Patents by Inventor Howard Stevens

Howard Stevens 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: 9855723
    Abstract: An apparatus, composition, and method for affixment of dissimilar materials, that includes a ceramic longwise member having a distal portion and a proximal portion that has a pilot, also included is a steel receptacle including primary and secondary voids that are co-axial and in communication with one another. The longwise member pilot is received in the primary void with the remainder of the proximal portion having an open gap within the secondary void, wherein adhesive is disposed within the open gap and the distal portion projects beyond the receptacle. Operationally, resulting in the longwise member and the receptacle resisting a separating force apart from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventors: Alan Wong, Howard Steven Rosen
  • Publication number: 20170354960
    Abstract: A process has been developed for preparing a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst precursor and a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst made from the precursor. The process includes preparing a catalyst precursor by contacting a boehmite material with a stabilizer containing vanadium-phosphorus. The boehmite material includes two or more different crystalline boehmites having the same average crystallite size to the nearest whole nanometer and having differing properties selected from surface area, pore volume, density and combinations thereof. The boehmite material is subjected to at least one heat treatment at a temperature of at least 500° C., either before or after the contacting step to obtain a stabilized catalyst support having a pore volume of at least 0.3 cc/g. A catalytic metal or a compound containing cobalt is applied to the stabilized catalyst support to form the catalyst precursor. Finally, the catalyst precursor is reduced to activate the catalyst precursor to obtain the Fischer Tropsch catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Kandaswamy Jothimurugesan, Howard Steven Lacheen, Mark Muraoka
  • Patent number: 9839897
    Abstract: We provide a catalytic process to reduce an organic halide in a hydrocarbon, comprising: a. producing the hydrocarbon comprising the organic halide in a process unit; and b. contacting the hydrocarbon comprising the organic halide with a metal chloride under anhydrous conditions in a halide removal vessel to produce a contacted hydrocarbon having from 50-100 wt % of a total halide in the hydrocarbon removed. We also provide an apparatus for performing this process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Howard Steven Lacheen
  • Patent number: 9815043
    Abstract: This application provides an apparatus for making a hydrocarbon with a reduced amount of an organic halide, comprising: a. a process unit comprising an effluent port, that produces and discharges the hydrocarbon comprising the organic halide; and b. a halide removal vessel with an inlet that feeds the hydrocarbon from the process unit, wherein the halide removal vessel comprises an anhydrous metal chloride and in which the hydrocarbon comprising the organic halide is contacted with the anhydrous metal chloride under anhydrous conditions to produce a contacted hydrocarbon having from 50-100 wt % of a total halide in the hydrocarbon removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Howard Steven Lacheen
  • Patent number: 9687826
    Abstract: Provided is a Fischer Tropsch catalyst prepared according to a process comprising: a. preparing a catalyst precursor by: i. impregnating an alumina catalyst support material with a first solution comprising ammonium metavanadate and phosphoric acid, to obtain a treated catalyst support material; ii. calcining the treated catalyst support material at a temperature of at least 500° C. to obtain a modified catalyst support having a modified support surface area and a pore volume of at least 0.4 cc/g; wherein the modified catalyst support loses no more than 8% of the pore volume when exposed to a water vapor; and iii. contacting the modified catalyst support with a second solution comprising a precursor compound of an active cobalt catalyst component and glutaric acid to obtain the catalyst precursor; and b. reducing the catalyst precursor to activate the catalyst precursor to obtain the Fischer Tropsch catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Kandaswamy Jothimurugesan, Howard Steven Lacheen
  • Patent number: 9474719
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is concerned with a treatment where it is desired that an active agent is designed to be released in a pulse at a time point some time after administration of the active agent. The present invention is particularly suited to administering an agent which may be released while a subject is sleeping. As well as treating certain conditions by a particular regime, the invention also provides novel formulations for a delayed, followed by a pulsed release of drug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE
    Inventors: Alexander Mullen, Howard Stevens, Sarah Eccleston
  • Patent number: 9364782
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the selective separation of carbon dioxide (CO2) from multi-component gas feedstreams containing CO2 utilizing a GME framework type zeolite substantially free of non-GME framework type material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Xie, Howard Steven Lacheen
  • Publication number: 20160130913
    Abstract: A subsea production cooler module comprising: a core; a coiled tubing disposed around the core, wherein the coiled tubing comprises an inlet and an outlet; and a shroud at least partially encasing the core and the coiled tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Gregory John HATTON, Claud Eugene LACY, Howard Steven LITTELL, Andrew ONSTAD, John Lucas PEARSON, Scott Edward STOMIEROWSKI, George John ZABARAS
  • Publication number: 20160089662
    Abstract: A process has been developed for preparing a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst precursor and a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst made from the precursor. The process includes contacting an alumina catalyst support material with a first solution containing a vanadium compound and a phosphorus compound, to obtain a modified catalyst support material. The modified catalyst support material is calcined at a temperature of at least 500° C. The calcined modified catalyst support has a pore volume of at least 0.4cc/g. The modified catalyst support is less soluble in acid solutions than an equivalent unmodified catalyst support. The modified catalyst support is contacted with a second solution which includes a precursor compound of an active cobalt catalyst component and an organic compound, preferably glutaric acid, to obtain a catalyst precursor. The catalyst precursor is reduced to activate the catalyst precursor to obtain the Fischer-Tropsch catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Kandaswamy Jothimurugesan, Howard Steven Lacheen
  • Patent number: 9290702
    Abstract: Methods for monitoring ionic liquids using vibrational spectroscopy may involve contacting an infrared (IR) transmissive medium with the ionic liquid, recording an IR spectrum of the ionic liquid, and quantifying at least one chemical characteristic of the ionic liquid based on the IR spectrum. The IR spectrum may be recorded ex situ or in situ. Methods for controlling ionic liquid catalyzed processes are also disclosed, wherein a condition of the ionic liquid may be determined during such processes based on IR spectral analysis of the ionic liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Howard Steven Lacheen
  • Patent number: 9283192
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is concerned with a treatment where it is desired that an active agent is designed to be released in a prolonged manner at a time point some time after administration of the active agent. The present invention is particularly suited to administering an agent which may be released whilst a subject is sleeping, shortly before waking and continues to administer the drug during the early waking hours. As well as treating certain conditions by a particular regime, the invention also provides novel formulations for a delayed, followed by a prolonged release of drug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE
    Inventors: Alexander Mullen, Howard Stevens, Sarah Eccleston
  • Publication number: 20160002542
    Abstract: Processes for decomposing organic chloride in a hydrocarbon stream may comprise contacting a hydrocarbon stream with a dechlorination element in a dechlorination zone under dechlorination conditions to provide a dechlorinated hydrocarbon product, wherein the dechlorination element may comprise a metal or metal alloy having a high surface area configuration. Such a dechlorination element may be disposed within one or more distillation columns and/or within a separate dechlorination vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Howard Steven Lacheen
  • Patent number: 9192921
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst precursor and a catalyst made from the precursor. The process includes contacting an alumina catalyst support material with a first solution containing a vanadium compound and a phosphorus compound, to obtain a modified catalyst support material. The modified catalyst support material is calcined at a temperature of at least 500° C. The calcined modified catalyst support has a pore volume of at least 0.4 cc/g. The modified catalyst support is less soluble in acid solutions than an equivalent unmodified catalyst support. The modified catalyst support is contacted with a second solution which includes a precursor compound of an active cobalt catalyst component and glutaric acid to obtain a catalyst precursor. The catalyst precursor is reduced to activate the catalyst precursor to obtain the Fischer-Tropsch catalyst. The catalyst has enhanced hydrothermal stability and good activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Kandaswamy Jothimurugesan, Howard Steven Lacheen
  • Publication number: 20150224469
    Abstract: This application provides an apparatus for making a hydrocarbon with a reduced amount of an organic halide, comprising: a. a process unit comprising an effluent port, that produces and discharges the hydrocarbon comprising the organic halide; and b. a halide removal vessel with an inlet that feeds the hydrocarbon from the process unit, wherein the halide removal vessel comprises an anhydrous metal chloride and in which the hydrocarbon comprising the organic halide is contacted with the anhydrous metal chloride under anhydrous conditions to produce a contacted hydrocarbon having from 50-100 wt % of a total halide in the hydrocarbon removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Howard Steven Lacheen
  • Patent number: 9084991
    Abstract: An acid catalyst effective for a conversion of a hydrocarbon, comprising: greater than 15 wt % halide-containing conjunct polymer, and a Lewis acid; wherein less than 0.1 wt % solid precipitates from the catalyst when it is held for three hours or longer at 25° C. or below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A.
    Inventors: Sven Ivar Hommeltoft, Howard Steven Lacheen, Saleh Ali Elomari
  • Publication number: 20150148789
    Abstract: A method for positioning a surgical laser fiber to facilitate delivery of therapeutic light to a tissue utilizes a flexible insertion sleeve to protect a scope as the fiber and sleeve are guided to a treatment site past bends in the scope. The fiber and sleeve are fixed relative to the scope by a fiber lock. The sleeve may include holes and/or other optional features to protect the fiber or scope during insertion and treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Joe Denton Brown, Howard Steven Klymas
  • Publication number: 20150099097
    Abstract: An apparatus, composition, and method for affixment of dissimilar materials, that includes a ceramic longwise member having a distal portion and a proximal portion that has a pilot, also included is a steel receptacle including primary and secondary voids that are co-axial and in communication with one another. The longwise member pilot is received in the primary void with the remainder of the proximal portion having an open gap within the secondary void, wherein adhesive is disposed within the open gap and the distal portion projects beyond the receptacle. Operationally, resulting in the longwise member and the receptacle resisting a separating force apart from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Alan Wong, Howard Steven Rosen
  • Patent number: 8939766
    Abstract: A dental tool for use in photo-cured filling processes. The dental tool includes a tool tip formed from a material that allows the transmission of ultraviolet and visible light wavelengths through the tool tip without significant distortion or reflection. The material is also relatively high strength so not to shatter or break during use. The fill material will also not easily adhere to the tool. The material of a preferred embodiment is sapphire. The tool is able to continue to compact and shape the fill material while the composite polymer fill material is undergoing photo-curing. The light beam used for photo-curing is able to safely pass through the tool without the risk of damage to the surrounding tissue from reflection or distortion of the light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventors: Alan Wong, Howard Steven Rosen
  • Patent number: 8936768
    Abstract: We provide an alkylation process unit, comprising: a control system connected to an alkylation reactor, that enables the alkylation reactor to operate in both an alkylate mode that produces a gasoline blending component having a RON of 90 or higher and in a distillate mode that produces a second gasoline blending component having a RON of 85 or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Hye Kyung Cho Timken, Shawn Shlomo Winter, Howard Steven Lacheen, Sven Ivar Hommeltoft
  • Patent number: 8926735
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to the selective separation of carbon dioxide (CO2) from multi-component gas streams containing CO2 utilizing zeolite SSZ-45 as an adsorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Xie, Stacey Ian Zones, Hua-Min Huang, Joshua Allen Thompson, Howard Steven Lacheen, Cedrick Mahieux