Patents by Inventor Frank R. Whitsura

Frank R. Whitsura 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: 5507939
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon feedstock is catalytically reformed to effect dehydrocyclization of paraffins in a process combination comprising a first reforming zone, a sulfur-removal zone containing a mixed reforming catalyst and sulfur sorbent comprising a manganese component to preclude sulfur from the feed to a second reforming zone. The process combination shows substantial benefits over prior art processes in achieving reforming-catalyst stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Michael B. Russ, Frank R. Whitsura, Roger L. Peer, Joseph Zmich, Chi-Chu D. Low
  • Patent number: 5474688
    Abstract: A separation process for improved separation of liquids containing finely divided suspended particles using multiple stacks of parallel angled interceptor plates which divide the separation vessel to provide an annular space between the parallel angled interceptor plates and the vertical wall of the separation vessel to thereby form an inlet manifold for the plates which manifold provides a uniform, uninterrupted flow to each stack of plates. The arrangement of plates also forms an outlet manifold which provides a uniform flow from each stack of plates and directs the liquid stream having a reduced level of finely divided suspended particles downward in the separation vessel to an exit in the lower end of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Brian W. Hedrick, Frank T. Micklich, Brian H. Johnson, Daniel G. Meier, Frank R. Whitsura, Bill R. Engelman
  • Patent number: 5366614
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon feedstock is catalytically reformed to effect dehydrocyclization of paraffins in a process combination comprising a first reforming zone containing a mixed reforming catalyst and sulfur sorbent and a sulfur-removal zone utilizing a manganese component to preclude sulfur from the feed to a second reforming zone. The process combination shows substantial benefits over prior art processes in achieving reforming-catalyst stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Michael B. Russ, Frank R. Whitsura, Roger L. Peer, Joseph Zmich, Chi-Chu D. Low
  • Patent number: 5340470
    Abstract: A separation apparatus for improved separation of liquids containing finely divided suspended particles having multiple stacks of parallel interceptor plates which divide the separation vessel to provide an annular space between the parallel interceptor plates and the vertical wall of the separation vessel to thereby form an inlet manifold for the plates which manifold provides a uniform, uninterrupted flow to each stack of plates. The arrangement of plates also forms an outlet manifold which provides a uniform flow from each stack of plates and directs the liquid stream having a reduced level of finely divided suspended particles downward in the separation vessel to an exit in the lower end of the vessel. The feed liquid is introduced into the lower end of the separation vessel with an inlet distributor which initially directs at least a majority of the feed liquid in a generally downward direction to effect a primary separation prior to being introduced into the stacks of parallel interceptor plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Brian W. Hedrick, Frank T. Micklich, Brian H. Johnson, Daniel G. Meier, Frank R. Whitsura, Bill R. Engelman