Stephen Bret Chipman

US Patent:

6523573, Feb 25, 2003

Filed:

Jun 29, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/895039

Inventors:

Jeffrey C. Robison - Provo UT
Stephen R. Chipman - Provo UT
Michael R. Luque - Orem UT
Craig C. Smith - Provo UT

Assignee:

Caldera Engineering, LC - Provo UT

International Classification:

F15D 100

US Classification:

138 44, 138 39

Abstract:

A new flash tube device adapted specifically for use with hot erosive flow streams is provided. This flash tube uses an extension cone fixed to the outlet of a choke to create an extension choke to insure that the shock wave occurs within the extension choke, thereby decreasing the flow velocity to a subsonic level, reducing the kinetic energy of the flow as it leaves the extension choke. By moving the shock wave into the extension choke, this device dramatically improves the working life of the flash tank, allowing for easier separation of fluid/solids and vapor in the flash tank.

US Patent:

6685167, Feb 3, 2004

Filed:

Apr 9, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/829583

Inventors:

Jeffrey C. Robison - Provo UT
Stephen R. Chipman - Provo UT
Michael R. Luque - Orem UT
Craig C. Smith - Provo UT

Assignee:

Caldera Engineering LC - Provo UT

International Classification:

F16K 3100

US Classification:

251368, 251210

Abstract:

A new valve device adapted specifically for use with hot erosive flow streams is provided. This valve device has an inner plug head, which modulates and throttles the amount of flow passing through the valve when the valve is open. The inner plug head is shaped so that as the valve plug approaches the closed position, the inner plug head blocks most of the flow path, reducing the flow to a small amount. The valve of this invention has an outer plug head the contacts the valves outer ceramic seat as the valve reaches the closed position. Contact between the outer ceramic seat and the outer ceramic plug entirely shuts off flow through the valve.

US Patent:

6695010, Feb 24, 2004

Filed:

Dec 1, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/728001

Inventors:

Jeffrey C. Robison - Provo UT
Stephen R. Chipman - Provo UT
Michael R. Luque - Orem UT
Craig C. Smith - Provo UT

Assignee:

Caldera Engineering LC - Provo UT

International Classification:

F15D 102

US Classification:

138 39, 138 44

Abstract:

A new segmented choke is provided. Designed to reduce thermal stresses created when the fluid temperature fluctuate, this invention is constructed of segmented ceramic members fit within a relatively thin-walled retainer, shrunk fit thereto, thereby allowing the retainer to be more compliant. Shorter, multiple segments used in this invention are also easier to manufacture, can be produced with tighter tolerances, provide easier access thereby reducing maintenance costs and allow for the inclusion of sensors in the individual ceramic segments. This invention also provides improvements in size, manufacturing cost, ease of use and operating efficiency over prior choke devices.

US Patent:

7237574, Jul 3, 2007

Filed:

May 12, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/127918

Inventors:

Stephen R. Chipman - Provo UT, US
Michael R. Luque - Orem UT, US
Herman Pieterse - Tucson AZ, US
Jeffrey C. Robison - Provo UT, US
Craig C. Smith - Provo UT, US

Assignee:

Caldera Engineering LLC - Provo UT

International Classification:

F16K 51/00

US Classification:

138 44, 251122

Abstract:

A nozzle design and method for designing such a nozzle being adapted for three phase slurry flow from the choke into the flash tank during pressure let-down in autoclave mining operations that uses a selection of the expansion ratio in the choke to select a nozzle dispersion angle to select a spread of the flow over the slurry pool in the flash tank, to generally maximize the use of the pool for energy dissipation without causing undo wear and tear on the tank walls.

US Patent:

20110033018, Feb 10, 2011

Filed:

Aug 10, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/538725

Inventors:

John Roger Peterson - Provo UT, US
M. Robert Mock - Midway UT, US
Jeffrey C. Robison - Provo UT, US
Stephen R. Chipman - Provo UT, US
Grant Jay Brockbank - Springville UT, US
Michael R. Luque - Orem UT, US

Assignee:

CALDERA ENGINEERING, LC - Provo UT

International Classification:

G21B 1/00
B32B 37/14
F16K 99/00

US Classification:

376150, 156 94, 251368

Abstract:

Systems and methods for bonding ceramic materials are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, a process is provided comprising the steps of disposing a bonding material at least partially adjacent to a surface of a first silicon carbide component and at least partially adjacent to a surface of a second silicon carbide component, and bonding said first silicon carbide component to said second silicon carbide component by heating, wherein said bonding material comprises vanadium or titanium.