluid-resistant joint. A segment surface forms the primary sealing interface of lined pipe sections without the need for a conventional removable liner edge seal. The lining process and configuration sealably bonds the liner to the fluid-resistant sealing segment and to the non-fluid-resistant pipe. The manner of bonding both avoids (or limits) liner stress and covers the non-fluid-resistant material of the pipe. In an alternative embodiment, the sealing segments are engaged at mating threaded surfaces, the mated threads providing a single primary sealing and engagement interface. Redundant liner end sealing may also be accomplished by a sandwiched deformable material if added reliability of sealing harsh fluids is desired. In another embodiment, portions of the rigid sealing segments are slidably mounted relative to each other and the primary seal interface is temperature actuated.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1989Date of Patent: December 3, 1991Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventors: William C. Allen, Stephen D. Pye, Gerald M. Hamblin, Jose M. Perez, William E. Amend, John D. Bush, David Holligan, Delbert E. Pyle